Commuters Exposed to Mould on GO Trains, Source Claims
A rail worker with CAD Rail Fleet Services tells The Provincial Times that Metrolinx has ignored months of mould on GO Train carpets, sparking outrage over commuter health risks and Ford government oversight.
GO Train interior with dirty, mouldy carpet beneath the seats. Image credit: Will Adams
A trusted insider working in rail maintenance with CAD Rail Fleet Services, who asked to remain anonymous due to fear of reprisal, revealed to The Provincial Times that the white residue commonly seen on the carpets of GO Trains—previously attributed to salt from winter boots—is actually mould, prompting fresh scrutiny of Metrolinx's cleaning protocols and negligent oversight practices.
“Many people assume the white residue on the carpets of GO trains is just salt from winter boots. The truth is, it's mold,” according to our source.
“Everyone on the ground knows about the mold in the carpet, it’s been there for months, and frankly, management just doesn’t seem to care. We’re told to keep quiet about it—no one wants to rock the boat."
The revelation comes as provincial opposition parties continue to press Doug Ford's government for a comprehensive review of Metrolinx, citing not only overcrowding, chronic delays, and budgeting concerns, but also commuter complaints regarding hygiene and unsanitary conditions. Public health experts warn that mold exposure can provoke respiratory irritation and allergic reactions, especially in individuals with asthma or weakened immune systems, raising the stakes from a mere cosmetic issue to one of worker and passenger safety.
Close-up of a GO Train carpet showing visible patches of white mold and scattered crumbs near the base of a plastic seat support. Image credit: Will Adams
The new allegations raise broader concerns about the effectiveness of GO Metrolinx's cleaning practices at addressing existing health hazards.
Metrolinx has previously promoted its use of AegisMicrobe Shield, a product applied to vehicles and stations as part of its cleaning program. According to Metrolinx, the coating is a long-acting antimicrobial agent designed to create a barrier that prevents the growth of bacteria, mould, and yeast. However, the product does not disinfect or remove existing mould. Meaning if mould is already present on surfaces such as carpets, the coating only slows down further growth.
Neither the Ministry of Transportation nor Metrolinx responded to questions from The Provincial Times about whether inspections are underway or when remediation could take place. The Ford government has also not announced an investigation into the sanitation of GO Trains.
For commuters, the revelations add to longstanding frustrations over delays, overcrowding, and service quality in Ontario's largest regional transit system.
