Limited GO train service running after signal problem disruption ...

GO Transit train service is resuming "limited" service after being halted Tuesday due to a network system failure, Metrolinx says. Riders should continue to expect delays. 

The provincial transit agency says the problem is tied to a network-wide Canadian National Railway (CN) system failure affecting all rail corridors.

"We intend to run limited service from Union Station but there will be ongoing delays and cancellations as we work to recover rail service," GO Transit said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

Outbound trains will run about every 30 minutes from Union Station, Metrolinx said in a statement, pointing people to GO Transit's website. For customers travelling into Union Station Tuesday night, service will be less frequent but should be between 30 to 60 minutes.

"Our top priority is getting people home from Union Station, which is very busy tonight," Metrolinx said.

"As we work with our rail partner on this issue and restore full service, there will be continued cancellations and potentially delays this evening," it added.

"Trains are expected to be very busy, so please continue to explore alternative ways to get to your destination this evening — or consider travelling later this evening when trains and buses are expected to be less busy. We will provide further information as it becomes available."

UP Express, for its part, said its train service has been "modified" because of the CN system failure. It said it would provide updates once it returns to regular service.

"UP Express trains are running every 30 minutes. We thank you for your patience," the service said on X.

CN's website also appeared to be offline for a period Tuesday afternoon, but was running again by 4 p.m. In a statement, CN said it is experiencing an "internet connectivity issue" that is currently being investigated. 

"GO trains, Via trains in and out of Union station, as well as CN's customer service portal, all of which require an internet connection to CN's servers, are currently impacted. CN apologizes for the issue. We are working to get all services up and running safely and efficiently," the statement reads.

"CN trains, EXO trains (Montreal) and Amtrak Trains are operating. While there is no indication of a cyber security issue, the cause of the outage is currently under investigation."

Via Rail said in its own post on X that trains entering or leaving Union Station will experience delays, and asked passengers to visit its website for updates on their trips.

Passenger's trip took 3 hours longer than expected

Aarij Anwer, a Muslim chaplain at Western University, said he and a friend got stuck twice while taking a Via train from London to Toronto on Tuesday — once in Oakville and then again in the Humber Bay Park East area in Toronto's west end.

The train left London at about 10:50 a.m. and was meant to arrive at Union station at 1:10 p.m. By the time it arrived, it was 4:20 p.m. — taking more than three hours longer than scheduled, he said.

 As a result of the delays, the two missed meetings with Ontario MPPs and Premier Doug Ford.

"There are worse places to be stuck five hours. But we'd also rather get to our destination and go about our day," Anwer said in an interview on the train.

Via Rail provided customers with water and snacks and issued generic announcements about the delays, he said. The train was also not at capacity, which meant it was comfortable but still frustrating, he added.

"I guess it could have been worse but also not what we expected," he said.

Anwer said he hoped he and his friend could still make an evening dinner and mixer in Toronto.

Shutdown led to surge pricing on ride-hailing apps

The railway shutdown also appeared to lead to surge pricing on ride-hailing apps like Uber Tuesday afternoon, as demand for alternate routes grew.

The TTC said it was working to add extra subway service on Lines 1 and 2 to help with the afternoon rush.

"We expect heavier-than-normal passenger loads and would advise customers to plan ahead in the event this issue persists," it said in a statement.

Pearson airport issued a statement Tuesday afternoon, saying it is "closely monitoring" the situation.

"There is currently no impact to our operations, but passengers may need to find an alternative way to get to the airport," the statement reads.

Yogesh Dahiya, a student, said the shutdown disrupted his schedule. Speaking to CBC News Tuesday afternoon, he said he had been waiting for an hour and half for a train at Bloor GO station and planned to wait another 15 minutes before taking an alternate route on the TTC.

"Being a student, I have to do a lot of work at home," he said. "It's all about time."

Dahiya said he works a part-time job and that managing his time between school, work and home is essential.

Transportation systems should be well prepared for delays and ensure customers have the information they need to plan different ways home.

"It's very, very difficult for us," he said.