Metrolinx will alter GO Transit service on the Kitchener line across two upcoming weekends as crews continue construction at the planned Stockyards Station and work to replace the Grand River Bridge. The changes affect travel on Sept. 12-13 and again on Sept. 19-20, with bus connections substituting for portions of the train route.
What residents need to know
The transit agency says different GO bus routes will operate between Stratford or Kitchener GO and the Hwy 407 Bus Terminal, and some trains will terminate earlier than usual at Mount Dennis GO. The rush to find alternate connections will be centred on bus-to-rail and bus-to-subway transfers, depending on where a passenger begins their journey.
- Passengers from Stratford or Kitchener GO can use the regular route 30 GO buses to Bramalea GO, then transfer at Mount Dennis GO or remain on the bus to Hwy 407 for TTC Line 1 connections to Union Station.
- Those travelling from Guelph Central, Acton or Georgetown GO should take the normal route 33 bus to connect at Mount Pleasant GO, and then proceed to Mount Dennis GO or York Mills Bus Terminal as directed.
- There will be no GO service at Bloor GO for passengers trying to reach Union; affected riders are advised to use the TTC instead — for example, taking Line 2 and transferring to Line 1 at St. George station.
Metrolinx officials say the temporary changes are tied to foundation work at Stockyards Station and ongoing maintenance along the corridor while the Grand River Bridge is replaced. Passengers should expect a mix of buses and shortened train runs as crews complete the heavy civil work.
Service adjustments the week after
Beyond the two affected weekends, Metrolinx also notes adjustments for the Sept. 14-17 weekday period. Arrival and departure times could shift by as much as 10 minutes earlier or later than regularly scheduled. In addition, the 9:34 a.m. train from Union to Kitchener will not stop at Etobicoke North GO.
Passengers affected by the 9:34 a.m. omission are being advised to use connections via the TTC, including Line 1 to Bloor-Yonge then transferring to Line 2.
| Dates | Impact |
|---|---|
| Sept. 12-13 | Buses replacing some trains; Mount Dennis terminus for some services |
| Sept. 14-17 | Schedule adjustments up to 10 minutes; select trains skip Etobicoke North |
| Sept. 19-20 | Additional weekend bus substitutions and connections at Hwy 407 |
For Kitchener and surrounding communities, these disruptions underscore how infrastructure projects — while necessary for long-term reliability — can complicate regional travel in the short term. Commuters who rely on direct train service to downtown Toronto should plan for extra travel time, and consider alternate routes and earlier departures where possible.
Local transit riders with ongoing or planned trips during the affected dates should check GO Transit updates before travelling, confirm specific departure times and platform information, and allow additional time for transfers between buses, trains and the TTC.
