New GO Transit schedule takes effect Monday, Here’s what you need to know

GO Transit riders are being urged to check service updates before heading out the door as a new reduced schedule takes effect Monday.

Metrolinx is adjusting GO schedules and reducing rail service as it continues to experience a high rate of absenteeism due to COVID-19 throughout the entire organization with both staff illness and isolations.

The company says staffing levels are 20 to 30 per cent lower on average due to the rapid spread of COVID’s Omicron variant.

Last week, Chief Spokesperson Anne Marie Aikins said the transit provider was already experiencing labour shortages prior to the influx of COVID cases.

The temporarily reduced schedule will see service across the network decreased by roughly 15 per cent.

Metrolinx says cancelled trains will not always be able to be replaced by buses because “every part of the business is affected by high absenteeism.”

On the Lakeshore West line, express trips will be converted to “serve all stops” along the line during the morning and afternoon weekday rush hours. Trains will run every 15 to 30 minutes between Aldershot GO and Union Station. Weekend train service to and from Niagara Falls and St. Catharines will be replaced by GO Bus Route 12, which connects with trains at Burlington GO. As well, one additional eastbound GO Bus Route 12E trip will replace the last train of the night, with stops at Niagara Falls, St. Catharines, Burlington, Oakville, Port Credit and Union Station.

Metrolinx says ridership during this period is expected to remain low as students attend virtual school and people work from home.

However, adjustments will be made if needed as staff continues to monitor ridership, staff availability and public health advice.

The new schedule can be viewed at gotransit.com/fullschedules.