Behind the Scenes at a Train Maintenance Facility! | GO Transit Willowbrook Yard

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GO Transit is one of the largest operators of regional transit in North America, with a huge fleet of rail vehicles serving the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. Let's go behind the scenes at its Willowbrook Facility to see how the trains are cared for!
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Ever wondered why your city's transit just doesn't seem quite up to snuff? RMTransit is here to answer that, and help you open your eyes to all of the different public transportation systems around the world!
Reece (the RM in RMTransit) is an urbanist and public transport critic residing in Toronto, Canada, with the goal of helping the world become more connected through metros, trams, buses, high-speed trains, and all other transport modes.

[@DFWRailVideos]

Reece goes to Salt Lake to tour the Stadler factory then turns around and tours the GO Transit maintenance facility. What a legend.

[@RMTransit]

Why thank you!

[@jtsholtod.79]

I'll second your thought that the GO fleet is remarkably clean and well maintained on what I'd consider to be a world class level. I'm still disappointed that level boarding hasn't been a higher priority given all of the other amenities the system has had for many decades, but here's hoping for improvements in the next 50ish years.

[@kryptotransit]

Some of the station platform renovations have been future proofed for level boarding (looks like it will be the height of the accessible coaches)

[@neolithictransitrevolution427]

I still try to get on the older cars though, because you can pop up the seats and put your feet up, without actually putting your feet on a seat.

[@MarioFanGamer659]

The biggest challenge with level boarding is the structure gauge since freight trains require a larger structure gauge compared to passenger trains and this has been solved only recently IIRC.

[@RMTransit]

@@kryptotransit Basically all of them have been!

[@joermnyc]

No experience with GO trains, but just the TTC in general was really clean and well maintained. Toronto in general is pretty clean, it was refreshing compared to where I live, NYC. (Also, padded seats on the subway were astounding, NYC dropped those after not-so-nice people took knives and razors to the old padded seats 50-ish years ago. Now all subway seats are hard plastic.)

[@neolithictransitrevolution427]

It's so cool you're getting this kind if access now. It signals clearly the TPTB know you are informed and relevant, and means they take you and your suggestions seriously..

[@RMTransit]

It was great to be able to make a video like this, I am sure a lot of people will learn about GO from it!

[@neolithictransitrevolution427]

@@RMTransit And I'm sure it means GO is starting to learn a lot from you

[@tomasjakovac7950]

I absolutely love the new cab car design on these trains. Would be really cool to see them kept around and converted to EMUs once electrification happens!

[@RMTransit]

I agree it would be great to see a cab car at each end someday!

[@tsujimasen]

Not Just Bikes just shouted you out in his end credits sponsor spot for Nebula!

[@RMTransit]

Such a nice guy the bikes man is!

[@StairStealer]

GO definitely keeps their trains very clean. A friend took a trip around Europe last summer and remarked that of the dozens of trains he was on, the cleanest was the one from Weston to Kitchener.

[@RMTransit]

They do a good job, and cleanliness is underrated!

[@FrancisSiuChock]

Thank you so much for this great tour! I lived on the GO Train, commuting from Mississauga to Union every day for well over 20 years before moving to North York and now get to work from home every day. I truly am appreciative of the maintenance level and service that was provided throughout. Yes, it's not cheap especially lately as fares have creeped up, but considering not having to drive (wear and tear of car), parking and most importantly less stress (which no dollar figure can be assessed). Thanks again for the fun tour and thank you to all the GO employees!

[@RMTransit]

Thanks for watching and I concur, its a great service and the do a superb job keeping the trains in good condition!

[@Gua2O5]

Cant wait for you to cover china's high-speed rail system!

[@GamingRailfanner]

I remember going over that overpass and seeing all those GO and VIA trains when I was a lot younger, it was a pleasant time.

[@RMTransit]

I don't think I've ever actually gone over the bridge! Embarassing!

[@zinaramirez]

I watched this on Nebula but had to comment; I love these purely informative videos! I often hear people complain about different aspects of GO service (myself included occasionally), but it's very cool to see the inside scoop on how this service operates and the care taken by workers. It makes me excited to see the future of GO but also very appreciative for our existing service

[@Jacob-my4fj]

My shop has the original GO Transit GP40TC locomotives and I love seeing the history around GOs locomotives

[@RMTransit]

Well thats awesome to hear!

[@alexanderr.d]

Very informative video Reece! Nice to see Go Transit putting a lot of care and attention towards their fleet.

[@RMTransit]

Thanks for watching! I agree! Its great to see!

