Hamilton GO finally on the move!

[FairHamilton]

Originally Posted by sofasurfer

The only thing I don't recall seeing were toilets on board (which some - but by no means all, particularly on commuter routes - UK trains have).

Yup, the trains have toilets.

Originally Posted by sofasurfer

I do find the GO bus a bit of a let-down after taking the train, though - but in terms of conveniece (especially at weekends) it's been a no-brainer.

Bus has a much more convenient schedule, every 30 minutes during the day, every 20 during morning rush & every 15 during afternoon rush. In clear traffic it's quicker than the train, and good if you are riding with someone you know. Though no toilets on the bus.

[Jon Dalton]

Originally Posted by sofasurfer

I've had to take the GO Train in to Toronto a couple of times now for work meetings - it really wasn't as bad as you're making out, IMO. The only thing I don't recall seeing were toilets on board (which some - but by no means all, particularly on commuter routes - UK trains have).

The GO trains also vary according to trackage, some of the tracks leading into Hamilton are terrible. Other sections are remarkably smooth. The few sections that GO has bought or built itself seem to be the best. All GO trains have washrooms and a few cars always have the big, wheelchair accessible ones.

[emge]

Originally Posted by FairHamilton

. Though no toilets on the bus.

Don't a couple of the GO buses have toilets? I'm thinking of the Uxbridge-Stouffville route I used to take to Toronto, though, and I could be mixing them up with a Greyhound trip.

[sofasurfer]

Originally Posted by FairHamilton

Bus has a much more convenient schedule, every 30 minutes during the day, every 20 during morning rush & every 15 during afternoon rush. In clear traffic it's quicker than the train, and good if you are riding with someone you know.

This is what I meant about a no-brainer. Looking back, my OP was quite badly worded (it's been a hectic day! I want it to be the weekend already!)

Originally Posted by FairHamilton

Though no toilets on the bus.

Which is why I'd prefer the train in rush hour - getting stuck on the QEW and getting 'caught short' (as they say in the UK) would be horrendous.

The 'Oxford Tube' (which is actually a double-decker coach - go figure!) has a very similar schedule to the Hamilton-Union express bus, but has toilets on board (and, from memory, is much more comfortable). However, there is a direct rival in the shape of the Oxford Bus Company (X90 service, IIRC) with a similar schedule, so that may have a bearing on things.

Having said that, Stagecoach operate Oxford Tube, and I'm sure they have a presence here with their Megabus service (Toronto-Buffalo-NYC, I think?). Surprised they haven't tried to compete on the potentially lucrative McMaster/Hamilton route? Or is the market just not there?

(then again, if you're familiar with Brian Souter's business practices and bigotry, maybe it's a good thing he's not trying to make more of an impact here)

[omro]

Originally Posted by sofasurfer

if you're familiar with Brian Souter's business practices and bigotry

Am familiar with and not a fan...