Heat wave slows GO Transit as tracks buckle
Orange alert issued as temperatures feel like 40 C; GO Transit issues slow orders to prevent derailments from expanded rails.
The day's top stories, food & events — every morning at 7. Unsubscribe anytime.
GO Transit is running trains at reduced speeds across the network Tuesday as extreme heat causes steel rails to expand and buckle—a phenomenon called "sun kinks" that increases derailment risk.
With an orange-level heat warning in effect and humidex values climbing into the low-to-mid 40s, Metrolinx said the slowdown is necessary to keep passengers and crew safe. "During prolonged periods of high heat, we are required to run trains at slower speeds," the transit authority said Tuesday afternoon. Some trips may be cancelled while others could see delays of 10 to 15 minutes.
Track temperatures are being monitored constantly by the network operations centre, which updates drivers in real time. When temperatures reach critical levels, Metrolinx issues a slow order to reduce train speeds, which lessens the impact on heat-expanded rails and lowers the chance of buckling and other complications.
Metrolinx is advising riders to plan extra time for their commutes and stay hydrated. Real-time service updates are available on the Metrolinx website.
