GO bus service shifts to Barrie’s new $31M transit hub

If you’ve been catching the GO bus in Barrie, expect a noticeable change starting this weekend.

That’s when all GO bus service will shift to the new Barrie Allandale Transit Terminal — a move the city describes as a major step toward improving how people get around.

The $31.4 million terminal officially opened in September beside the Allandale Waterfront GO Station, but this is the first time GO buses will operate out of the new hub.

City officials say the location brings local transit and GO services closer together, making it easier for commuters to switch between buses and trains without trekking across the city.

Mayor Alex Nuttall said the new terminal marked a turning point for transit in the city. During the official opening, he described the move as a “game-changer” that will make the system more efficient, strengthen connections to GO service and help support the ongoing push to bring more life into the downtown core.

The transition also means some big changes for the area around Maple Avenue.

The former downtown transit terminal closed earlier this fall. Instead of sitting empty, officials say the building will be renovated and repurposed as part of Lakehead University’s new Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Hub. The city says the project is expected to be completed with the doors opening next fall.

Even with the closure, Barrie says riders won’t lose access to transit downtown. Bus stops and new shelters along Maple Avenue will continue to provide service for local routes.