Metrolinx prepares for high-attendance Toronto FC match

May 6 - Metrolinx is preparing for a high-attendance event on Saturday, May 9, as approximately 40,000 fans are expected to travel to a Toronto FC and Inter Miami CF match, featuring Argentine legend Lionel Messi.  

As part of preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Metrolinx is using this event as a readiness test, applying enhanced service frequency, safety and crowd management measures, and multilingual customer communications. Learnings from the event will help inform and refine transit and operational plans to support safe and smooth travel during large-scale events. 

Testing increased service frequency to and from Exhibition GO 

To support customer travel on Saturday, May 9, Metrolinx is adding and adjusting service along the Lakeshore lines to help fans travel to and from Exhibition GO before and after the match.  

Lakeshore West:  

• Six additional trips arriving at Exhibition GO before the match
• Eight additional or adjusted trips after the match, including new post-match departures from Exhibition GO

Lakeshore East: 

• One additional trip toward Union Station to support customers travelling in from the east. 

On weekends, GO trains operate every 15 minutes on the Lakeshore West and Lakeshore East lines between 3 p.m. and 11 p.m., providing frequent service.  

Extra staff and station support 

Enhanced safety and crowd management measures will be tested on Saturday, May 9, to help inform decision-making as part of preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026™.  

Metrolinx has increased police presence at Union Station, with special constables working alongside additional Toronto Police Service officers. This enhanced presence supports stronger coordination, reduces response times and quicker interventions when required. 

• At Exhibition GO Station, additional measures will support safe and reliable travel, including:
  • Nearly double the usual Metrolinx staff presence to support wayfinding and crowd movement
  • Additional PRESTO tap-on and tap-off machines to reduce lineups and keep customers moving smoothly
  • Passenger counting devices to monitor customer movement through stations and platforms

Safety at the centre of every journey  

Safety remains the top priority as Metrolinx prepares for this high-attendance event. 

Customers are reminded that simple actions play an important role in keeping everyone safe: 

• Stay behind the yellow line on platforms
• Keep aisles, doors, and stairways clear

“This is our biggest readiness test ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026™,” says Michael Lindsay, Metrolinx President and CEO. “By adding 10 extra trains, adjusting four existing trips, and nearly doubling staff on the ground at Exhibition GO, we’re ensuring the safe movement of crowds and helping customers get there, cheer loudly, and get home safely.” 

Lindsay says throughout the weekend, Metrolinx will share clear, consistent customer communications, including multilingual announcements, to support the influx of international GO customers and keep travellers informed. 

Plan ahead and travel with confidence 

To help ensure a smooth travel experience, customers are encouraged to: 

• Check schedules in advance at gotransit.com or use Metrolinx trip-planning tools
• Allow extra time when travelling to and from events
• Pay with PRESTO, simply tap using a physical or digital PRESTO card, or a credit or debit card, for faster and easier access to services
• More information about travelling to a Toronto FC match is available on the GO Transit website

Residents and visitors travelling through the Liberty Village and Exhibition GO Station area can expect increased pedestrian activity before and after the match, with higher‑than‑normal volumes of customers around the station and surrounding routes. 

From kickoff to the final whistle, Metrolinx is supporting one of the busiest Toronto FC matches at BMO Field, while testing and refining transit and operational plans ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026™.  

For accredited journalists, please contact the Metrolinx media team at mediarelations@metrolinx.com.  

For customers, please visit Metrolinx – Contact Us to reach the Community Engagement team.