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| - Being a former commuter from Pickering to Toronto, I would have been lost without this service and probably deeply in debt paying for gas and parking to get downtown and back on a daily basis.
GO transit has had some major disruptions and issues in the past but with the purchase of the new, faster engines, service has less disruptions than it used to.
There are a few great features GO service offers; for frequent riders, you can get email updates of any service disruptions. This has been fantastic when at work and almost ready to leave to go and get a train to then find out that it's been delayed or canceled. Takes away the horrible feeling you get after running to get your train to only find out everything on your "line" has been delayed or canceled. They also offer extensive service maps and fare calculators on their website. The redesigned GO website is easy to navigate on a computer or on a smartphone and there's plenty of information there for new and seasoned riders.
I gave GO a 3 star rating for a few reasons. One is that they still have yet to fix some of the major issues that happen during the winter seasons. I'm lucky that I have a very understanding boss and flexible work schedule because more often than not, I had to miss work due to weather conditions screwing up the GO line. Being located ONLY in Canada, you would think that these issues would be priority but it appears not. There have been some improvements in the past few years but frankly, its hard to rely on this service if poor weather hits.
I also have major issues with the on-train staff that check the tickets. There are a few of these "GO Cops" that are absolutely rude and have the "king of the castle" attitude. I rode GO transit for 8 years and found that only the female "GO Cops" were semi-polite; most of the male ones, and one in particular who I'm sure any avid GO rider has seen, are just plain rude. (And no, I've never gotten a ticket)
Lastly is the price for ticketing. I find it unbelievable that it costs me $12.40 to go round trip to Pickering on the GO. I can go from Scarborough all the way to Etobicoke on one $3.00 fare (and further!) - a round trip that far is equivalent to Union to Pickering and back and it's half the price. Given, GO is fairly clean and relatively comfortable, but the prices are just too high. Pair the high prices with the lack of parking during peak times, the cramped quarters during some rush trains and the rude staff, I'm less than impressed.
For the most part, if you're taking GO transit, its likely that you have no other means of transportation to your destination, so you really don't have any choice as to whether to take it or not.
My advice to riders?
- Check the service status before heading out to catch any trains
- Always always always make sure you have a ticket on you and that its been appropriately stamped
- Use headphones/ipod to block out noise on busy trains
- Avoid rush trains if possible and/or board at the front/back of the train (avoid the accessibility coach during rush)
- Train locations will always post approximately 10 minutes prior to the train, so don't bother standing around in front of the departures board until then (train departing at 1:13 will post at 1:03)
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