GO train rolls into southern Simcoe County
By Chris Simon

A GO Transit employee blows snow away from the Barrie South train platform Sunday. GO train service between Barrie and Bradford official started Monday. For more information, visit www.gotransit.com.

Mike Sheridan can already see the economic benefit the GO Transit train could have on southern Simcoe County.

The downtown Barrie resident was at the new South Barrie station, during its grand opening ceremony Sunday. He does not plan to use the service often, but understands the importance of supporting it.

However, he does hope GO expands its service to other times throughout the day.

"I'm proud of the fact the GO train has come to Barrie," he said, a cold wind blowing in his face as he stood along the train platform. "I'm here to try the GO train at a reasonable hour, so I don't have to get up in the middle of the night. I'm retired (and won't use the service often), but this is a positive thing for Barrie. It's going to contribute greatly to the population of Barrie, you're going to see a lot more Torontonians living here and commuting."

GO train service between Barrie and Toronto officially began Monday. The service, which features four morning and evening trains, stops in Bradford, East Gwillimbury, Newmarket, Aurora and King City among other destinations. Trains depart from Barrie South, located on Yonge Street near Mapleview Drive, between 5:43 and 7:15 a.m., and arrive back back between 5:45 and 7:35 p.m. The commute takes about 1.5 hours.

The service offers patrons a calm, friendly atmosphere, said GO system safety officer Steve Harvey.

"We're seeing lots of growth and public transit help the environment," he said. "In this kind of weather, when the roads are bad, getting onto the train and letting us do the drive, you're in clean and comfortable surroundings. You get the chance to meet and socialize with other people and relax on the drive."

Harvey says Innisfil residents need to be cautious around train tracks, especially during poor winter weather conditions. There are over 20 rail crossings along roadways between Barrie and Bradford. But each year, there are several near collisions between trains, vehicles and pedestrians at crossings across Ontario.

Patrons should also check train times before leaving, to give themselves ample driving time, he said.

"Know what time your train's going to leave. In weather like this, give yourself extra time to get where you need to go. When people are rushed, they take unnecessary chances," said Harvey.

Drivers should slow down at train tracks, and adhere to flashing lights and other safety measures installed at crossings. Pedestrians should also avoid walking along the tracks, which are considered private property, he said.

For more information, call 1-888-438-6646 or visit www.gotransit.com.