[@railfanningstuff8333]

I have been in that yard back in the early to mid-90s during CN safety day when CN had a contract to maintain the GO service.

[@MrCyclist]

Great coverage. Could you do a video on how we retire our old trains? Selling them to foreign countries. The logistics of the transportation of the units and the dismantling for scrap metals.

[@RMTransit]

We haven't done any yet, but when we do! (OK TTC has, but I have yet to make a video with them)

[@JaapGinder]

Very very nice video! Good insight of the Canadian way of working! Feels like our Dutch way way!! These trains are well thought over!

[@dylangarrison7358]

I love taking the Go train when I go to Toronto its far better than driving and a enjoyable experience and because the Whitby maintenance facility is close to me their are more newer cars or atleast feels that way

[@michaelvavala3088]

Looking forward to when you have enough influence to provide consultations to these cities! Keep it up, Reece! Hopefully you can convince Ott/Gat to integrate their services before they commit to building it. XD

[@RMTransit]

I hope they integrate for sure!

[@temp8394]

The train wash is such a fun detail. The cleaning of trains isn't something you think about

[@TracksideSFL]

Go Transit NEVER ceases to impress me, our cars came from there here at tri rail, they have so many things i wish we had that they have

[@o_s-24]

Another behind the scenes. Nice.

[@RMTransit]

I concur!

[@alvindowd5232]

I LOVE this soundtrack!

[@andrewclarkson3401]

Thanks for the video, Reece. I actually drive past the Willowbrook facility on Horner several times a week with my son ferrying him to gymnastics. A couple of weeks back, I actually drove into the parking lot, saw the bridge-that-looks-like-a-GO-train, and thought about how you were leaving Toronto so we wouldn't get a video about it. Was I wrong! Given the dinginess of the TTC, it is good to know someone in Toronto is capable of running a clean, comfortable service. I am going to use this video to see if I can pass down my train obsession to my son!

[@RMTransit]

Thanks for watching! GO does a great job and I was super happy to get to make this!

[@jacktattersall9457]

The TTC isn't bad. I think part of the cleanliness difference has to do with the density of people getting on and off TTC vehicles.

[@andrewclarkson3401]

@@jacktattersall9457 Yes, this definitely affects train cleanliness . Station repair and cleanliness is a whole other story!

[@MTeeThoughts]

AMAZING video love it!

[@knarf_on_a_bike]

I used to live in New Toronto. I was always impressed as the Islington bus went on the bridge over the yards. They are huge!

[@Aleksandar6ix]

Finally! I've always wanted to see Go Ops. I wish I could check out the cab personally. P.S. Welcome to my neighborhood!

[@Megabean]

Fun Fact! I live in London Ontario, my grandfather probably worked at the GM loco factory when these were being built. He'd been there for about 25 years and left when they closed.

[@RMTransit]

Wow thats amazing! Some great history!

[@Megabean]

@@RMTransit Thank you ^_^

[@suprashank]

I like GO ! Hopefully the frequency can increase down the line

[@RMTransit]

They generally have been every year!

[@mdhazeldine]

I visited Canada and went on the Lakeshore West line in December. It was a good exerience on the whole, but the trains run frustratingly slow. They didn't get above 55mph and driving would have been about as quick. Are they going to increase the line speed when they electrify the line?

[@bobainsworth5057]

Would have liked to have joined you on this one.

[@kiefershanks4172]

The MP54s are great because they are twin prime mover meaning they are MUCH less likely to breakdown and become stranded on the line. If one engine fails, the train can still move under its own power and limp to get repaired. This reduces costly cancellations and the need for tricky train rescues (which literally no one wants to deal with). Crews like them because they don't have to go into the deafening engine room to set the handbrake (setting/releasing it is done in the cab with a button). They are also much easier to keep on schedule with the additional horsepower which is nice. I currently work as a CSA and have seen you on my train before. Keep up the good work with your videos!

[@RMTransit]

Thank you! I just wish they were still being made!

[@johncarl5505]

​@@RMTransitSiemens is just dominating tier 4. It's unfortunate for local manufacturers, but they need to step up if they want to compete.

[@POUNCEMAN1]

Great Information ,,

[@elliottmcpeek7443]

awesome ur getting these kinds of opportunities for filming, and super interesting vid, always enjoy anything go train

[@user-wl4tc7wh4w]

Do a video on the metro and light rail that is about to be built in Tel Aviv

[@douglasmcstewart]

I think So Cal’s Metrolink uses the same octagonal cars!

[@CaptApril123]

Very cool.. We have a new facility out here in Durham.

