The platforms where thousands of GO Transit riders catch their trains at Union Station will soon change as Metrolinx gets ready for another major revamp of its train shed.

The transit agency is closing two platforms starting Feb.13 as part of ongoing work at Union Station. As a result, many weekday GO trains departing from Union Station in the afternoon and evening will use different platforms starting Wednesday.

The tracks will be closed for about four months, changing the way 30,000 customers on the Lakeshore West, Barrie and Kitchener lines get to their trains.

“We know customers have a routine and many have all aspects of their commute memorized,” said George Bell, vice-president of safety and security at Metrolinx. “It’s really important our customers pay attention to these changes so they know where to catch their train.”

The revitalization work at Union Station includes the installation of new platform lighting, electronic signs and a new PA system in the train shed, requiring the closure of platforms six and seven and the tracks that serve them.

Metrolinx is also re-introducing the 4:50 p.m. Kitchener-bound trip on Feb. 13, bringing back the train that ran express from Union Station to Bramalea GO.  Some afternoon trips and connecting buses have also been changed to put the additional train into service.

Union Station is Canada’s busiest transportation hub with more than 300,000 GO Train customers travelling through it every weekday. The 92-year-old structure is designated as a National Historic Site of Canada.

Bell says these improvements will create the convenience of all-day, two-way transit with 15-minute service or better within the most heavily-travelled Metrolinx-owned rail corridors.

“We will have extra staff and transit safety officers on hand during this transition to ensure people can find their new platforms safely,” Bell said. “Customers are urged to plan their new route through Union Station in advance and give themselves extra time.”

Customers are reminded to check departure boards before heading up to their train as platforms changes can happen at any time. In fact, with the closure of some platforms, others will reopen.

For further information on platform changes that may affect your commute, click here.

Story by Amanda Ferguson, Metrolinx senior advisor for media relations and issues.