Rutherford and Maple GO Mobility On-Request Pilot Project
The City of Vaughan has partnered with York Region Transit (YRT) and Metrolinx to bring Vaughan commuters the Rutherford and Maple GO Mobility On-Request Pilot Project, which helps citizens get a ride to and from these two GO stations.
Need a free ride to Rutherford or Maple GO station?
The service offers a convenient, comfortable and low-stress way of travelling to and from these two GO stations, and riders don’t have to worry about navigating traffic or looking for a spot to park.
Mobility On-Request offers commuters a free ride (when using their Presto card or credit card) to travel to and from the Rutherford GO Station or the Maple GO Station during morning and afternoon weekday rush hours – 6 a.m.to 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Participants can use the Mobility On-Request app to book a free pick-up by a YRT-operated vehicle from their home and get dropped off at their desired GO station.
The Mobility On-Request service began piloting in Vaughan in 2022 within a dedicated service area. The pilot project continues to accept customers – anyone who lives within the service area is encouraged to take a survey to express their interest in participating.
To learn more about the Mobility On-Request Incentive Program, read the full contest rules.
To learn more about the Mobility On-Request Pilot Survey, read the full contest rules.
Service area and map (may continue to be expanded as project advances)
The pilot service area for the Mobility On-Request pilot has recently been expanded to:
- Northern Boundary: Teston Road from Keele Street to Bathurst Street
- Southern Boundary: Highway 7 from GO railway to Bathurst Street
- Eastern Boundary: Bathurst Street from Teston Road to Highway 7
- Western Boundary: Keele Street from Teston Road to Rutherford Road, along GO railway down to Highway 7
Please note the following travel reminders:
- Mobility On-Request service operates on a first-come, first-served basis
- Riders may book up to three passengers per trip
- Rides may be shared with other travellers
- Rides must be booked on the same day of travel
FAQs
Find answers to commonly asked questions about the Rutherford and Maple GO Mobility On-Request Project below.
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Citizens who live within the service area and regularly travel to and from either the Rutherford or Maple GO stations are eligible to participate in the Mobility On-Request pilot. Participants must have access to a smartphone to be able to download the Mobility On-Request app. Take a survey to express your interest in participating.
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The pilot launched on Monday, May 2 and will continue for approximately one year, based on user demand.
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The service is a curb-to-station pick-up and drop-off program that allows individuals to book trips from their desired address within the service area to either the Rutherford or Maple GO stations in the morning, or from these GO stations to a desired address in the evening. The service can be booked through the Mobility On-Request app, which will be provided for download to those who are accepted into the pilot program.
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The service hours will be weekdays, during the morning rush hour (6 a.m. until 9 a.m.) and evening rush hour (from 3:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m.).
These times may be reviewed and adjusted based on the initial survey to accommodate participants. At this time, no weekend service is proposed. However, weekend service may be added if there is demand or a special occasion that would benefit from the service being active on the weekend.
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With the Mobility On-Request App, riders can request a pick up time up to two hours prior to the start of service or two hours in advance of the pick-up time. A pick up can be scheduled anywhere between 15 minutes to two hours from the time of booking.
Once a ride is booked, how long does it take for pickup assuming someone has to be at the station in time for a specific train?
When a ride is requested, before accepting the booking, riders will see the estimated time of pick up and travel time in the vehicle. After accepting the booking, riders will see the estimated time of pick up and the estimated time of drop off, which could be adjusted up to 15 minutes to allow the addition of shared riders. Riders are encouraged to allow 30 minutes travel time to account for shared-ride service.
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When you use your PRESTO card to pay for the GO train at the Rutherford or Maple GO station, the Mobility On-Request service is free. Additional information can be found on YRT’s Ride to GO webpage. A full YRT fare will be charged if you are not using a PRESTO card.
I’ve been accepted into the pilot program – where can I find the Mobility On-Request app?
The app will be shared with all registered pilot participants in advance of the service launch in May 2022.
I’ve been accepted into the Mobility On-Request pilot program – how will I know what the YRT pick-up vehicle will look like?
The vehicle will be a YRT-branded car driven by a YRT transit service operator. The driver will show identification upon arrival.
I participated in the eligibility survey to join the pilot – how will I know if I’ve been accepted into it?
Those who participated in the survey to join the pilot can expect to hear from the City of Vaughan within five business days, by email.
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To support the safety and well-being of passengers during the COVID pandemic:
- Vehicles will be limited to three passengers and a driver.
- Drivers and passengers are required to wear face masks while using the pilot service.
- Mobility On-Request vehicles are cleaned regularly.
The precautions taken will follow York Region Transit’s COVID-19 protocols. Please visit COVID-19: YRT Response and Service Updates for any updated changes.