Metrolinx CEO apologizes to GO train riders for delays since train derailment

The CEO of the provincial agency that runs GO Transit is apologizing to riders for major delays and disruptions since a train derailed west of Union Station at the beginning of the week.

Michael Lindsay, the CEO of Metrolinx, says he acknowledges the difficulties commuters have faced throughout the week but the agency has tried its best to keep riders updated on train schedules and the recovery work progress. 

A GO train derailed on Monday after leaving Union Station at a low speed and it made contact with a track switch, causing signal system disruptions across the network.

Ever since, trains have been running on modified schedules, affecting the daily commutes of thousands of riders. 

Lindsay says he expects the trains will return to full service on Saturday after five days of repair work that included putting the train back on track and fixing switches and signals. 

He says the work is almost done and the infrastructure is being tested.

Lindsay says while Metrolinx had its own preliminary investigation, the public will hear more about the “root causes” of the derailment at the agency's board meeting next Thursday. 

He praised the workers, saying fixing the issue within 72 hours was "nothing short of heroic.”

“We appreciate the more than 200,000 people who have continued to rely on us each and every day this week,” he said at a news conference on Friday, adding that he is confident that “every inch” of the Union Station rail corridor is now safe for the return of full train service. 

“We could always do better,” he said in response to those criticizing the lack of communication from Metrolinx leadership during the disruption.  

“But I promise you we'll continue to be as transparent as we can be about GO service and its status.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 6, 2026.