GO Transit service getting World Cup jolt
· Toronto Sun
Metrolinx says it will increase GO Transit train service on the Lakeshore West line during FIFA World Cup matches as a surge of riders is expected to attend the soccer tournament.
Before and after matches at BMO Field (renamed Toronto Stadium for the tournament), Metrolinx says it will operate “up to six trains” an hour between Exhibition GO, the closest stadium to the venue, and Union Station.
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Metrolinx previously announced frequent 15-minute service throughout most of the day on both the Lakeshore East and West lines starting on June 10.
Increase in TTC service too
The TTC said its planned increase in World Cup service on its lines was put to the test last weekend as Toronto FC and the Blue Jays both were in town, with 45,000 people attending TFC’s match against Lionel Messi and Inter Miami, and 41,000 at Rogers Centre as the Jays faced the Angels.
The TTC said service was added on “critical routes” such as Lines 1 and 2, the 509 Harbourfront streetcar, and the 511 Bathurst streetcar — which will be key for fans to get to and from the venue.
“A total of 19 subway trains were added and strategically staged for match end, in addition to 13 streetcars on the 509 and 511 routes, which served Exhibition Loop every five minutes on Saturday,” the TTC said. “Also, the 504 King corridor will have frequent five-minute service from now through the tournament.”
City’s buzzing
The city’s gearing up for the biggest tournament in soccer. A mini pitch has been built at Nathan Phillips Square with a countdown clock ticking down the days until the first match in Toronto on June 12. The city will host six matches: June 12, June 17, June 20, June 23, June 26, and July 2.
Fans who didn’t snap up tickets can attend the FIFA Fan Festiva l at The Bentway near Fort York. Free tickets were scooped up earlier this month but the city says more are on the way.