Commuting looks different for everyone, especially as routines shift and workplaces evolve. Whether you travel by transit, bike, foot, carpool, or electric vehicle, feeling confident on your commute can make a meaningful difference.
The Commuting with Confidence series shares practical, everyday tips to help you feel more comfortable, aware, and prepared on your journey – no matter how often you commute or what mode you choose. These tips are designed to support safer, more confident travel as you return to the office and navigate changing schedules and seasons.
For commuters who live or work in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA), below are some safety tips from GO Transit and TTC that can help make everyday transit trips feel more predictable and comfortable.
GO Transit System
GO Transit plays a key role in regional travel, supporting commuters with train and bus services that operate throughout the GTHA. GO offers two ways of getting around, each with a different set of safety tips and tricks.
GO Trains
When travelling across the GO Transit network by train, here are some safety tips:
- Stay alert on platforms. Avoid distractions when boarding and exiting trains, and stand behind the yellow safety strip until trains come to a complete stop.
- Move down the platform to avoid crowds. At many GO stations, they indicate how many cars there are. Therefore, if you feel like there are too many people in a particular area along the platform, feel free to move down. .
- Go under to go over. The screens at each station indicate which platform each train is coming to. If for some reason you’re on the wrong platform, don’t cross the tracks, which is illegal and dangerous. Instead, look for signage indicating elevators, stairwells, and tunnels to get to the right platform. You can also use trip planning tools to ensure you arrive at the station with plenty of time to reach your designated platform.
- At railway crossings, always use designated crossings. Do not rush to cross the tracks ahead of the train.
- Remember: there is help onboard. In the case of an emergency, there is a Customer Service Ambassador (CSA) aboard on every train, ready to provide assistance. The announcer usually indicates which car the CSA can be found. You can also text ‘HELP’ to 77777 to communicate with the CSA in real time. Also, all trains are equipped with emergency equipment, first aid kits, and MIKEY defibrillators.
- Use tools and supports. Review Go Transit’s official service updates page before and during your travel, for real-time alerts for GO trains, buses and stations.
GO Buses
When travelling across the GO Transit network by bus, these are some tips and tricks for you.
- Do not chase the bus. If you miss your bus, there’s no need to chase the bus. Your safety comes first. Wait for the next bus. We also recommend having a backup travel plan so that if you miss your bus, you can still get to your destination.
- Be mindful of the wide yellow lines. These were designed to help you stay a safe distance away from the bus driving area.
- Follow safety signage. There are many restricted areas near the bus stop and at stations that are not for pedestrians. Instead, use the crosswalks as indicated to move between platforms and look out for crossing vehicles.
- Buckle up. Legislative changes means some newer GO Buses are now equipped with seatbelts. If you are on a GO bus equipped with a seatbelt, remember to buckle in. If you are travelling with young children, it is your responsibility to ensure they are in the correct child restraint system.
- Stop Request Program. If you are travelling after dusk, you may ask the bus driver to make a stop along the route as long as it is safe to do so. Make sure to notify the driver in advance.
- Remember: there are emergency essentials onboard. All GO buses are equipped with emergency equipment, such as first aid kits, and fire extinguishers. There are also evacuation windows and hatches.
Yellow Emergency Strip
Unlike the red button to request a stop, the yellow strips are for urgent situations only, where immediate assistance is required.
Appropriate reasons to use the yellow emergency strip include:
- A passenger who is unwell, injured, or in immediate distress
- Acts of vandalism or damage to property
- Conflicts or altercations between passengers
- Noticing a suspicious item or package
- Any situation requiring police involvement or assistance from Customer Protective Services
These situations require prompt attention and are considered appropriate uses of the emergency system.
Do not use the yellow emergency strip for:
- Missing your stop
- Realizing you are travelling in the wrong direction
- Boarding the wrong train
- Asking for directions or general help
- Requesting a stop
- Purchasing or sorting out fare issues
For non‑urgent concerns, customers are encouraged to wait until they can speak with station staff or use available customer service resources.
Driving at GO Stations
Driving within GO Transit parking facilities requires the same level of care and awareness as the rest of your commute. Simple habits like slowing down and parking thoughtfully can reduce risks, prevent disruptions, and support access for emergency and accessibility needs.
Follow posted speed limits when driving through parking lots, as these areas often have pedestrian traffic and limited sightlines.
Park considerately. Be mindful of other customers and choose parking spots that do not interfere with nearby vehicles.
