A helicopter view shows the stalled train near Toronto’s Union Station just before noon on February 2, 2026. CTV
Train service across several GO Transit lines faced major disruption after a Kitchener-bound train derailed while leaving Union Station on Monday morning. Crews have continued work throughout the day to clear the damaged train and restore normal service, but delays and cancellations stretched well into the evening.
Transit officials first reported the problem shortly after 8:15 a.m. As the morning unfolded, commuters across the region experienced long waits, crowded platforms, and sudden schedule changes. At one point, officials warned travellers to expect delays of up to two hours.
Limited Tracks Cause Ongoing Problems
Metrolinx said crews worked to remove the disabled train, which blocked multiple tracks and triggered signal problems. With fewer tracks available, train movement through Union Station remained limited for most of the day.
“Service has been significantly impacted across the GO and UP Express network and customers can expect continuing delays this evening,” the agency said in a statement Monday afternoon.
A later update confirmed that delays would continue through the afternoon and evening rush hours. Officials asked riders to travel earlier if possible and allow extra time for their trips. Staff at Union Station remained on hand to guide passengers, post platform information, and share updates as they became available.
Service Adjustments Across Lines
Several lines shifted to reduced schedules. Lakeshore East and West trains ran every 30 minutes, along with the Kitchener Line. Richmond Hill and Stouffville lines moved to hourly service for homebound trips. The Barrie Line also offered hourly service in both directions.
The UP Express, which connects downtown Toronto to the airport, suspended service briefly during the morning rush but later resumed on a 30-minute schedule.
Despite some trains departing Union Station, video from inside the terminal showed hundreds of commuters waiting for updates throughout the day.
TTC Steps In to Help Commuters
Toronto Transit Commission added extra service to help stranded riders. Spokesperson Stuart Green said buses joined the 509 Harbourfront route to support GO customers travelling between Union Station and Exhibition.
“For those people that would normally go, say, from Union Station to Exhibition, if you live in Liberty Village, for example, we’ll have extra TTC service to get you there,” Green said.
The TTC also added service along Dundas Street and increased trains on Line 1 to help riders reach Downsview Park Station. Green said the TTC would continue these measures as long as support remained necessary.
Passengers Describe Confusing Evacuation
The derailment cause remains unclear. Kyle Pike, a commuter on the affected Kitchener Line train, described a sudden jolt while the train moved toward Bloor GO Station.
“It’s like those wooden roller coasters at (Canada’s) Wonderland, where it was really shaky after getting jostled and it elevated on one side,” Pike said. “People in the train were asking, ‘Did we just get derailed?’”
Staff later directed passengers to leave the car. “‘Hey, you will need to get out of this train car, move further down. This isn’t safe,’” Pike recalled being told.
Instead of returning to Union Station, officials redirected passengers to Exhibition Station, which left many frustrated.
Long Delays Leave Riders Exhausted
Commuters across the region shared stories of long and stressful trips. Some reported three-hour journeys that usually take less than an hour. Others turned to ride-sharing services to reach work or medical appointments on time.
Officials say crews continue working to fully restore service.
