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| - Organization
I'm not really sure why this is labelled, "Finch GO Bus Terminal" where it also serves as the central location for YRT (York Region Transit), Viva and Brampton.
It would be nice for the YRT to provide brochure routes especially the express buses. Prices are noted for Viva (same price) but not explicitly displayed for YRT Express buses. People with Presto cards would notice the additional charge but for newbies they are often surprised by the additional 75-cent charge requested by the bus drivers. It's inefficient for the newbie and the people in line because the newbie has to scramble through his/hers wallet for change.
YRT Rush Hour Staff
Staff are mostly active during rush hour which is greatly appreciated but after, they are non-existent. It can very difficult for newbies to seek customer service or inquiry when there is no one around to ask. I like the staff managing the YRT Express buses, they are friendly and ensure all passengers are on the bus. They often assess the buses to see if people are standing and write it on their clipboards for collecting data (?).
However, certain kind of bus drivers drive really bad (e.g. not stopping fully at stop signs, awkward/immediate stopping, aggressive left/right turns, speeding). I often feel nauseous and scared especially if I am standing on the bus. I am also gripping the poles tightly to maintain my balance but it's often pointless. If I'm fortunate to grab a seat, I make sure to grip the chair ahead of me gripper just in case the bus driver's awkward stops, forces me to bang my head against it. It's happened a few times...
There are multiple platforms for drivers to drop off and designated pick up areas so that is good. Just make sure to check your YRT Bus / Express bus route number and pick up time line. It's not as crazy as Union's Gobus platforms but there's no roof shelter for the buses. There is a central glass shelter which is great for winter but in the summer, especially if it's 30*C + humidity, it's better to stay outside and seek shelter shade.
There are signs that show the map and schedule of the routes. It can also be found on Google map and on YRT's site (though quite difficult to navigate). Note, prices are not explicitly stated until you board a bus. On July 1, 2016 prices has increased and was not advertised at all in the area. It is recommend to purchase a Presto card.
I quite envy Toronto people because whenever TTC raises their fares, it makes media news even if it's only 10-cents. YRT increased their prices to 25-75-cents and not a word in the media is noticed not even on TTC.
Safety
Be careful walking along the designated cross-walk! For some odd reason, regular (non-bus) drivers sometimes go into this area and staff are not able to turn them back. I honestly do not understand why the "left-turn" into this area is accessible to regular car drivers. They use it to enter the TTC parking lot but it's so congested with the buses, it's easier to just enter at the back and most likely to find more parking spaces.
Drivers also do not give priority to buses (which it should) during rush hour, often Bus drivers have to wait and is really inefficient (aka road rage bus drivers).
Finch YRT / Go In-Doors Waiting Area
Outside, it's definitely been renovated and more modern. Inside, there are monitors for the schedule and status (similar to Union's Go bus platforms).
Convenient Store (run by Chinese family)
The convenient store run by a Chinese family is very frugal (even by Asian restaurant standards). They will watch you like a hawk if you are looking at the overpriced snack aisle. They speak broken rude English and do not accept credit cards to load funds on your Presto card. However, there is a Presto machine outside the escalator door to load money with your credit card. Of course, the convenient store lacks basic customer service and did not inform people of it.
If you are in need of a snack, there's always Tim Hortons (there are 2 located in the path outside and inside TTC) and Starbucks (where TD bank is located).
Washroom (Female)
The washroom is not very spacious and it honestly smells like shit mixed with humidity. During rush hour, toilet paper here runs out and I often find wet toilet paper on the floor. Seriously people, how hard is it to throw toilet paper into the toilet bowl? Have they never played basketball?! It reminds me of Finch's TTC washroom from 10 years ago which I hear has improved.
If you have an extra 10-mins, I would definitely recommend walking across the Xerox building to use their washrooms instead. Take the elevator to the "M" floor or you can go downstairs (Juicer Booster) past the non-existent water fountain / elevator area. You can also ask the security guards if you cannot find the washroom. The washrooms inside the Xerox building are a lot cleaner and you are at least guaranteed toilet paper.
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