Use designated parking spaces only. Avoid stopping or parking in areas that block traffic lanes, emergency routes, or accessible parking spaces. Vehicles that obstruct these areas may be subject to enforcement, including tickets or towing.
Drivers may encounter rail crossings when entering or leaving GO Transit stations, and extra caution is essential in these areas. Trains move quickly and quietly, and crossing signals are designed to protect both drivers and passengers.
- Approach all rail crossings with care and follow posted signs, warning lights, and gates at all times.
- Look both ways along the tracks when nearing a crossing and be ready to stop if a train is approaching.
- Never stop or wait on the tracks. If warning lights are flashing and a train is approaching, never stop on the tracks. Come to a complete stop at least five metres from the nearest rail, and cross only once the lights have stopped and the tracks are fully clear.
Safety Services for GO Transit
Everyone deserves to feel safe while travelling. There are dedicated services for you to report concerns and get support immediately.
Reporting Sexual Assault and Harassment
If you experience or witness sexual assault or harassment while using GO Transit, it’s important to report it. There is no tolerance for this behaviour, and every report—no matter how small it may seem—is taken seriously and handled with care and confidentiality.
Support is available in several ways. You can call Transit Safety Dispatch at 1‑877‑297‑0642, text “HELP” to 77777 (available to chat in over 100 languages), activate the yellow emergency strip in urgent situations, or call 911 if there is immediate danger.
If You See Something, Say Something
Unattended items or suspicious activity should always be reported. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and let someone know. Reports can be made by contacting GO staff, calling Transit Safety Dispatch, using the Text‑for‑Help service, pressing the yellow emergency strip for emergencies, or dialing 911. Sharing concerns promptly helps keep stations, trains, and buses safer for everyone.
1. Text‑for‑Help: 24/7 Support
By texting “HELP” to 77777, customers can connect in real time with Customer Protective Services from anywhere on the GO network.
This service allows you to:
- Report a safety concern or request help discreetly
- Communicate from a bus, train, station building, platform, or bus loop
- Chat in more than 100 languages, including Hindi, Punjabi, Traditional and Simplified Chinese, Tagalog, and Arabic
Text messages are SMS‑only (no photos or videos), and standard message rates may apply.
How it works:
- Text HELP to 77777 if you have a safety or security concern
- You’ll receive an automatic reply confirming your message
- A Customer Protective Services dispatcher will respond shortly to gather details and coordinate support if needed
- The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week
2. 24‑Hour Transit Safety Dispatch
When you travel with GO Transit, help is always within reach. Transit Safety Dispatch is available around the clock at 1‑877‑297‑0642 if you witness or are involved in situations such as:
- A person in distress
- Medical emergencies
- Vandalism or damage
- Disputes or confrontations
- Suspicious packages
- Unsafe or prohibited behaviour
For urgent, life‑threatening situations, use the yellow emergency strip or call 911 immediately.
Ready to Take Transit with More Confidence?
For our workshop on Building Public Transit Confidence, we have partnered with representatives from TTC and GO Transit. This session provides essential safety tips for commuting by transit. Employees will learn how to travel confidently and securely across Toronto. This workshop meets them where they are and can be done remotely or in-person. Contact Warren Burnett (Business Development Manager) to learn more about our free Commuting with Confidence workshops.
Want to Feel Confident on Every Part of Your Commute?
Confidence looks different for everyone and that’s okay.
Your commute should support your life, not add unnecessary stress to it. Whether you’re easing back into in-person work, trying a new mode, or adjusting your routine with the seasons, the goal isn’t perfection – it’s progress and comfort over time. Our Commuting with Confidence workshops can give you the boost you need with personalized commuting tools and advice.
Explore the rest of the series:
- Carpooling with Confidence: Your Guide to Sharing Rides (Without the Awkwardness)
- Commuting with Confidence: 6 Tips for Women Navigating the City on Their Own Terms
- Cycling with Confidence: 4 Tips Every Beginner Cyclist Needs to Know
- EV Driving with Confidence: How to Keep Your Charge (and Your Cool) in Cold Weather
- Riding TTC with Confidence: What to Know Before You Go
- Transit with Confidence: 5 Tips All Transit Riders Need to Know
- Walking in Cold Weather with Confidence: Your Guide to a Safer, Steadier Commute
This post is part of the Commuting with Confidence series — practical guidance to help every employee navigate their journey safely and confidently, whatever that journey looks like.
