Union GO rider frustrated with lack of accessibility, directional signage

A GO train passenger with a visual impairment has expressed concerns over the lack of accessibility and directional signage at Toronto’s Union Station. Photo by Milan Suvajac – C.C. 4.0

A GO train passenger with a visual impairment has expressed concerns over the lack of accessibility and directional signage at Toronto’s Union Station.

According to a report from CityNews, Tara Small and a friend had difficulty trying to locate the accessibility coach on a recent trip back to Hamilton.

“We looked up and down,” she said. “I couldn’t find the one. My friend even got on the train and went over to the other track on the other side of the train.”

Small has low vision and uses a guide cane. Since her condition has significantly impacted her depth perception, she relies on the raised platform and ramp at the accessibility coach to help her safely board the train.

With the help of her friend, Small got on before the doors closed, and began looking for the right car from the inside. Along their search, she said there were no staff present to ask and no announcement on the intercom to help them find their way.

Based on a fellow passenger’s directions, they ended up walking all the way down to the wrong end of the train and had to turn around before they found where they needed to go. Unfortunately, situations such as this are all too familiar for Small, who has encountered similar incidents when riding GO trains and buses.

A spokesperson for Metrolinx told CityNews directional signs are placed outside each elevator on the platform and are present until riders reach the accessibility coach. They also added those who are blind or have low vision can ask staff for assistance if they arrive 15 minutes before their departure time.

However, Small argued the signs were not visible enough for her friend to see. As a result, she hopes to see a complete overhaul of the system, including better staff training, clearer signage, and more effective announcements, to help those who are blind or have low vision better navigate the station and the trains.

In response to Small’s concerns, a spokesperson for Metrolinx stated, “As part of our transformational GO Expansion project, Metrolinx is exploring ways to reduce barriers and enhance accessibility at all stations, including Union Station.”