Metrolinx talkgroup change

[mjf]

Talkgroup 602 on the Metrolinx system is currently labelled "Central Region Operations". This channel is actually "East Region Operations" and there doesn't appear to be an active "Central Region Operations" channel.

During the snowstorm yesterday, messages were broadcast to all west region train stations on 608, followed by the same message being broadcast to all east region train stations on 602. There were no further broadcasts for central region. I also hear Oshawa, Whitby, Pickering and other east stations on 602 so it's definitely east region.

These channels, West Region Operations and East Region Operations are where the station CSRs hang out. If you are taking GO, they are good to monitor to see if there are any delays or other issues on your line.

I believe that talkgroup 276 might be for the train shops (Willowbrook??). Need to do more listening to confirm that one.

 

[mciupa]

Thanks for the update, I've changed the description. I'll give 276 a listen as well.

 

[mjf]

I wonder if talkgroup 603 should be removed for now since 602 is the correct East Region talkgroup? I haven't heard anything on 603, even during rush hour when GO Transit is very busy.

 

[mciupa]

I did do that after I checked my DSDPlus .GROUPS and .RADIO files. I have never ever had talkgroup 603 show up over the past few years.

 

[mikewazowski]

I haven't seen anything on 603 in a while but Metrolinx reception is extremely spotty for me.

Where do the Barrie line stations hang out? Could they have been on 603 and then moved to 602?

I also feel that at least one of the secure Willowbrook groups is for troubleshooting locomotive problems. Saw a conversation on 242 and then the same ID popped over to the Barrie Rail Line group and told the dispatcher they were having traction motor issues and would be headed to Willowbrook after their slow run.

 

[exkalibur]

I run DSD+ on the Central Simulcast site 24x7 - there was activity on January 13 2026. That said, in nearly 6 months of 24x7 monitoring, it's only seen 163 PTTs. My guess would be a spare group, or one no longer used.

 

[mjf]

Where do the Barrie line stations hang out? Could they have been on 603 and then moved to 602?

I just heard Aurora station on the East Region Operations channel (602).

I also feel that at least one of the secure Willowbrook groups is for troubleshooting locomotive problems. Saw a conversation on 242 and then the same ID popped over to the Barrie Rail Line group and told the dispatcher they were having traction motor issues and would be headed to Willowbrook after their slow run.

I've heard "Willowbrook Shops" talking to trains on talkgroup 276 that I had mentioned in an earlier message.

 

[VA3ADP]

603 could very well be an east region spare TG