Campus GO terminal being planned

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/GObus.jpg” caption=”McMaster’s current GO Transit stop. Photo credit: Christine MacLean”]GO Transit has partnered with McMaster to bring a bus terminal to the University. In June, the University Planning Committee received a report from Parking & Security Services outlining a proposed terminal to enable GO to meet increasing rider demand.

GO Transit, which now provides service directly from McMaster to Burlington, Oakville, Toronto, Streetsville, Square One (Mississauga), Bramalea, and York University, has offered to pay the $750,000 cost of the terminal. The proposed location will be in the current parking lot #3, behind the E.T. Clarke Centre between H.G. Thode Library and Mary E. Keyes Residence.

During the past year, daily GO bus traffic peaked at 113 buses serving more than 2,000 riders each day. Since 2002, weekday service has increased more than 600%. GO is expecting an additional 35% increase in the number of passengers at the McMaster site this year.

Rising gas prices, car costs, and a shifting trend toward commuting have contributed to an increase in the use of public transit and car-pooling. Those interested in pursuing alternative ways to commute to campus should contact the ACT Office (ext. 24772 or ACT@mcmaster.ca).

Planned for a fall completion, the transit terminal will have five bus bays to accommodate the growing volume of buses and passengers, as well as a kiss-and-ride drop-off area. About 50 parking spaces will be relocated prior to construction of the terminal to Zone 3NX and Bates residence circle. Spaces for disabled and service vehicles will be retained.

The final step is approval from the University's Planning and Building committee, expected within the month.