Ontario GO Transit New Regulations: Electric Bicycles Strictly Inspected, Trains Prohibited from Loading During Peak Hours
Due to safety issues related to lithium-ion batteries and overcrowding, GO Bus's new policy for electric bicycles and bicycles has now come into effect.
GO Transit staff began inspecting electric bicycle batteries and equipment this week to ensure they meet Canadian safety standards.
At the same time, bicycles and electric bicycles are prohibited from boarding trains arriving at Union Station from 6:30am to 9:30am on weekdays, and from 3:30pm to 6:30pm on weekdays, bicycles and electric bicycles are prohibited from boarding trains leaving Union Station.
Metrolinx Executive Vice President Frank Ibe said, "We have partnered with the Toronto Fire Department and electric bike suppliers, and we have also seen some unfortunate incidents about electric bikes in the news, so we really want to ensure customer safety
The Toronto Fire Department has found a surge in fires related to substandard or damaged lithium-ion batteries and chargers, including an electric bicycle fire on TTC subway cars on New Year's Eve.
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On social media, there are increasing reports of overcrowding on certain trains, with doors, passages, and ladders blocked.
When asked about the increase in couriers and gig workers on the GO Transit line, especially on the Kitchener and Lakeshore West lines, who rely on these devices to work, and what measures are being taken to increase capacity for everyone, Ibe said they will continue to monitor this data in the coming months.
We have moved bicycle specific carriages to these routes. We have also specially designed service modes to meet the travel time of cycling, "he added, adding that 8 new bicycle carriages are being put into use.
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The maximum fine for violations is 360 yuan
As for the implementation of the new policy, passengers who do not comply with the regulations may face a maximum fine of 360 yuan. But regarding whether there will be a large number of fines, Ibe said, "We hope there is no need to resort to law enforcement. We have spent a lot of time educating and communicating with customers
Supporters generally support reform, but there are still some who have concerns
Rajiv Hat é, a personal injury lawyer at Kotak Law, stated that the number of lithium-ion battery fires related to electric bicycles is increasing and action needs to be taken. From the perspective of promoting higher safety standards, these changes are 'reasonable'.
Alison Stewart, the publicity and public policy director of Cycle Toronto, a non-profit organization advocating for cycling, said that these changes are "good news" for passengers and help promote transportation.
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However, the ban during peak hours will have a negative impact on commuting, as she cited her visit to Guelph as an example. After the last train leaves Union Station during the evening rush hour, there is a gap of over three hours on the Kitchener Line.
Stewart urged GO transportation officials to maintain sympathy and openness, especially towards international students who work part-time or earn less than the minimum wage, and to avoid issuing fines.
Summary of GO Transit Rule Changes
According to the new policy, electric bicycles and batteries must meet "UL" or "CE" requirements and certification. GO Transit staff will now inspect all electric bicycles brought into public transportation vehicles, and those that meet the requirements will be affixed with tamper proof seals. If the battery is determined to be unsafe, the policy states that it can be refused loading.
Another change regarding electric bicycles includes prohibiting charging on GO and prohibiting the use of electric bicycles with damaged or corroded batteries. In addition, the maximum weight limit is 55 kilograms, and if there is no battery, it is 25 kilograms.
Other changes include:
Each carriage can accommodate up to two bicycles and electric bicycles, parked in a dedicated area. The green bicycle sticker on the train door displays the location of the area;
If there are bicycles or electric bicycles in the dedicated area, customers need to try other carriages or wait for the next train;
Car owners must stay with bicycles or electric bicycles;
Doors and ladders cannot be blocked;
Bicycles and electric bicycles cannot be placed in accessible carriages unless the passenger has a disability and has been approved by GO Transit;
When a train is equipped with bicycle carriages, that carriage should be used instead of passenger carriages;
Mopeds, Motor Scooters, or electric bicycles resembling motorcycles will be prohibited from entering trains, buses, tunnels, and platforms.
New regulations for buses and stations
The new policy also simplified the rules for buses. Bicycles and electric bicycles must be placed on the rack in front of the bus, except for folding bicycles. Each bus only has two parking spaces. The maximum weight of each bicycle or electric bicycle is 25 kilograms, and the battery of the electric bicycle must be removed. Bus drivers are not allowed to assist with loading and unloading.
As for the station regulations, electric bicycles can be parked in any location where bicycles are allowed. But it is not allowed to charge electric bicycles at the station.
Cycling and electric bicycles are prohibited at stations and platforms.
If an electric bicycle is similar to Mopeds, Motor Scooters, or motorcycles, it needs to be parked in a parking space.
Source link:
https://toronto.citynews.ca/2024/04/09/go-transit-ebikes-bikes-rules/