Metrolinx issues warning to keep phasers holstered on the GO
As FAN EXPO Canada begins, people are being asked to be careful pulling out replica weapons.
Aug 22, 2019
Alright Han Solo, let’s just put down the blaster pistol and talk this through.
And you over there, dressed in that black suit and dark sunglasses, you can stop showing off your Noisy Cricket weapon while on the train.
As FAN EXPO Canada gets underway at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (August 22-25), Metrolinx’s Transit Safety officers are reminding the estimated 130,000 pop-culture fans who will attend – many dressed up as their favourite characters – to holster simulated weapons while out in public.
Young Star Wars fans stand by their idols next to a display inside Union Station. The Storm Trooper wisely kept his pistol holstered while out in public. (Photo by Nitish Bissonauth)
Yes, Spock, this is only logical, to make sure there’s no confusion as to whether your phaser is an actual threat here on Earth. Every year, emergency calls for weapons spotted on GO Transit buses and trains, as well as on UP Express, cause Transit Safety, as well as local police services, to scramble in response.
So although we love a good FAN EXPO costume on our vehicles – and hope mom approves of the Harley Quinn costume we’ll be sporting – Metrolinx is encouraging those attending to respect that other passengers may not be able to distinguish what is cosplay and what is reality.
“While we all love all the fun FAN EXPO brings, safety is always our first and foremost concern,” says Bill Grodzinski, director of transit safety. “We don’t want anyone leaving their phasers or tasers at home, but please consider keeping more realistic accessories stored until you arrive at your destination.”
FAN EXPO agrees and has issued a reminder to all attendees “that while travelling to and from the event, to make sure due care is taken on your behalf to ensure any weapons or props, which could cause public alarm, are stored in a bag or in a storage container.”
Celebrating its 24th year, FAN EXPO Canada is the largest comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming event in Canada and the third largest pop culture event in North America.
And yes, while you can use your transporter or shuttle to get there if you want, we believe GO and UP Express are light-years ahead of other options.
You just never know who you might bump into inside Union Station as FAN EXPO takes place at the nearby Metro Toronto Convention Centre. (Photo by Nitish Bissonauth)
In fact, Metrolinx has partnered with FAN EXPO to get people to and from the event, which is a short walk from Union Station to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
With your combo ticket, you’ll gain the power to bypass every obstacle on your mission to celebrate all things pop culture. Level yourself up with a roundtrip GO ticket and pre-paid access to the magical kingdom of all things pop culture: FAN EXPO Canada. It’s all included in your Combo Saver.
The – super – power of PRESTO
Wave your PRESTO card at the FAN EXPO Canada event gate today (Aug. 22) and pay just:
- $20 Single adult admission
- $15 single youth admission
- $45 family pass
Get to FAN EXPO Canada with GO Transit and UP Express
Passengers can take advantage of regularly scheduled train trips to Toronto along Lakeshore West, Lakeshore East, Barrie, Stouffville, Kitchener, Richmond Hill and Niagara GO Train lines to Union Station.
Plus, there’s regular GO Bus service to Union Station Bus Terminal.
For those flying in from Ares IV or the far reaches of the Gamma Quadrant, don’t forget you can easily board UP Express from Pearson International Airport, to get to Union Station.
Though just keep your weapons safely stowed away, unless you want to raise the attention of Transit Safety – or a passing Rodian bounty hunter.
