Cutting GO transit service could put our essential workers at risk

TORONTO — NDP MPP Jessica Bell (University—Rosedale), the Official Opposition NDP Transit critic, issued the following statement in response to Metrolinx’s move to cut GO and Union Pearson Express transit service:

“Our essential workers who can’t work from home, including health care workers, PSWS and first responders, rely on public transit. They are going to work to help our province get through this crisis, and we need to do everything possible to keep them safe and prevent the virus spreading in our communities.

With fewer trains and cars, we could see more overcrowding and more passengers huddled together inside stations waiting for services during the winter months, and that will only increase the risk of the virus spreading.

By cutting GO transit service, Doug Ford is needlessly putting the safety of essential workers at risk. We’re already seeing dangerously packed buses on the TTC in Toronto, and now GO transit riders could be unsafely crammed onto fewer services.

Ford must keep GO service at current levels to ensure Ontarians who need to go to work can easily socially distance on transit and stop the spread of COVID-19.”