GOing to school with GO - How GO Transit is getting students to campus
With GO introducing big changes to services this month, there are even more options to get to campus
Apr 11, 2023
More options for more students.
GO Transit is continuing to enhance its service with the addition of the new GO Bus Route 17.
The bus route, which started running yesterday (April 10) connects students to McMaster University, the University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier and the University of Guelph, whose students make up some of the highest ridership across post secondary schools.
New GO Bus Route 17 gives more options to students. (Metrolinx photo)
Route 17 also connects customers to GO Train service in Guelph, Hamilton and Aldershot – plus the ION LRT line in Kitchener-Waterloo.
Metrolinx says youth and post-secondary student ridership is recovering quicker than any other demographic.
The latest statistics from Feb. 2023 show post-secondary student ridership recovery at 93 per cent. GO Transit currently provides connections to 18 universities and colleges across the Greater Golden Horseshoe. For students, this helps to take away the worries of finding parking, car upkeep or having to move close to campus.
Post-Secondary student ridership has recovered quicker than any other demographic. (Metrolinx photo)
Something to think about for high school graduates
It’s no secret, the life of a post-secondary student can be pricey when you factor in tuition, books, bills, and groceries.
The last thing students should have to worry about is the cost of transit or how they’ll get to class to study at the university or college of their choice.
With that in mind, Metrolinx is not only adding service options, but has also made transit more affordable, whether it’s for daily commuters or for the occasional visit home.
Full-time post-secondary students currently receive 40 per cent off a single fare when they use their PRESTO card on any GO Train or Bus.
Students benefit from a fare discount, free Wi-Fi and more. (Metrolinx photo)
By nearly doubling the fare discount last year from 22.5 per cent to 40 per cent, the transit agency is not only lessening the financial burden for current post-secondary students, but also top of mind for future student who are about to enter the decision-making process when it comes to picking schools.
There’s lots to consider for students attending open houses at universities and colleges across the region, where soon after they’ll make their final decision on which school to attend.
When commuting to and from school on GO Transit, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your journey to campus.
On the GO, students can check course updates online, listen to an audiobook, or just chill out and text after a day of studying. Also, GO Wi-Fi Plus is available on GO Buses and GO Trains so students can watch and listen to even more content with free data.
Discover more about GOing to School with GO and plan your next trip to campus by visiting gotransit.com/school.
by Nitish Bissonauth Metrolinx bilingual editorial content advisor
