Kitchener GO train riders share their experiences as cancellations continue

It's the second week transit riders in Kitchener have not been able to take the 7:15 a.m. GO train to Toronto's Union Station, and operator Metrolinx says it's not yet clear when schedules will be back to normal.

"I don't have that info at this point in time. We're doing everything we can to communicate to customers," Nitish Bissonauth, a spokesperson for Metrolinx, told CBC K-W.  

Bissonauth said the company is trying to give riders as much notice as possible about the ongoing cancellations. 

Last week, Metrolinx said cancellations were to be expected due to staff shortages caused by a number of workers being sick with COVID-19.

On its website, GO Transit said the 7:15 a.m. train leaving Kitchener is expected to be cancelled this week and suggests riders take the 6:45 a.m. train or the 7:45 a.m. train to Toronto.

Riders adjust their schedules

Metrolinx said the route cancellations are just temporary, but some riders who spoke with CBC K-W while they waited for their trains said they have had to make adjustments.

"In the peak of summer when employers are asking you to come back into the office, it becomes very difficult," said Mukesh Bohra, who usually takes the 7:15 a.m. train to take to work. 

"Any which way, the run from here is one hour and 45 minutes, so it's the most suitable time. If you take 7:45, you reach [Toronto] after nine, so it doesn't make sense."

Sanjul Bhatiu said he's heard of the recent GO train cancellations, but normally works remotely and commutes to the office a few times a month.

"I actually have to go to Toronto today so that's why I checked beforehand. I would have taken the 7:15 train, but because it wasn't available, I took the 6:45 one," he told CBC K-W.

"Can't really do anything about it."

Other commuters say they have experienced some issues on their way back to Kitchener from Toronto. They include Ameena Nizam, who takes the GO train to Toronto twice a week.

"Cancellations at night time coming back, that's a problem," she said.

"I do see that it might be out of their control right now if they have staffing shortages, however, I think they are responsible to address it as quickly as possible because of so many people who rely on that means of transportation."

Last week, Metrolinx said it was working to resolve issues and hire more staff. Bissonauth said commutes are urged to plan ahead.

"We understand this isn't easy. And we appreciate [commuters'] patience and their understanding at this point in time."