Durham Region residents heading to FIFA World Cup matches and events in Toronto will benefit from significantly increased GO Transit service on the Lakeshore East line starting immediately.
Metrolinx announced it will increase service on both the Lakeshore West and Lakeshore East lines until July 5 to accommodate the hundreds of thousands of visitors expected during the tournament while maintaining regular commuter service. The transit agency estimates more than 500,000 additional riders will use GO Transit and UP Express during the World Cup.
Trains on the Lakeshore East corridor will run every 15 minutes for much of the day, providing more frequent service for commuters and soccer fans travelling from Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering and other Durham communities into downtown Toronto. The enhanced frequency represents a major upgrade over the standard 30-minute off-peak intervals that riders typically experience.
The improved service is especially important on match days, when Exhibition GO Station will serve as the primary transit hub for fans attending games at Toronto Stadium at Exhibition Place. Before and after Toronto matches, the Lakeshore West line will operate up to six trains per hour between Exhibition GO and Union Station.
We are increasing service to help keep commuters and soccer fans moving safely and smoothly across the region, Metrolinx said in announcing the plans.
To accommodate evening matches and fan festivals, GO Transit and UP Express will offer extended late-night service throughout the tournament. Lakeshore East trains will continue operating from Union Station until 12:50 a.m., giving Durham residents a reliable way home even after late matches.
On the Lakeshore West side, trains will depart Union Station as late as 12:47 a.m., while the last eastbound train from Exhibition GO will leave at 12:36 a.m. and the final westbound train departs at 12:55 a.m. The final UP Express train leaves Union Station at 1:45 a.m.
Metrolinx is also increasing GO bus service to Niagara Falls, adding nine daily trips on Route 12 during the tournament to support travel across the broader region.
The agency is warning passengers to expect larger crowds at major stations, particularly Union Station and Exhibition GO, before and after matches. Additional staff and wayfinding supports will be in place to help direct passengers through the busier-than-usual stations.
Travellers are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time and use PRESTO or contactless payment options to speed up boarding. With matches drawing fans from across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond, stations are expected to be significantly busier than normal, especially on game days.
Regular service schedules on the Lakeshore East and Lakeshore West lines will resume on July 6, following the conclusion of the enhanced World Cup service period.
The World Cup runs until July 19 with six matches scheduled in Toronto. Canada opens its campaign on Friday against Bosnia-Herzegovina at Toronto Stadium, with Canadian rocker Alanis Morissette set to sing the national anthem before kickoff.
For Durham Region residents, the boosted service provides a convenient alternative to driving into the city during what is expected to be an exceptionally busy period for Toronto. With parking limited around Toronto Stadium and road closures expected on match days, the increased GO Train frequency offers a stress-free option for getting to and from the action.
