For many of us in Oshawa, Whitby, and Ajax the commute to and from North York was made bearable and efficient with the GO Transit 96D and 96C express bus services. The 96D serviced Oshawa/Whitby GO passengers, going express to/from Finch Terminal during morning and evening rush hour. The 96C serviced Ajax GO passengers exclusively, going express to/from Finch Terminal during morning and evening rush hour. These routes were not just transportation means; they were lifelines for many commuters, including myself, who relied on them daily, particularly during the bustling peak rush hours.

With the termination of both the 96D and 96C services during the pandemic, we find ourselves forced to depend on the sole remaining option: the 96B service. Prior to the pandemic, the 96B only operated during non-peak hours. Unfortunately, the 96B route is extremely slow due to so many station stops and worsening 401 traffic. It is not a true express bus. The buses are often crowded and on more than one occasion, riders at Ajax had to be abandoned due to a lack of seating, forcing them to await the next bus. In practice, this has made commuting highly stressful, drastically reducing the quality of life for many and complicating our ability to fulfill both personal and professional responsibilities.

This decision to cancel the express bus services has become even more problematic following Premier Doug Ford’s directive, which has led to the mandatory return of many employees to their workplaces. As a result, the inability to commute efficiently poses significant challenges, especially for those whose schedules demand punctuality and reliability.

A reliable and efficient public transport system is crucial for the well-being of any community. It influences economic productivity, environmental sustainability, and the overall quality of life. Therefore, it is imperative that Metrolinx and the Ontario Ministry of Transport re-evaluate the situation and promptly reinstate the GO Transit 96D and 96C express bus services.

We are calling on all affected commuters and concerned residents of Oshawa, Whitby, and Ajax who commute to Yonge & Sheppard or Yonge & Finch to join us in this appeal. Together, we can stress the importance of these services to our local officials and necessitate  action. Sign this petition to bring back the GO Transit 96D and 96C express bus routes and secure the transportation options we vitally need.