Between the GO train, Ontario Line subway, Finch West LRT (Light Rail Transit), UP Express and more, we use a variety of vehicles and transit formats across our rail networks – each serving a specific purpose and function. Let’s break down the differences between these modes of transit! 

GO trains 

Safe, reliable and efficient: all tenets we strive to uphold in our operation of GO trains. This mode of rail transit consists of several bi-level coaches mated to a locomotive at the front, able to operate in both a push and pull (forwards and backwards) configuration.  

The GO train as we know it has come a long way since its launch. Once powered by a booming diesel engine nicknamed the thunder wagon, the modern GO train moves with a highly efficient locomotive bearing the model number MP54AC. It sports a pair of 16-cylinder diesel engines, both pushing out 2,700 horsepower each. For comparison, the Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut, the current fastest production road car in the world according to JD Power, has a 1,600-horsepower engine. 

During periods of lower power demand, our GO train can operate on a single engine to reduce fuel consumption, noise and emissions. Weighing in at 129,000 kg and standing 4.7 metres high from rail to roof, these gentle giants boast some serious but efficient power.  

GO trains operate on a heavy-duty, regional network of track, designed to quickly move you across the region. Those rails are hardy enough that freight trains will sometimes use them too! The powerful locomotive can propel a GO train to speeds of up to 144 km/h. When hauling 12 coaches, a GO train can seat up to 1,944 people. 

UP Express trains 

Traveling between Union Station and Toronto Pearson Airport every 15 minutes, seven days a week, the UP Express uses trains provided by Japanese manufacturer Nippon Sharyo. Known as a DMU, or diesel multiple unit, these trains do not require a dedicated locomotive like a GO Train does. Instead, its single 760 horsepower diesel engine is incorporated into the design of the carriages themselves. 

The more municipal nature of its travel route demands a smaller and lighter train, but it’s certainly no slouch. The UP Express can rival the GO train in top speed, with a maximum velocity of 145 km/h, carrying up to 180 passengers per trip. 

And as powerful as they are, these trains are also efficient – they have the first engine in North American rail service to meet the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s strict Tier 4 requirements. Our Nippon Sharyo DMUs are unique, featuring luggage storage as required by Transport Canada.   

Light Rail Vehicles 

It may look like a streetcar and seemingly operate like one, but an LRV is something of a sibling to them. The Hazel McCallion Line, Finch West LRT, and portions of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT will run alongside road vehicles on their own dedicated track. 

For Finch West and Hazel McCallion, we use the built-in-Ontario Alstom Citadis Spirit LRV. The Citadis Spirit boasts a top speed of 90 km/h, though its maximum operation speed will be safely restricted to 60 km/h. These vehicles can seat up to 120 passengers, with enough standing room for a maximum capacity of 336 passengers. 

While a streetcar runs on rails in the street, sharing space with automobile traffic, LRVs operate with a dedicated right-of-way, and can be grade-separated. A streetcar is unidirectional (like your personal car) and requires a loop to turn around, an LRV has operator cabs at each end and can be driven back and forth along the same stretch of track without turning the vehicle around. Both types of transit are powered by an overhead cable (called a catenary), unlike a subway, which is powered by an electrified rail system.  

Be sure to check out our LRT safety tips for some key pointers on navigating this type of transit! 

On the Eglinton Crosstown LRT, we’re using the Flexity Freedom LRV, developed by Alstom and built right here in Ontario.  

The ECLRT Flexity LRVs are designed to operate in two and three car trainsets.  These vehicles will each hold 163 passengers, with a maximum capacity of up to 490 when operating in three car trainset. They can travel up to 88 km/h, but they’ll be kept at an operational maximum speed of 80 km/h.  

These LRVs can operate bidirectionally and feature energy-saving tech like regenerative braking. 

Subway trains 

Our vehicles on the Ontario Line subway, built by Hitachi rail, will boast some of the latest rail technology adopted by subway systems around the world. These fully automated subway cars will run above ground and below, along a 15.6-km line stretching from Exhibition Place to a new interchange with Line 5 Eglinton at Don Valley Station.

Stretching over 80 m long on opening day, each Ontario Line subway train will be able to hold up to 661 passengers in its four-car setup. They will run at a maximum speed of 80 km/h.  

The Ontario Line will feature both above ground and underground sections.  

A diverse fleet of vehicles 

Just like the communities we serve, our transit network is diverse and multifaceted. Using the right vehicle for the right purpose leads to better, more reliable service.  

But making that choice is only the beginning. We’re always looking for ways to make our service even better. From connecting to new communities like Six Nations of the Grand River and Mississaugas to helping you save money through One Fare, free service for kids, PRESTO Perks and more, it’s never been easier to choose transit.