Table of contents
Passing a stop signal
Metrolinx
GO Transit commuter trains GO 1028 and GO 1775
Mile 34.4, CN Oakville Subdivision
Burlington, Ontario
The occurrence
On 14 March 2024, GO Transit commuter train 1028 (GO 1028), was departing Aldershot station in Burlington, Ontario, heading east when it passed a stop signal. Consequently, it ran through the crossover switch and entered the main track at Mile 34.4 of the Canadian National Railway Company (CN) Oakville Subdivision.
At the same time, from the opposite direction, another GO Transit commuter train (GO 1775) was approaching the Aldershot station on the main track. The crew of GO 1775 saw headlights ahead and, when they realized that GO 1028 was on their track, they made an emergency application of the air brakes, stopping their train within six car lengths (approximately 450 feet) of GO 1028.
Both trains had passengers on board. There was no derailment, and no injuries were reported. The TSB is investigating.
Investigation information
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Class of investigation
This is a class 3 investigation. These investigations analyze a small number of safety issues, and may result in recommendations. Class 3 investigations are generally completed within 450 days. For more information, see the Policy on Occurrence Classification.
TSB investigation process
There are 3 phases to a TSB investigation
- Field phase: a team of investigators examines the occurrence site and wreckage, interviews witnesses and collects pertinent information.
- Examination and analysis phase: the TSB reviews pertinent records, tests components of the wreckage in the lab, determines the sequence of events and identifies safety deficiencies. When safety deficiencies are suspected or confirmed, the TSB advises the appropriate authority without waiting until publication of the final report.
- Report phase: a confidential draft report is approved by the Board and sent to persons and corporations who are directly concerned by the report. They then have the opportunity to dispute or correct information they believe to be incorrect. The Board considers all representations before approving the final report, which is subsequently released to the public.
For more information, see our Investigation process page.
The TSB is an independent agency that investigates air, marine, pipeline, and rail transportation occurrences. Its sole aim is the advancement of transportation safety. It is not the function of the Board to assign fault or determine civil or criminal liability.