Board early to keep your train on time 

To maintain reliable service, train doors will close one minute prior to departure at stations where trains begin their trip. This allows crews to complete essential safety and departure procedures without delay. This small adjustment helps ensure trains leave on time, arrive at all stops as scheduled, and provide customers with a dependable travel experience.

What you can do:

• Arrive at the platform a few minutes before your train departs.
• Once the doors close, they will not reopen.
• This applies to all doors, including the accessible coach.

Thank you for boarding early. It helps us get you to your destination on time.

Doors will close one minute prior to departure at the following:

• Union Station
• Durham College Oshawa GO
• Old Elm GO
• Allandale Waterfront GO
• Kitchener GO
• Niagara Falls GO
• Hamilton GO Centre
• Bloomington GO
• Milton GO

At the following stations, doors will close one minute prior to departure if the train is beginning its trip at this station:

• Mount Joy GO
• Aurora GO
• Bradford GO
• Georgetown GO
• Malton GO (Starting January 3, 2026)
• Bramalea GO
• Mount Pleasant GO
• Aldershot GO
• West Harbour GO
• Unionville GO
• Appleby GO
• Confederation GO
• Whitby GO

To find out if your trip is affected, click here and search for your train line schedule.

Board safely and faster on the GO 

Need help during your rush hour commute? Find a Station Ambassador on the train platform! 

Station Ambassadors are available to help you board and exit the train quickly during busy periods. 

• Please do your part and listen to instructions from Station Ambassadors. They will tell you where to move on the platform to best access the train. This will help everyone board quickly and safely, and ensure the train departs on time. 
• Most train platforms are long enough to fit a 12-coach train, but trains come in all different sizes. Station Ambassadors will know your train length before it arrives and will help you determine where on the platform is best to stand to board the train.  

Need assistance? Ask a Station Ambassador! Did you know that when Station Ambassadors transitioned outside of the ticket booths, they were equipped with a mobile device they can use to help you? 

See a Station Ambassador on the platform for help with: 

• Trip Planning and wayfinding  
• Setting up or changing the fare type on your PRESTO card (i.e. Adult, Student, Senior, etc.) 
• Setting up default trips on your PRESTO card 
• Investigating and resolving payment transaction issues 
• Issuing a GO Complimentary ticket 
• Paying and validating your fare  

Network Service Status boards 

When you’re travelling through Union Station, you’ll notice our Network Service Status boards. 

At a glance, you can see a digital overview of how our service is running across all train lines, in real-time. 

What you will see

Colour-coded rail lines 

Easily identify your rail line with colour-coded rail line information. Check the system map to see what colour your rail line is.

Iconography 

Icons indicating the service status for each rail line. Look for the green checkmark to indicate good service, while the red or orange exclamation marks indicate major or minor service disruptions you need to be aware of to plan your trip.   

Real-time service status information for each rail line and UP Express 

See how well service is running on your line, including major or minor service disruptions, service adjustments or when train service has ended for the day. 

Last month’s on-time performance score 

A feature that allows you to see the on-time performance results for the previous month, organized by rail line.  

How do I read these signs? 

The digital boards will rotate between three screens: 

• Screen One: will show the status of rail lines one to four (of eight in total).  
• Screen Two: will show the status of rail lines five to eight.
• Screen Three: will show an overall system map, using iconography to show service status. 

The system map shows service status using icons. Definitions for those icons will scroll across the bottom of the screen. 

Here are the service definitions for easy reference: 

Digital signage across the GO Transit network

Digital information screens across the GO Transit and UP Express networks will provide you with a consistent experience, no matter where you start or end your journey with us. 

You’ll find all the information you need to make boarding your GO train easier.

When reading the departure screens at stations you’ll notice:

• At Union the line name will be displayed with its identifying colour to help you find the information most relevant to you.
• Trains are then listed by departure time, followed by the final destination. If express trains are available these will be marked here with a lightning bolt symbol.
• At line stations trains inbound to Union Station will appear at the top of platform screens.
• You’ll also see a scrolling list of stops in the order that train will travel. If your train is delayed, the new departure time will be automatically updated.
• On the right side of the screen, you’ll see which platform the train will be boarding from.
• Any important updates, for example planned construction on your line or changes to service, will scroll across the bottom of the screen.

Enhanced customer support from our staff

Station Ambassadors play an active role on the platform to help you board and exit the train quickly and safely during rush hours and busy periods.  

What to expect  

We all have a role in ensuring a safe and reliable commute.   

Please do your part and listen to Station Ambassadors’ instructions. They will know the length of your train before it arrives and will help you determine where on the platform is best to stand for boarding. They will guide you if you need to spread along the platform, or if you need to move down to board the train. When everyone boards quickly and safely, we help ensure that the train will leave on time. 

When service is busier, these tips can help

Our region has grown rapidly, and more people are choosing public transit to get to work, school, and events. As trains and platforms become busier - especially during peak times - we all play a part in keeping our system moving smoothly. By planning ahead, being courteous, and prioritizing safety, we can ensure every trip is as comfortable and reliable as possible. 

Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Before You Travel

• Consider travelling on off-peaks days if you are able, such as Monday or Friday.
• If you’re able to travel at a different time, there are more seats available outside of morning or evening rush hours. Check station departure boards for the next available train.
• Check schedules and use our trip planning tool on gotransit.com to time your journey.
• Sign up for On the GO alerts for real-time information on schedule changes, delays and extra service during busy events.
• Choose PRESTO or simply tap on and off with your credit or debit card to avoid lineups and help you get on board faster.

On the Platform

• If you encounter a busy platform, spread out along the platform and use all doors to enter and exit the train.
• Listen for announcements regarding platform changes, approaching trains, and safety alerts.
• Follow directional or informational signage when construction or service changes are in effect.
• If you are using headphones, keep volume low to hear announcements and be aware when using electronic devices.
• Take off and hold onto your backpacks, laptop bags, or other items to make space for each other.
• Don’t be caught off guard by a train: always stay behind the yellow line.

Boarding the Train

• Only approach train doors once the train has come to a complete stop. Do not block doors and allow others to get off the train before you get on.
• Mind the gap. Be aware of the gap between platform and train by stepping carefully when boarding or exiting a train.
• Crossing train tracks is illegal and dangerous; only use the stairs or elevators to get to another platform.

On the Train

• Spread out along the coach to ensure that all space is utilized – did you know there are built in handles on most seats?
• If your coach is full, consider walking through the train if you’re able to find another coach with more space.
• Stores bags under seats or in your lap. If you are standing, please ensure that backpacks, laptop bags, and other items are held to make space.
• Offering seats, keeping belongings close, and being mindful of noise help create a more comfortable ride for all customers.