Thu Sep 19 09:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Aurora GO Station Parking Chaos: Frustrated Commuters Face Shortage Despite Empty Reserved Spots

Aurora, ON – Commuters using the Aurora GO station are facing a parking crisis, with limited spots available due to ongoing construction and a reserved parking program that often sees spots sitting empty. The situation has left many frustrated and forced them to choose between parking illegally or walking a long distance to the station.

Last year, Metrolinx, the provincial transit agency, closed a 375-spot parking lot adjacent to the station to begin construction on upgrades. While an overflow lot with 380 spots was built a 15-minute walk away, many commuters are struggling to find parking on station property.

The issue is exacerbated by the station’s reserved parking program, which allows commuters to pay $98 per month for guaranteed access to a spot 24/7. However, commuters complain that dozens of reserved spots remain empty on weekdays, while unreserved spaces quickly fill up.

“I don’t understand why there’s so many reserved spots when there could be more open spots,” said Tracy Tucker, a Caledon resident who commutes to Toronto. “I think they need to cut it down.”

Metrolinx confirmed that 135 spots are reserved, but CBC News counted 263 reserved spots, with 180 empty during a recent morning observation.

Metrolinx has stated that it is reallocating parking spots based on subscription numbers to create more free spaces. However, they have no plans to expand a pilot project at other stations that opens reserved spots to the public if they remain unfilled by 11 a.m.

Commuters are calling for a reassessment of the reserved parking program, suggesting that it is outdated considering the rise of hybrid work arrangements.

“I think they still hold on to these spots for when they do come in once or twice maybe a week,” said Michelle Giustini, an Aurora resident who commutes to Toronto five days a week.

The parking situation highlights challenges faced during the Barrie line expansion, which aims to increase train services. While the construction brings benefits, it is creating headaches for commuters in the short term, leading to calls for a more flexible and responsive approach to parking management at the Aurora GO station.

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