Metrolinx CEO Issues Stern Warning After Dangerous Train Boarding Incident
Michael Lindsay, the chief executive officer of Metrolinx, has delivered a forceful safety message to transit users following a concerning incident captured on video earlier this month. The warning comes after footage showed a person dangerously jumping onto the outside of a moving GO train, prompting serious safety concerns from transportation officials.
Dangerous Incident Captured on Video
The alarming event occurred on January 21, 2026, at a GO station platform. Surveillance footage reveals a person running across the platform and leaping onto the doorstep of a train bound for Durham College Oshawa GO Station as it began to depart. The individual was seen clinging to the outside of the door while the train accelerated, creating an extremely hazardous situation for both the person involved and other passengers.
Lindsay addressed the incident through a post on LinkedIn, the professional networking platform where he regularly shares updates about Metrolinx operations. He described the captured behavior as "the worst way" to handle missing a scheduled train departure.
CEO Emphasizes Safety Over Schedules
"We've all been there before — traffic or life circumstances get us to the station just as the train we intend to take is pulling in. We race for the platform only to realize we are not going to make it," Lindsay wrote in his social media post.
The Metrolinx CEO stressed that once train doors close, even if the vehicle remains stationary, passengers should immediately step back behind the yellow safety line on the platform. He acknowledged the frustration of missing transportation connections but emphasized that no appointment, meeting, or obligation justifies risking personal safety.
"I know just how awful it feels to miss a train. But no exam, meeting, interview or appointment is worth putting yourself or others at risk," Lindsay added in his statement.
Immediate Safety Response Required
The incident required immediate action from train crew members, who needed to apply emergency brakes once they became aware of the situation. Fortunately, no injuries were reported from this particular event, but the potential for serious harm remained significant.
Lindsay used the opportunity to remind all transit users about proper safety protocols. He encouraged passengers to remain vigilant during their commutes and to report any unsafe behavior observed in rail corridors directly to Metrolinx staff immediately.
"Please heed all direction from Metrolinx staff and if you see unsafe behaviour in the rail corridor — report it immediately to us," Lindsay wrote in his safety appeal.
Established Safety Procedures
Metrolinx follows established safety procedures for all GO train operations, including closing train doors one full minute before scheduled departure times. This protocol allows for safe departure procedures and prevents last-minute boarding attempts that could compromise passenger safety.
The recent incident echoes similar safety concerns that emerged in June 2025, when a GO Transit train operator confronted a passenger who blocked train doors from closing. Video from that incident showed the operator telling a commuter with a bicycle, "Stop holding the doors. You will get everybody late here," after the passenger forced his way onto the train.
Consistent Safety Messaging
Metrolinx has maintained consistent messaging regarding door safety protocols. In a statement to media following the June 2025 incident, the transportation agency emphasized that rushing closing train doors creates significant safety risks that can lead to personal injuries and delays for all passengers.
The agency's official position states that customers should wait for the next available train if doors begin closing, rather than attempting to board at the last moment. This policy ensures safer commuting experiences for all transit users while maintaining efficient service schedules.
As CEO, Lindsay remains active on professional platforms like LinkedIn, where he shares updates about Metrolinx initiatives and safety information. His recent posts have included details about infrastructure projects, such as work being completed at Queen subway station in preparation for the Toronto Transit Commission's new Ontario Line.
The transportation authority continues to prioritize passenger safety through clear communication, established protocols, and immediate response to concerning incidents like the one captured on video earlier this month.
