How weather affects GO

For up-to-date trip information, visit the Service Updates page.

For local weather reports, visit The Weather Network.

Extreme temperatures, over an extended period of time, can have a negative impact on our equipment and service. Weather fluctuations are not unique to our climate and we do our best to be prepared for changing weather conditions. We promise to keep you informed about any weather-related changes to our schedules.

In the winter

Winter weather can present challenges for any type of travel, including GO Trains and GO Buses which are exposed to the elements and must operate in all types of weather conditions. On an average winter day, we expect it to be business as usual on the GO. However, when the weather turns nasty, we’re prepared to help get you where you need to go and we will keep you in the know with information that is affecting your trip.

GO Transit continues to add Snow Clearing Devices (SCDs) to our track switches. These devices blow hot air on the switches to prevent them from freezing during winter months. Over 90 SCDs have been installed across the GO system, 25 of which were installed in the Union Station Rail Corridor (USRC). Current plans call for an additional 12 units to be installed in the USRC in 2012. Properly working switches help GO Trains get you where you need to be – when you need to be there.

Snow removal and bus stops

GO Transit reminds passengers to wait at a cleared area close to their bus stop, such as a driveway or crosswalk, if their stop is obstructed by snow. Drivers will stop at clearings close to the stop to enable passengers can safely board and exit the bus.

In the summer

We will always take your safety seriously and – as a proactive measure – we may also impose precautionary slower speed restrictions on the trains themselves until the weather conditions regulate.

Extremely hot weather conditions can cause metal (including railway tracks) to expand. In extreme cases of heat stress, expansion of the steel railway tracks can result in buckling or twisting of the steel rail itself. When the temperature exceeds 30 degrees Celsius, train equipment lubrications may start to breakdown, eventually resulting in increased friction. This increased friction stresses the component performance and may increase the possibility of mechanical failure of the equipment itself.

GO Transit monitors the weather conditions on a daily basis. When we see a higher probability for hot or cold stress impacts on our track or rail equipment, we further increase track inspection vigilance.