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| - I mean, it's no Japanese bullet train. It's got a slightly musty, 90's feel to it but maybe in another decade, Netflix might make another nostalgia show using the GO as a perfect backdrop. I spend almost 10 hours a week on this thing, and almost $10 each trip, so I'm sure I have some form of forced bonding with GO. Still, I'd take it over the TTC any day.
Yes, it has issues sometimes. The most common of which are "signal delays" which I suppose is an umbrella term for "we fucked up". But the lovely, unexpected thing is, if it's their fault, you can get your money completely refunded (after a 15 minute delay). Considering how expensive each trip is, this is certainly a welcome feature. Just try to tell that to Air Canada: "Oh 3 hour delay? Here's a sandwich voucher that's only good for the next hour."
When it isn't their fault, it's usually the weather's. I see people getting very angry in their reviews about their one-off experiences. Hey, I've been there. I've sat in that stuffy, unmoving compartment for an hour when it broke down and blocked off the road, to the dismay of all passengers and drivers. But to us frequent commuters, we see them as what they are: ONE-OFF. The trains are 98% of the time doing what they're supposed to do, without delay. That's more than you can hope for from any government-operated entity.
The GO mostly relies on the honour system with some unexpected check-ups. I suppose the unpredictability of the checks are enough to keep everyone in line as people are usually very good with paying. There's no greater shame than hearing the "ENNNNGH" sound as the machine detects you didn't pay for your ride. I don't really know what the consequences are but I guess you get ticketed.
They recently expanded the schedule so there are more trains running now. Nothing against the GO Bus, but the bus doesn't have a Quiet Zone and it's at the mercy of traffic. The Quiet Zone is a godsend to the sleep-deprived commuter. All those that disturb the peace deserves a swift kick to the shins.
EDIT: Of course, the moment I write a review praising its general punctuality, my train is delayed. Lol. Thanks, irony.
(98/100) - 2017
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