GO Transit ticket partnership could give Toronto FC fans more to cheer about

Mar 26, 2014 | Sports

By Tyrrell Meertins

Soccer fans will be relieved to hear that Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment and GO Transit are joining forces to decrease commuting costs.

Metrolinx and MLSE are currently holding preliminary discussions focused on a joint deal that would see Toronto FC ticket holders use their tickets as game day passes to receive free or discounted GO rides.

Major League Soccer has become a hot topic throughout the Greater Toronto Area with the arrival of marquee signings Jermain Defoe and Michael Bradley, along with the club enjoying their best start in franchise history.

Metrolinx Media relations manager, Anne Marie Aikins, told Humber News that this type of partnership with MLSE would be unique for both parties.

“Both MLSE and Metrolinx see promise in this, as an innovative way to promote even greater use of transit to TFC events especially in the non-commuter markets,” Aikin said.

GO, who has offered ticket partnerships since the 1990’s, has seen an increased interest from riders with every new marketing partnership. GO Transit has worked with various partners including The Royal Winter Fair, Sony Centre, Shaw Festival, and Tall Ships in conjunction with The Redpath Waterfront Festival on partnerships that provide discounts on the event.

“Our regular customers appreciate it and it also reaches out to non-commuting market to encourage them to take transit to the events,” explained Aikin.

One of the few issues TFC fans have encountered during the clubs eight-year existence is parking. Exhibition place has approximately 6,500 parking spaces available to the general public, including 1,300 underground. Yet BMO Field’s capacity holds some 21,000 fans, thus highlighting the limited parking space available.

Below is a map that pinpoints the available parking spots surrounding BMO Field.