Why don't Toronto's Go Trains stop inside the city?

[Martin Cleaver]

The recent Toronto's Transit Camp re-prompted me to look again. It's
clear: the Go's Train Lines permeate Toronto along corridors distinct
from existing mass transit, but they just aren't used for passengers.
Picking just one line for example purposes, there are only 4 passenger
trains each way on the Bradford line per day, at peak times. Otherwise
you'll have to go by road.

Why are these lines mainly used for freight? I am told there is a lack
of demand for long distance travel by train, but this does not explain
why Toronto can not use the Go Lines for passenger transport within
the reaches where population density is high.

Continues at:
http://martin.cleaver.org/blog/2007/03/20/why-dont-torontos-go-trains-stop-inside-the-city/

[Martin Cleaver]

In the newspapers, who would you say is the most prolific journalist
on the subject of Go Trains?

Thanks,
Martin.

> Continues at:http://martin.cleaver.org/blog/2007/03/20/why-dont-torontos-go-trains...

[intransit]

There's quite a bit of background on GO's current level of service --
part of the reasons are freight-related. A lot is money and location
and direction of passenger demand. Not sure how much is online but
individuals with the advocacy group Transport 2000 Ontario are very
knowledgeable, including about proposals for "urban-frequency" rail
service on GO cooridors -- also proposed by private firms and the
Toronto Board of Trade. The yahoo group transit-toronto is another
resource.

I've covered GO issues in the free commuter paper Toronto Metro, and
have been told that GO's mandate is to serve long-haul customers --
giving 905ers an alternative to driving provincial highways.

-Ed Drass

[intransit]

I note Transport 2000 Ontario have released a proposal for urban-
frquency transit service on GTA rail lines.

http://www.transport2000.ca/ontario/