Metrolinx says World Cup staffing needs led to temporary GO service changes
GO Transit service changes explain weekend train cuts and bus replacements after FIFA Metrolinx cites staffing pressures; see which lines are affected and what comes next
Metrolinx CEO Michael Lindsay said temporary GO Transit service changes that began Sept. 5 were caused by staffing pressures after the agency increased service for the FIFA World Cup in Toronto.
Lindsay told a board meeting that Metrolinx paused vacations and training to add trips during the tournament, which raised service to nearly 3,000 trips a week, or about 30% more across the network. He said the agency must now manage crew availability more carefully as fall schedules resume.
The changes mostly affect weekend train service on the Lakeshore East, Lakeshore West, Barrie and Stouffville lines, along with some GO bus routes. Metrolinx says the affected trips are being replaced with enhanced bus connections, and the interim measures are expected to continue until spring 2027.