GO Transit warns riders after increase in customer-caused train delays

Metrolinx is reminding riders about the proper use of on-board emergency equipment after an increase in customer-caused train delays.

GO Transit says there have been recent incidents where customers pulled the emergency brake after they missed their stop or train doors did not open due to construction.

“Earlier this month, customers did not move down the train to where the doors would open and missed their stop – instead of getting off at the next stop, pulled the emergency brake on-board – bringing the entire train to a stop,” said officials.

In another incident on Monday, customers were not on the correct train to get off at Oakville GO and pulled the emergency door release and ended up exiting into a construction site.

GO Transit says trains are equipped with yellow emergency strips, an emergency door release, and an emergency brake in the event of a serious or major problem. The emergency brake and door release are intended for crew and first responder use only.

Metrolinx says these types of incidents can cause the entire train to be delayed by as much as 20 minutes as the crew needs to check for emergencies before the train can start moving again. It can also cause other trains to be delayed if there is congestion on the track.

“GO Transit staff know there are a number of reasons why customers might need to push the silent yellow emergency strip – but transit officials want to remind customers that missing your stop because your coach doors did not open is certainly not one of them,” said Metrolinx. “These tools are reserved for life-threatening emergencies and crimes in progress.”

Riders who pull the emergency brake risk getting a ticket as it is against the law.