Metrolinx expands GO-VAXX bus fleet to help combat COVID-19 in Ontario

Credit: Metrolinx

In Summer 2021, Metrolinx announced that it had partnered with the Government of Ontario to provide a safe, reliable and convenient option for people to receive their COVID-19 vaccine. GO buses were converted to serve as mobile vaccine clinics to get COVID-19 vaccines directly to people, wherever they are located – travelling to malls, festivals, community hubs and events across Southern Ontario and beyond. 

Each bus operates as a fully functioning vaccine clinic, with the necessary supplies and trained staff to provide assistance to people and to ensure that the vaccines are administered safely. All COVID-19 safety precautions are followed on board, including the required pre-vaccination screening and post-vaccination monitoring. The buses are also fully accessible.

Following a recent increase in cases and to help to combat the spread of the Omicron variant, Metrolinx has announced that it is adding reinforcements to the mobile vaccine fleet. In total, there are now five retrofitted GO Transit buses, known as GO-VAXX buses, on the road, which is up from the original three.

Loaded with trained medical staff that can deliver approximately 250 to 300 COVID-19 vaccine doses per day, the GO-VAXX buses have been extremely popular, particularly after the rapid spread of the Omicron variant. In order to prevent people from waiting in long lines during the winter, people are now required to book appointments beforehand.

Since Summer 2021, more than 30,000 doses have been administered. Most importantly, the buses help to get vaccines to rural areas and other hard to reach communities that might not have nearby clinics. This includes communities outside the Greater Golden Horseshoe, including eastern and western Ontario. 

Over the coming weeks and months, Metrolinx has announced plans to further expand the GO-VAXX bus fleet.