TORONTO, April 26, 1999 /CNW/ - GO Transit has put on another 
rush-hour train on the Richmond Hill line in response to growing 
ridership and customer requests. The new train started operating this 
morning, giving that line four trains to Toronto's Union Station in 
the morning and four homebound in the evening.
    A fourth morning train had operated before, with slightly 
different times, until budget cutbacks forced GO to discontinue it in 
March 1996. During last week's TTC strike, GO Transit was able to run 
a special morning train on this line at a lower cost than before, and 
decided to reinstate this train immediately for a trial period until 
at least October.
    GO will monitor the new train's ridership and on-time performance 
before deciding whether to add the train to the permanent schedule. On
arrival at Union Station, the train is sent to Burlington for another 
rush-hour run on the Lakeshore West line, so GO has to be sure that 
both trips can consistently operate on time.
    The new train leaves Richmond Hill GO station at 6:30 a.m., stops 
at Langstaff at 6:34, Old Cummer at 6:40, and Oriole at 6:44, and 
arrives in Union Station at 7:08. A GO Bus connects Newmarket, Aurora,
and Oak Ridges with the train, starting from Newmarket bus terminal at
5:50 a.m. and travelling via Yonge St. to the Richmond Hill station.
    "Last week's TTC shutdown showed us just how much demand there was
for this train," said Rick Ducharme, GO's Managing Director. "We're 
seizing this opportunity, while this demand is still strong, to 
improve our service to people living along the Richmond Hill line." 
The line has stations in both York Region and the City of Toronto.
    Ducharme said that last week GO attracted a lot of newcomers to 
its trains and buses, many of whom had been commuting by car.
    For GO information the public can call 416 869-3200 in the Toronto
local calling area, 1 888 GET ON GO (438-6646) long distance toll 
free, or 1 800 387-3652 for TTY teletypewriters only, or check the GO 
website at www.gotransit.com

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For further information: Media enquiries - Edmund Shea, (416) 869-3600
ext. 5328; or Karen Majerly, (416) 869-3600 ext. 5325