GO Train Operator Missed Signal in 2024 Near-Collision, TSB Finds
A near-collision involving two GO Transit trains carrying 400 passengers in Burlington two years ago could have been avoided with a physical fail-safe system to stop trains when crews do not respond to signals, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) stated on Wednesday.
Details of the Incident
The TSB reported that the close call occurred on March 14, 2024, when a GO train departing Aldershot station passed a signal instructing it to stop. The train then proceeded through a switch and entered a track occupied by another GO train traveling in the opposite direction. Investigators found that the crew expected the other train to have already passed and anticipated a green signal. The conductor was focused on a tablet during departure preparations, while the locomotive engineer dealt with equipment issues, diverting attention from the signal. As a result, they did not observe the stop indication.
Both trains were able to stop, avoiding a collision by approximately 549 feet. No injuries were reported among passengers or crew.
TSB Urges Implementation of Physical Fail-Safe Systems
TSB Chair Yoan Marier emphasized that a catastrophic collision was narrowly averted, highlighting the need for physical fail-safe train controls that can intervene when signals are not followed. The TSB has been calling for such systems for over 25 years. Since 2023, the TSB has investigated eight collisions or near-collisions where signal indications were not followed. Physical fail-safe systems like positive train control (PTC) automatically slow or stop a train when crews do not respond to signals. PTC has been fully implemented in the United States since 2020 on high-hazard routes, including those operated by Canadian National and Canadian Pacific Railway Company. The TSB warned that without additional backup safety defenses, the risk of accidents will continue.
Metrolinx Response
Metrolinx, GO Transit's operator, stated that safety is central to the agency. Following the incident, Metrolinx and Alstom, the company contracted to maintain and operate GO Transit trains, implemented a broad set of long-term and interim actions to address human factors, procedural, and systemic contributors identified in the TSB report. Metrolinx continues to meet all TSB reporting obligations and proactively shares information with federal regulators.
