Folding Bikes - Ontario, Canada - GO Train question

I am thinking about moving closer to a GO Train station. I know that GO trains shameful position is as outlined below but I am curious as to how strictly they enforce this policy. Does anyone here make use of the GO Shame?

http://www.gotransit.com/PUBLIC/en/faq/default.htm#Bicycles

Bicycles
When can I take a bicycle onto a GO Train or GO Bus?

You may take a bicycle on any GO Train on a Saturday, Sunday, or statutory holiday. On weekdays, due to rush-hour crowding, you may not take them on trains scheduled to arrive at Union Station between 6:30 and 9:30 a.m. or depart from Union Station between 3:30 and 6:30 p.m. Bicycles are also prohibited inside Union during those times. To see if your station has a bicycle rack, visit Stations and Stops.

Bicycles are not allowed on wheelchair-accessible train cars or on GO Buses (on the buses, a folding bicycle in a proper carrying case can be put in the underfloor luggage compartment if the bus has one).

Can I bring an electric bicycle onto a GO Train or GO Bus?

Power-assisted electric bicycles (e-bikes) that display a manufacturer’s label and meet federal motor vehicle safety regulations are permitted on GO Trains. Electric bicycles are subject to the same rules as conventional bicycles, as outlined above.

Where should I put my bicycle on the train?

Four bicycles fit on each regular GO railcar, two just inside each set of doors

Sprockets,

Did you ride a GO train during rush hour yet? What they have are pretty good rules :). I took the train for 6 years and if I got on a rush hour train and saw someone with a bike, they'd be out of there pretty quick. Not sure where you plan to get on and get off, but you will be seen. All the stations have cameras and entry/exit pretty much always involves going by a guy with a stern look.

Have you considered bagging your bike before entering? I'd love to hear if that works out for you.

BTW I've seen people with bikes on the GO train during non rush hour: there's actually quite a bit of room by the three seats right at the doors.

I am thinking about moving closer to a GO Train station. I know that GO trains shameful position is as outlined below but I am curious as to how strictly they enforce this policy. Does anyone here make use of the GO Shame?

http://www.gotransit.com/PUBLIC/en/faq/default.htm#Bicycles

I think that Go aren't much different than many commuting trains around the world including Greater London. However I see where you are coming from in that there is no peak hour exception for folding bikes. First Great Western allows most 16" and 20" folders on peak trains but not non-folders of course. However, Jakub's suggestion that you bag your folder so it looks like luggage is a great idea but it will be easier if you have a Brompton. Merc, Downtube Mini, Dahon Curve or similar compact 16" folder to achieve this. Then I don't think they will notice and everyone has the right to bring luggage or a large bag on peak hour trains.

I have to say I admire German logic on these kind of issues. I was working in the cycle-friendly city of Munich this weekend and even the metro had a special carriage designated with a bicycle symbol where folding and non folding bike users could embark. I think it is time that all rail carriers should be encouraged to do this for bicycle commuters. It is a much more difficult issue for buses but I don't see how a driver can tell the difference between a compact folder in a suitcase and one in a good carry bag, both are luggage by default anyway.

Not everyone can cycle 30-40 mile trips every day but they still free up congestion on inner urban zones by using a bicycle once they dismebark from trains/buses.