The Milton launch
GO Train expansion continued into the 1980s with the launch of the Milton, Bradford and Stouffville lines. Milton train service began on October 25, 1981 on rail lines that CP had been using for passenger service until 1971.
In the early '80s, inflation was rising and taking interest rates with it. Ontarians were working harder than ever to make every dollar count. Fortunately, the recession didn't stop GO Transit from expanding, building, and offering even more service to its passengers.
GO Train expansion continued into the 1980s with the launch of the Milton, Bradford and Stouffville lines. Milton train service began on October 25, 1981 on rail lines that CP had been using for passenger service until 1971.
On May 23, 1981 Canada's Wonderland opened its doors to funseekers. In that same year, GO introduced bus service to Canada's Wonderland, which is still in operation today.
In 1981, the average weekday GO Bus ridership exceeded 30,000 passengers.
In May of 1982, GO Transit celebrated its 15th anniversary.
In 1982, a young couple were on their way to Hamilton for their wedding when their car broke down. They were in full formal dress and had no money on hand. The Long Branch GO Station Attendant saved the day by paying their fare and putting them on the next Hamilton-bound train.
On September 2, 1982, GO Train service began in Bradford and Stouffville and replaced VIA Rail's passenger service that had previously been running along those lines.
February, 1983
Veda and Ellen, joint custodians of the lost articles at Union Station, say they receive more than 20 calls a day and return about 40 per cent of items to their rightful owners. Veda once tried (unsuccessfully) to locate a lost Santa Claus suit before Christmas and was rewarded with a box of chocolates. She had better luck retrieving a sum of money and returning it to its ecstatic owner.
In the '80s, an adult could get on the GO for $1.35. A child could join them for 68¢ – a drop in the bucket compared to what it cost to own the latest technological breakthrough: a CD player, priced at $1,100.
In 1983, Newmarket GO Bus terminal opened its doors for business.
"The station cat" at Bradford GO station gave birth to four calico kittens. Mother and kittens were doing fine. For weeks, the stray cat that wandered into the Bradford Station and stayed had been taken care of by kind strangers and staff. All five animals were adopted.
In October of 1984, the Metro Toronto Convention Centre opened its doors. The 56,000-square-metre structure was built on the site of tail end tracks and a former parking lot.
In 1986, passengers had many options to 'get there on GO.'
View TimetableGO Transit celebrated its 20th anniversary in May of 1987. To mark the event, GO issued a special souvenir pass.
On June 3, 1989 SkyDome opened its doors and retractable roof. It was Toronto's newest venue for sports, concerts and events.