There is no sign of any abatement in GO Transit's enthusiasm with the bilevel coaches. Another 16 were ordered from Bombardier in June 2000. Here we see one, in an advertisement wrap, at Exhibition Station. Photo by Daniel Garcia.

By Daniel Garcia.

By now, many people have seen the newest coaches in GO's fleet, the 2500 series. Most though, don't know much about them. Well, here are the answers to any questions that you may have...

Before the 2500 series, when was the last time GO bought cars?

The 2400-series coaches were the last ones bought, in 1991.

How many 2500 series coaches are being purchased?

The original order was for 16 cars, but options have been exercised and 22 will likely be the final order.

Why 16 cars initially?

These 16 cars were to replace the 16 cars sold to Trinity Rail Express in Fort Worth in 1997. Ridership on GO has increased, however, and the additional six serve to bolster their ranks.

Why aren't new engines being delivered as well?

There is no need for new locomotives, yet. As it stands now, GO has 45 engines, but 33 trainsets (soon to be 34). That means that 12 engines are unused any given rush hour. It would be a waste to buy new engines, unless the F59's were to be sold/retired.

So, what is different about the 2500 series coaches?

External:

• Smooth welded skin
• 4 windows on the bottom level, with one of the doors shifted inwards
• doors have larger windows
• there are lights by the doorways
• a new, larger type of emergency access sticker
• tinted windows (greenish)

Internal:

• new wheelchair accessible washroom on lower level
• brighter interior lighting
• glow in the dark step and walkway edges
• tables and power outlets at every second set of seats on the intermediate and upper levels
• door warning chime and lights
• conductors controls at doorways, instead of on second level
• new style emergency window handle

Where are the 2500 series coaches running?

The 2500's are being run just like the 2300's: as the accessible car of any given train, 5 cars back from the engine. Of course, many trains are now running with 2 or even 3 accessible cars now...

Are there any other new or refurbished cars in GO's future?

Yes. The 2100-series cars are being refurbished, and given updated interiors that resemble 2500-series interiors. Outside, they get a new coat of paint, the new emergency access stickers and tinted windows. 2101, 2109, and 2110 have so far gotten this treatment.

As well, cab cars 211 and 212 have gotten an identical treatment as the 2100-series cars. As well, they have received full-width cabs, identified from the outside by their left-hand forward facing window. They have also recieved a new electronic bell, gotten a new control layout inside (although it's not very comfortable by some reports) and had the white and green class lights (the little ones below the cab windows) removed.

2500 Series Pictures

	The mid-level vestibule of a 2500 series car.
	Bottom level.
	Washroom of coach 2509.
	The doors of a 2500 series car, showing off their larger than normal windows.