METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Up to 1,400 passengers rescued from GO Transit train

The train was stuck for several hours before the rescue efforts began.

July 9, 2013
Up to 1,400 passengers rescued from GO Transit train

Wikimedia Commons photo by GTD Aquitaine

2 min to read


Wikimedia Commons photo by GTD Aquitaine

TORONTO — Following torrential rains that caused flooding in the area, emergency responders rescued up to 1,400 passengers who were stranded on a GO Train that was stuck in high waters, according to Global News. For the full story, click here.

The train was stuck for several hours before the rescue efforts began, with several news agencies, including the National Post, documenting the rescue efforts. For the full story, click here.

Ad Loading...

RELATED: To view video of the rescue efforts, click here.


The following is a statement released by Metrolinx President/CEO Bruce McCuaig:

"Last night, Toronto experienced a severe and sudden rain storm during the afternoon and evening. The record-breaking amount of rainfall caused serious power outages and flooding throughout the region, including the tracks on the Richmond Hill line just north of Union Station. Passengers were stranded on a train due to quickly rising water levels. I appreciate how patient and understanding customers were in spite of their ordeal and am very pleased to report that there were no reports of injuries.

We sincerely regret that our customers had this unfortunate experience and will be taking steps to reimburse them for damaged property.

I am also very grateful to all of the GO staff, the emergency responders, the TTC and Office of Emergency Management who worked throughout the night to get people home safely and resume service. Their calm and professional response to this unprecedented weather event is much appreciated.

Despite last night's weather, GO Transit is operating service on all seven of our train lines and buses across our system. However, we are experiencing some train delays and cancellations and the commute remains difficult as the city continues with the cleanup.  Crews have been working non-stop to repair areas where flooding has caused damage to track and infrastructure.  I would also like to extend my thanks to the crews who have been working to undertake repairs as quickly as possible.

We are encouraging customers to stay home today or to consider seeking alternative travel arrangements, if at all possible. If you must travel, please be sure to check on service updates at gotransit.com before you leave home.

Our goal is to get our customers safely to their destination and accommodate as many passengers as we can.

Once again, I appreciate everyone's patience and hard work."

More Rail

Operation Lifesaver Rail Safety Education logo over railroad tracks background, representing rail safety awareness initiatives.
Railby News/Media ReleaseMay 4, 2026

Operation Lifesaver Awards Rail Safety Outreach Funds in 12 States

Operation Lifesaver awarded $220,200 in grants to 12 states to support rail safety campaigns focused on grade crossing awareness and trespass prevention.

Read More →
Caltrain trains on tracks
Railby StaffMay 1, 2026

Caltrain Survey Shows Record-High Rider Approval

The survey showed that commute trips still make up the majority of ridership, with most riders boarding 2 to 3 days a week, reflecting hybrid work schedules. Two-thirds of Caltrain riders have access to a car, while 37% of Caltrain riders are considered low-income.

Read More →
A person working on a bus
ManagementMay 1, 2026

Data-Driven Maintenance: Focusing Effort Where It Matters Most

Advances in data and analytics are giving transit agencies new opportunities to refine maintenance practices, improve efficiency and make more informed decisions about asset performance.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Carmen C. Cham of HNTB
Managementby Alex RomanApril 29, 2026

How Transit Architecture Is Reshaping the Rider Journey

In this Consultant Roundtable, Carmen C. Cham shares insights on how agencies can create spaces that are intuitive, connected and built for long-term impact.

Read More →
A Red Line Rendering
Railby StaffApril 27, 2026

Chicago Kicks Off Historic Red Line Extension at Michigan Avenue Station Site

The Red Line Extension Project will provide the Far South Side of Chicago with rapid rail transit for the first time by extending the Red Line by 5.5 miles from 95th Street to 130th Street, including the construction of four new Red Line stations at 103rd, 111th, Michigan, and 130th streets.

Read More →
Trains at railroad crossings
Security and Safetyby StaffApril 27, 2026

USDOT Invests $1.1B to Enhance Safety Infrastructure at Railroad Crossings

Every year, more than 2,000 incidents and 300 fatalities occur at railroad crossings nationwide. 

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Siemens and LK Comstock photo for Fulton-Liberty Lines
Security and Safetyby StaffApril 27, 2026

NYC’s Fulton–Liberty Lines Get Digital Signal Upgrade from Siemens and L.K. Comstock

The Siemens CBTC System, Trainguard MT, in compliance with New York Subway Interoperability Interface Specifications, enables trains to run as close as 90 seconds apart, using next-generation signaling and continuous communication to keep operations moving seamlessly.

Read More →
WMATA 7000-series railcars at Navy Yard
Managementby StaffApril 24, 2026

WMATA Adopts FY2027 Budget, Boosts Service Without Raising Fares

While recognizing regional economic constraints and continuing to improve service, the budget increases the jurisdictional subsidy to less than 1.8%, significantly below the inflation rate and the 3% regional target, said agency officials.

Read More →
Denver RTD's A Line with passengers
Railby StaffApril 23, 2026

Denver's RTD Celebrates 10th Anniversary of the A Line

With more than 59,400,000 boardings since the service’s debut, the A Line’s utilization surpassed that of all other RTD rail services in 2025, the agency reported.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Passengers on a public transit vehicle.
Railby StaffApril 21, 2026

Virginia DRPT Releases Draft Six-Year Program for Transit, Rail Investments

The plan outlines funding for transit operations, capital projects, and freight and passenger rail initiatives, as state officials seek public input on priorities shaping mobility and infrastructure across the Commonwealth.

Read More →