[@RMTransit]

Yep! The ERMF! Its very cool! Future video topic!

[@jordanshred510]

Well call me jealous. I've wanted to visit that facility and get a tour most of my life.

[@RMTransit]

I believe they periodically do public open days during things like doors open!

[@vaiyaktikasolarbeam1906]

Youre lucky oone , Reece!

[@RMTransit]

I do my best!

[@ianweniger6620]

Hey Reece! I know you're too busy for merch so I hope you're ok with my new side hustle: an air freshener with New Train Car fragrance!

[@fredashay]

_"We got to see the train wash, which is like a car wash but for trains."_

[@letsgoOs1002]

These trains look a lot like the marc trains between Baltimore and DC on the Penn line

[@jameslongstaff2762]

Whoa! I'm watching you from Salt Lake City

[@AG7-MTM]

I used to live near Willowbrook Yard! Until I moved out, I was down at Mimico Square

[@EgnachHelton]

You should contact Norfolk and ask them to do a "behind the scene" episode... 😂

[@heidirabenau511]

Go visit Ohio!

[@uncinarynin]

Thanks for the insight. Not having level boarding for doubledeck cars with low level doors looks like a missed chance, do all platforms have the same height or would that require rebuilding a lot of stations?

[@tonywalters7298]

2:40 it looks like quite a bumpy ride for whomever is driving that pickup

[@RMTransit]

Lots of tracks!

[@stevengalloway8052]

Great video! 👍 Quick question: have they heard of your channel? 😏

[@RMTransit]

Of course!

[@ronparrish6666]

I've been over that bridge down there a few times and sometimes see old bud cars down in CNs yard jusr wondering did Go ever save 1 or 2 F9 units or are they all gone would be kinda cool to see one hooked up to a set

[@francistheodorecatte]

man, I wish the wayside power was that neat in our yard at work. having to lug 80lb 480v cables around sucks ass.

[@neolithictransitrevolution427]

It does seem a mistake for Via to have a Toronto railyard. Go makes enough sense but Via could sell this (maybe to GO) and move easily.

[@RMTransit]

Yes, and that would probably make some sense in the long term honestly!

[@samsanjeevan2096]

Are there any visual differences between the MP40 and MP54? Is it just the painting style? How many trains can be plugged in at the canopy? Love this video....

[@rayuser22]

MP54s have a different prime mover (two smaller engines that when combined add up to 5400 HP, rather than the MP40s one larger engine that only adds up to 4000 HP), and visually you can tell as the MP54s have a lot more vents on the sides. From what I can see there can be a maximum of 20 trains plugged in.

[@RMTransit]

@@rayuser22 Yep! I believe this is roughly correct for the number of trains which can be plugged in. Indeed the top angled portion of the MP54 has additional distinctive large vents, once you see it you'll easily notice the difference!

[@felixtv272]

Are there always 3 people on board of the trains? Two drivers and one service dude?

[@kryptotransit]

Sometimes trainees for each... since they are hiring alot

[@RMTransit]

At a minimum, and as another commenter mentioned sometimes trainees too

[@Ozymandi_as]

Customer Service Ambassador is a job title that must have been invented by someone who runs training courses.

[@Zoemaestra]

at 2:30 you mention it possibly being the most powerful passenger loco in the world with 5400hp - I don't really know if it counts as passenger, but the eurotunnel class 9 which hauls cars with passengers in them through the channel tunnel does 9400hp

[@RMTransit]

Ah, I mentioned *diesel* passenger locos, there are absolutely more powerful electric locomotives because they don't have to carry their power source with them!

[@Zoemaestra]

@@RMTransit and now i have egg on my face 😔

[@juicebaux]

Fun fact: 1 in 10 power receptacles in the newer cars ACTUALLY provide power.

[@CosmicStellar_]

Hey I know this is a bit weird but is it possible for croatias capital Zagreb to have a metro?

[@Alexbenjamin0627]

3:24 212 got repainted?

[@molsoncullen6993]

I see 669 I was in it today cleaning it

[@eframellenbogen]

Why not do a history of GO transit?

[@gregderise9969]

To think I rode a GO train in its first few years of existence

[@RMTransit]

I'm jealous!

[@goatgamer001]

How can a comment be 12 hours older than the video

[@Olibro_64]

I'm guessing an early Patreon release.

[@MacPhal1]

@@Olibro_64 yup Patreon/Channel members get early access I do believe.

