Accessibility

Accessible GO stations

Currently, most of GO’s stations, including Union Station, are accessible. Easier access features have been incorporated into GO Train stations and GO Bus terminals.

The following accessible features can be found at stations and terminals:

• Accessible parking
• Accessible washrooms
• Automated door openers
• Elevators
• Ramps and curb cuts
• Signage
• Mini-platforms (see the Accessible GO Train Services section for more info)

GO stations that are currently not accessible

The GO stations listed below do not offer accessible services at this time. Please see our annual Accessibility Plan for information on planned accessibility upgrades.

Lakeshore West line:
Long Branch
Mimico

Milton line:
Kipling

Kitchener line:
Bloor
Georgetown

Lakeshore East line:
Eglinton

GO Trains include many accessible features such as:

• Accessible washrooms on the lower level;
• Priority seating with flip-up seats, hand rail and Emergency Alarm strip;
• Non-slip colour contrast flooring and photo-luminescent markings on floors, walls, stairs and doors;
• Yellow photo-luminescent stair edge indicators;
• Door closing warning light and chime;
• Bright exterior side doorstep lighting;
• Glare free interior lighting; and
• During loss of power neon floor strips serve as a guide to lead customers to safety.

Boarding the accessible railcar

Accessible train stations are equipped with an elevated and ramped mini-platform on the main platform. The accessible railcar is the fifth car from the locomotive end of the train. When the train pulls into the station, a crew member places a portable bridge between the accessible railcar and the mini-platform.

Each accessible railcar has eight wheelchair spots on the lower level. Retractable belts are available to secure your wheelchair or mobility aid.

To read about the Emergency Evacuation Procedures on the GO Train, see the Emergency Evacuation Procedures section.

All of our bus drivers have been trained to operate wheelchair lifts (on our highway buses) and ramps (on our double-decker buses), and to secure wheeled mobility aids. Drivers are not able to provide personal assistance, so if you do need some help getting around, please bring a companion on a "party ticket" - this will allow you and your companion to travel on one fare.

To find out if the GO Bus route and stop you use offer accessible services – check your trip’s schedule or pick up a printed timetable at our stations or terminals. In the timetables, accessible bus stop locations and trips are identified by the international wheelchair symbol.

GO Buses include many accessible features such as:

• Wheelchair lift and roll on/off ramp;
• Kneeling features;
• Docking lights that enhance the safety and accessibility for the disabled passengers during the boarding process;
• Door lighting, photo-luminescent markings on stairs and handrail support; and
• Priority and courtesy seating.

Boarding an accessible GO Bus

If you’re boarding an accessible GO Bus at a terminal, please arrive early as boarding can take several minutes. Be sure to have your ticket, pass, PRESTO card, or money ready before boarding.

The driver will prepare the wheelchair securement area on the bus and bring out the motorized wheelchair lift or deploy the ramp. You may back onto the lift, or go forward onto the ramp, when the driver advises you it is safe to do so, then you may lock your brakes and turn off your device. The driver will raise and stow the lift or ramp and advise you when you may move from the lift into the bus. The bus has space for two passengers using wheeled mobility aids.

GO operates many kinds of bus trips (express and more frequent stops) and has several types of buses. Depending on the type of bus, the space designated for wheeled mobility aids varies from 122 centimetres (48 inches) to 162 centimetres (64 inches). If you are using a wheeled mobility aid, you must be able to manoeuvre into these spaces, which often means medium-to large-sized scooters won't fit.

If you do use a scooter, please transfer into seat on the bus immediately in front of or behind your scooter. Sitting on the scooter is not safe in the event of an emergency stop or turn.

To confirm if your wheeled mobility aid can board the bus, please know the route you are planning to take and contact us for more information.

Standing on the wheelchair lift

For safety reasons, standing on the wheelchair lift is not permitted.

Preparing to travel on the bus

Lock your brakes and turn off your device once you’re in position. For everyone’s safety, the driver must secure your wheelchair or scooter. Straps will secure your device to the floor.

All passengers younger than 16 years of age are required to wear both shoulder and lap belts. The driver can help you fasten the belts.

To read about the Emergency Evacuation Procedures on the GO Bus, see the Emergency Evacuation Procedures section.

Priority Seating is a priority

GO promises to make your experience more comfortable. New and more visible Priority Seating decals have been placed by the accessible seating areas on GO Trains and GO Buses to make sure passengers with a disability get a seat.

Priority Seating is mandated under Provincial Regulation 191-11 (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act). Passengers must vacate the designated seating if it is required by a passenger with a disability.

On GO Trains, Priority Seating is located on the lower level of the accessible railcar – the fifth railcar from the locomotive end of the train.

On GO Buses, Priority Seating is located in the first few rows near the bus driver on highway buses and near the stairs on double-decker buses.

Look for the following image to identify where Priority Seating is:

Courtesy Seating has also changed

Courtesy Seating is intended to provide preferred seating for people who will benefit from having a seat including:

• seniors
• expectant mothers
• adults traveling with infants or small children
• any other passenger who may benefit from a seat.

If you are sitting in one of these designated seats, please respect its purpose and give up your seat to those who need it.

Using the timetables

The majority of GO Train stations offer accessible services – to find out if yours does, check your trip’s schedule or pick up a printed timetable at our stations or terminals.

Printed timetables and those on our website show the accessibility symbol next to the train stations, bus terminals and bus trips that are accessible.

Call ahead

Before starting your trips, call us or check online for train and bus schedules, fares and accessible trip and station/terminal and bus stop location information.

Getting to the station or stop

Plan your trip carefully, including the use of any taxi or specialized service connections. We recommend that you arrive to the station or stop 15 minutes earlier than the scheduled departure time whenever possible.

Buying your ticket or pass

A passenger with a disability needing a companion and/or a specially trained dog for assistance may bring either or both on their trip free of charge.

If you are bringing a companion for assistance, your GO ticket seller can endorse your single-ride or day pass as a "party ticket." It will be marked so two people can ride using the one ticket or pass.

Tickets and passes may be purchased at GO Train stations, GO Bus terminals, or from GO ticket agents.

Single-ride and day passes are available for purchase from bus drivers. Drivers can accept cash up to $20.