Metrolinx slashes evening and weekend service on Stouffville GO line until spring of 2027
By Gene Pereira, Local Journalism Initiative reporter
Commuters along the Stouffville GO Line are facing significant schedule changes starting September 5, 2026, as Metrolinx prepares to slash off-peak train service across several Greater Toronto Area corridors.
On weekdays, six evening train trips have been removed from the Stouffville schedule — including key late-night departures such as the 11 p.m. and midnight trains out of Union Station.
Under the new schedules, daily weekend train trips on the heavily impacted Stouffville and Barrie lines will be reduced significantly starting Sept. 12, leaving no weekend rail service until after 3 p.m.
Metrolinx attributed the drastic cuts to lower post-summer demand, staffing shortages, and critical track construction. Following higher ridership volumes during the FIFA World Cup earlier this summer, the transit agency confirmed in an August 29 post on X that train availability is being reduced partly due to the “availability of train crews.”
“Most rail changes impact weekend service, with minimal adjustments on weekdays,” Metrolinx shared on the social media platform. “Some rail trips will be temporarily replaced by bus service to support our rail partner with their advancement of crew training and certification, maintain reliable service, and create opportunities to advance important infrastructure work on the Barrie and Stouffville corridors.”
Despite the steep cuts to evening and weekend trains, Metrolinx emphasized that weekday rush-hour rail service remains completely intact and unaffected.
To help offset rail service reductions and keep riders moving, Metrolinx is introducing replacement bus service across affected lines. On the Stouffville Line, GO Bus Route 71 will run additional trips to serve riders when trains are offline.
While replacement buses will cover the train routes, riders will need to prepare for longer commutes, as road travel on regional corridors such as Highway 404 and the Don Valley Parkway remains vulnerable to traffic congestion.
“We know service changes can be challenging and appreciate your patience as we continue monitoring ridership and staffing levels and provide as much notice as possible of future adjustments,” Metrolinx said.
These adjusted interim schedules, designed to align with seasonal demand and long-term infrastructure improvements, are expected to remain in effect until spring 2027. Passengers are encouraged to check updated schedules on the GO Transit website or sign up for On-the-GO Alerts before travelling.