Metrolinx prepared for busier commute as many big companies return to office

The commute to work could be noticeably busier this week as more big companies begin to bring employees back to the office.

The changes have prompted Metrolinx to come out with some tips as the amount of riders on trains and buses start to creep towards pre-pandemic levels.

“We are preparing for employees from several of the big companies in the financial district to begin returning to the office this coming week,” says Metrolinx chief spokesperson Anne Marie Aikins.

“For many, this will be their first time back on transit since the pandemic began so we have some reminders and tips for customers to help make their commute smooth.”

Expect buses/trains/subways/Union Station to be busier starting today as some big companies downtown start to bring staff back to offices. GO will be adding extra coaches on busiest trips to give more room. Riders reminded that masks still must be worn on transit & in stations pic.twitter.com/V2QAB5MRe5

— carl hanstke (@carlCityNews) April 4, 2022

Tips from Metrolinx for returning transit customers:

• Add some extra travel time until they are familiar with their commute again.
• Check the schedule in advance and plan their trip ahead of time.
• PRESTO customers should dust off their card and load funds instantly with the enhanced PRESTO App.
• Grab a good mask as they continue to be mandatory on GO Transit and UP Express vehicles and inside stations. If they’ve forgotten one, staff will have them available in stations.
• Space out on the train. We’re adding coaches on the busiest trips to give more room.
• We’ve also implemented a number of safety measures like upgraded ventilation and air filtration systems on our vehicles and readily available hand sanitizer dispensers.
• Union Station looks a little different. We opened a brand-new Union Station Bus Terminal, just south of the old terminal, and a beautiful new Bay Concourse.
• Customers can now ride UP Express using a credit card, debit cards and mobile wallets

Aikins says ridership on GO and UP express has gradually increased to 30 per cent of pre-pandemic levels, but it is expected to get another big bump this week with more people returning to the office.

The transit agency adjusted service on a number of train lines on Apr. 2 to handle the increased ridership. Both the Lakeshore West and East lines returned to 30-minute service on evening and weekends.

UP Express added additional trips at the end of the night and the Milton and Richmond Hill lines also saw service adjustments to “better reflect travel times.”

Ontario public servants working remotely have been told they must return to the workplace at least three days per week starting April 4.

Many City of Toronto employees who had been working remotely during the pandemic returned to the office last month, as the City fully reopened its buildings to the public.