[@steveyoung780]

A very interesting video, thanks. One of the things that always bugs me about any kind of transit system in Toronto is the boring, bland and unimaginative livery of the units....whether it be the TTC, Trolley Cars or the Go Trains, they're all kinda.....meh!

[@RMTransit]

Idk Steve! I kind of love the GO livery!

[@steveyoung780]

@@RMTransit Ha ha. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I don't mean to be judgemental, but seems to me that many other systems are brighter, more colourful and more attractive....so, in my humble opinion, more inviting. But, what do I know about such things.

[@ZontarDow]

I'd like to see Exo be half as ambitious as GO, but they probably see no reason to be given one of their six lines has already been turned into a REM line and three more are clearly on the chopping block

[@steamsuhonen9529]

You forgot to ask them about graffiti removal.

[@RMTransit]

They are super good about it, I have basically never seen a train with graffiti

[@owentang9471]

Boarded the wrong platform one time and ended here...

[@ChasmChaos]

Fascinating. It seems to me that GO transit is possibly locked in into always being a commuter train service. If they were normal single-decker trains, the frequency wouldn't need to be once every hour. A train every hour (often only one way in the morning and the other way in the evening) ensures that it's only ever going to be a viable option for people with very little flexibility in their schedule. With the rise of hybrid work, the % of the population with such schedules is going to fall

[@peeky44]

"If they were normal single decker trains they wouldn't need to be only every hour"... I don't think so. Double-deck coaches (cars) are not the issue here. If GO had enough locos and drivers, they could reform the trains into sets a third the length and up the frequency from hourly to every 20 minutes. Also, some "spare" capacity in each of the vehicles is part of what can make public transport attractive. If you're not aware, one of the most frequent regional rail routes in the world, Paris RER line A, has double deck trains running every 3-4 minutes in the core - yet still manages to get overcrowded even at off-peak times. Unless your route is silly or the region simply doesn't have enough population, upping frequency pretty much always works through the law of induced demand - and unless I've misunderstood Reece's videos on the subject, upping frequency is exactly what GO are planning.

[@ChasmChaos]

@@peeky44 "region simply doesn't have enough population" - yes, this is my concern. Folks in the GTA are simply too thinly spread out. I have a very simplistic mental model of the details around public transit viability, so excuse me if I appear naive. The forces affecting viable public transit seem to be multifaceted. Population density, income levels, subsidies to cars, cost of labour (for the rail employees), service levels, capital costs, and zoning are the major input factors in my mind. Can a service that's every 20 minute, both-direction frequency be sustained along any of the GO lines from 7 AM to 10PM? What would it cost? How is local public transit in one of those suburbs, for a GO passenger to actually reach the GO station from their home? Is the experience of the door-to-door commute decent enough for people to ditch their car (answer will clearly depend upon income level)? I fear this discussion is simply too nuanced and detailed to have over KZbin chat. Happy to hear your thoughts of course, and I'm hoping Reece or other transit experts create a detailed video on this topic.

[@RMTransit]

Already a number of routes operate more frequently than every hour, and the plan is to only increase that. As mentioned in lots of videos 5 of the GO lines have daily bidirectional service, and the peak service is always more frequent than hourly!

[@ChasmChaos]

@@RMTransit thank you for responding, Reece! It's true that service has improved. I'm just worried that public transit has and always will be treated as a second class citizen, due to the factors I mentioned in my previous comment. Personal anecdote - a friend of mine moved to Kitchener from Toronto due to a job offer and the end of remote-only work. Not a big deal for her since she was a transplant here in the first place. But it's a pretty big deal for people who grew up in Toronto and have family here. Or vice versa (people from Kitchener who had to move to Toronto due to work)! I used to travel a similar distance in the UK (Oxford to London) a couple of years ago. It's a 50 minute train every 30 minutes in the UK vs a 2 hour train every 3 hours for Kitchener-Toronto. The UK train has 3 stops, the GO train has 11 (and good luck getting around without a car once you get down at most of those stops). The cost of tickets is cheaper (by a small bit only, I'll admit in the UK). The first-mile and last-mile experience is orders of magnitude better in the UK (even if you get down at Slough 😂). It's great that GO transit is making progress. I'm curious about the asymptotic behavior given the overall constraints. Based on my personal experience and gut feelings (both likely to be pretty unreliable), I just cannot visualize the kind of service that Western Europe/Asian cities enjoy.

[@thebigmacd]

​@ChasmChaos the GTHA has more than twice the population density of the Stockholm metro area, I don't think density is actually a problem.

[@CatnipMasterRace]

Can you as an april fools joke analyse subway surfers?