Metrolinx cuts GO services in Hamilton and Niagara, expecting reduced ridership

Metrolinxhas announced reduced GO train and bus services starting Wednesday whichhave almost completely cancelled some Hamilton bus routes and affected others.

Route 16, an express GO Bus travelling between Toronto and Hamiltonis almost completelycancelled.

Spokesperson Nitish Bissonauth confirmed with CBC News the route will only offer one Toronto-boundtrip in the middle of the night 12:30 a.m. on weekdays and weekends.

"Remember, these are only temporary changes," he said.

Bissonauth said commuters taking the Route 16 bus can switch to the Lakeshore West train instead, which will also runon a revised schedule. To do that, riders can take the Route 1 bus which travels from Hamilton GO Centre to Aldershot GO and vice versa.

The shuttered service is also suspendingtrain service to Niagara Falls or St. Catharines, recommending travellerstake GO Bus Route 12 service to Niagara Falls, which connects to GO train service at Burlington GO.

Some other local busroutes that will face reduced service include:

• Route 12 (Niagara Falls).
• Route 15 (Brantford/Burlington).
• Route 18 (Lakeshore West).
• Route 40 (Hamilton/Richmond Hill).
• Highway 407 West Routes 45, 46, 47 and 48.
• Highway 407 West Routes 51, 52 and 54.

"Our key consideration is ensuring our services can continue and our employees and customers are safe," said Metrolinx President and CEO Phil Verster in a release on Friday.

"We want to ensure there is a reliable and sustainable plan for service to continue over the weeks to come."

The provincial transit agency added the reduced service comes as it expects fewer riders with the March break, school closures and businesses implementing more work-from-home policies.