[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/GO-buses.jpg” caption=”Go Transit buses on campus”]As of Sunday, Oct. 31, the GO Transit stop outside the McMaster Museum of Art will be moving to the traffic circle at the far west end of Scholar's Road outside the Mary Keyes Residence.

The move was prompted by concerns for pedestrian safety in the very heavily-travelled area outside of the Student Centre. GO buses, which are designed for highway travel, have significant blind spots and drivers may have difficulty seeing pedestrians walking near the bus. Choice of the new bus stop location was made in consultation with and approved by the University.

Side benefits of the move include a larger waiting area for GO passengers on the ample sidewalk outside Keyes; room for two GO stops (one for Hwy 407 buses and one for buses travelling to Burlington/Union Station) which should alleviate passenger confusion and crowding; more efficient routing into and out of the University; and removal of GO buses from the unique pedestrian-priority campus core.

“We're excited about the possibilities opened up by the move,” says Jennifer Dawson of McMaster's Alternative Commuting & Transportation (ACT) Office. “It's about safety first and foremost, but GO is hoping to make some improvements at the new stop, including investigating the possibility of a single-ride ticket vending machine and a large heated bus shelter. The idea is that any inconvenience to passengers could be offset in other ways.”

GO Transit and McMaster continue to encourage GO customers to purchase two-ride or 10-ride tickets instead of single ride tickets. Single ride tickets must be used on the next available bus or within an hour of purchase, whichever comes first. Given that the new bus stop is further from Compass Information Centre — the GO ticket agent on campus - the purchase of two-ride and 10-ride tickets becomes even more advisable.

GO Transit is making other improvements to McMaster service as of Oct 31. Look for two additional QEW Express departures from Union Station to McMaster on Sundays (4:20 p.m. and 7:20 p.m.); a new weekday express from Square One to McMaster, departing at 7:15 a.m.; and wheelchair accessible service on most buses travelling the 407 and Friday/Sunday Union Express routes.

For more information about any of these changes, contact the ACT Office at ACT@mcmaster.ca or ext. 24772 or GO Transit at 1-888-438-6646.