GO Transit is making adjustments to its train schedule departing from Downsview Park GO Station in response to feedback from concert attendees at Rogers Stadium earlier this month. The venue, which opened at the end of June 2023, has already hosted major performances, including those by Coldplay and Stray Kids, leading to a surge in ridership and subsequent criticisms regarding train service.
Initially, in anticipation of the large crowds, GO Transit introduced extra services aimed at handling the influx both southbound to Union Station and northbound toward Barrie. However, several concertgoers expressed dissatisfaction, claiming they were forced to leave the concerts prematurely to catch the last northbound train destined for Barrie, which was scheduled to depart at 11:13 p.m.
With two upcoming concerts by BlackPink scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday nights, GO Transit has decided to extend the schedule for the last train heading northbound to Allandale Waterfront. The final train will now leave at 11:22 p.m., a nine-minute extension from the previous schedule. Additionally, in response to the high demand, three new southbound trains to Union Station have been scheduled to depart at 11:45 p.m., 11:55 p.m., and 12:05 a.m.
Furthermore, there will be a special train service at 12:35 a.m. from Union Station to Burlington GO Station, making late-night options more accessible for concert attendees. The venue, Rogers Stadium, built to accommodate a capacity of 50,000, is located on the former runway of Downsview Airport, which lies north of Yorkdale Mall, and it is expected to host over a dozen concerts throughout the summer season.
The opening of the venue garnered mixed reviews, prompting various stakeholders—including Live Nation and the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC)—to proactively manage the expected crowds. To facilitate smoother transit operations on concert nights, fare-free rides from the Downsview Park area have also been incorporated into the transportation strategy.
This series of adjustments reflects GO Transit’s commitment to enhancing the travel experience for concert attendees, ensuring they can enjoy the events without the stress of catching last-minute trains. The successful execution of the revised schedule will be crucial as more high-profile concerts are set to take place, emphasizing the importance of reliable public transport in managing large gatherings effectively.
As the summer concert season progresses, the collaboration among GO Transit, the concert promoters, and other local transportation agencies will be essential in addressing any further issues that may arise, highlighting the need for continuous improvement in public transit services in response to community needs.
