Extra GO service in place as thousands expected to travel to see total eclipse

With the April 8 total solar eclipse just a day away — and huge numbers of people gearing up to see the historic event— Metrolinx says it has increased GO Transit service to help them get to and from prime viewing locations.

But the eclipse won't be the only show in town. The provincial transportation agency will be running extra service on some lines Monday to help customers get to a variety of major events, including in Hamilton and Niagara where the total solar eclipse is expected to draw large crowds, as well as in downtown Toronto for the Toronto Blue Jays home opener and Toronto Maple Leafs game. 

Metrolinx is running special event service to and from Niagara Falls on the Lakeshore West line to help customers travelling to solar eclipse celebrations.

Here are the trip times and other information that will help customers travelling to take in the eclipse:

A total solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and earth, completely blocking the face of the sun. The eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States and Canada, where some people will see the sky darken as if it were dawn or dusk.

While Toronto isn't quite in the narrow path of totality, the city is expected to to see partial totality at more than 90 per cent, according to Hanno Rein, an astrophysics professor at the University of Toronto Scarborough. A partial eclipse means people should see the moon cover parts of the sun throughout the afternoon, which will cast unique shadows on the ground and potentially even impact local weather and animal behaviour, he said.

Monday's weather is forecast to be a mix of sun and clouds, which could impact how much of the eclipse is visible.

Still, said Rein, "This will be an event that will be hard to miss."

A spokesperson for Ontario's Ministry of Transportation says the province is preparing for a "significant number of people" travelling to and from dedicated viewing locations in Niagara Region, Pelee Island and other communities within the path of the eclipse. 

"People across southern Ontario should expect busy roads and longer than normal travel times," Brian Crosby wrote in an email.

"We're encouraging everyone to plan ahead and consider options such as carpooling or taking public transit." 

Crosby said the ministry is also working with partners to preemptively address and adjust highway closures and detours, share public information and is also communicating with ONroute locations about the potential need to prepare for an influx of visitors. 

"In terms of road safety, drivers experiencing reduced lighting conditions should turn on their headlights and proceed at a safe speed. They should not stop on the highway. This means they should not pull over to the shoulder or exit their vehicles to view the eclipse," Crosby said. 

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is reminding residents and tourists to prioritize safety while travelling or attending events and celebrations during the solar eclipse.