GO is preparing to cushion its commuters with some added comfort by redesigning its coach and bus interiors starting later this year.

The most noticeable difference will be the colour. The traditional blue hues of GO interiors — there are varying versions across the system — will be phased out in favour of the new corporate colour, a mossy shade of green.

The regional transit company is also introducing new ergonomically designed seats with more foam to “better cradle a rider.”

Some GO riders are on transit for up to two hours, said Anne Marie Aikins, a spokesperson for Metrolinx, the provincial agency that operates GO.

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The new seats will provide improved back support and a design that will make sleeping riders less inclined to slump against their neighbours, she said.

The seating, which will be covered in a stain-resistant upholstery, is also designed for more efficient cleaning.

The seats are just one element of the floor-to-ceiling interior makeover, which is meant to enhance a hushed, peaceful atmosphere on GO vehicles.

Softer lighting and new felt carpeting underfoot will provide a quieter ride.

“I think people will really like the lighting. It is less harsh on the eyes, good for reading but just not as harsh,” said Aikins.

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Last year, GO launched Quiet Zones on the upper deck of all its rush-hour trains to allow commuters to work and sleep on the ride.

“Even people who aren’t in the Quiet Zone want as relaxed an atmosphere as possible,” she said.

“People stay on the trains with us longer. They’re more invested in the actual vehicles. They want peace and quiet; they want to sit and read and do work,” added Aikins.

GO began repainting the outside of vehicles the new shade of green last year. It’s a more sedate hue than the traditional GO green, which matches Ontario’s highway signs.

Like the new exterior paint, the redesigned transit interiors will appear gradually as the coaches and vehicles are routinely refurbished by Bombardier.

While there’s no cost to the makeover, it will be 18 years before the entire fleet gets the new look.

“That’s how long it takes to replenish our entire fleet. They’re good, long-lasting vehicles. We get every bit of use out of them,” said Aikins.

GO has 574 coaches in its expanding fleet and 466 buses. It only refurbishes about two rail coaches a month.

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