GO Transit sets new strict bike and e-bike rules

GO Transit has announced new bike policies for its services, just in time for the spring/summer season. As of today (April 9), new bike standards are in effect for GO Transit passengers, with the primary focus shifting to e-bikes.

According to GO Transit, the new rules for e-bikes are as follows: 

• E-bike batteries must meet UL or CE requirements.
• E-bike batteries cannot be charged on GO Transit premises.
• E-bikes can be a maximum of 55kg on GO trains or 25kg (with battery removed) on GO buses.
• E-bikes that resemble mopeds, motor scooters, and motorcycles are not permitted onboard trains or buses, including platforms and tunnels.
• E-bikes cannot be damaged. This includes corrosion of the battery case or damage to warranty seals. 

On top of these new regulations, GO Transit staff will be inspecting e-bikes and issuing tamper-proof stickers, signaling that an e-bike is up to GO Transit standards. Additionally, GO Transit will be restricting the times in which bikes and e-bikes can travel to certain destinations. 

According to GO Transit, bikes and e-bikes are not allowed onboard weekday trains arriving at Union Station between 6:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. as well as trains departing Union Station between 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. 

New parameters for commuting with a bike or e-bike on GO Trains include: 

• Staying with your bike or e-bike and not locking it to any part of the train. 
• Not blocking doorways, stairwells or aisles.
• Ensuring only two bikes get stored in each of the designated areas.
• Boarding at doors marked with a green bicycle sticker.
• Being aware that bikes cannot be stored on accessible coaches, excluding customers with disabilities who have approval from GO Transit.

New parameters for commuting with a bike or e-bike on GO Buses include: 

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• Ensuring that all bikes and e-bikes are stored on the bike rack at the front of the bus. 
• Removing e-bike batteries before going on board.
• Ensuring your bikes do not exceed the weight limit of the rack (25kg). 
• Recognizing that the bus driver cannot assist you with loading/unloading your bicycle.
• Recognizing that foldable bikes are allowed onboard GO buses when folded and do not need to be stored in the bike rack.

GO Transit has stated that failure to recognize these new policies may result in fines of well over $300 and denial of boarding GO Transit systems. So for those looking to get the best out of both modes of transportation, it may be wise to do some homework on these new rules — otherwise, your morning commute may have an unexpected stop.