Comments on: Ontario Agrees to Fund Yet Another LRT Line in Toronto

By: David

David — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 05:09:34 +0000

Ned – you’re wrong. The streetcars and subway in Toronto use non-standard 4′ 1031/2″ gauge. Not sure if the new LRT will be this gauge or standard.

By: Woody

Woody — Tue, 19 May 2009 02:27:10 +0000

Lake Ontario indeed. I must have been blinded by the northern lights or something. Well, my apologies, but wherever you are, Congratulations on this good news.

By: Ned Carlson

Ned Carlson — Mon, 18 May 2009 21:27:53 +0000

Alon:
No actually. The streetcars also use TTC gauge (4 ft 8½ in specifically, oddly enough 60 mm exactly) and the new lines are supposed to be compatible with the existing network (although now we’re hearing theres going to be a switch to 750 volts so maybe not).

As for tying into Sheppard, thats exactly whats happening, the funding announcement added the section east of Yonge and includes funds for the connecting sections of Don Mills. It looks like there probably won’t be through running with Sheppard, but its still going to be a more or less continuous crosstown line. As for converting Sheppard to light rail its pretty much hopeless, no one really wants to admit that the line shouldn’t have been a subway and the TTC also seems wants a western extension to connect the yard at Downsview to the Yonge extension (probably won’t happen but its been said). Theres also no real shortage of calls for turning the Sheppard line into a 401 following RER style line eventually so light rail direct to Sheppard/Yonge just isn’t at all likely.

Woody:
Lake Eire? Did we suddenly move to Ireland? Seriously, we’re on Lake ONTARIO – across from Rochester rather than Cleveland.

By: Woody

Woody — Mon, 18 May 2009 18:33:16 +0000

Transit City indeed! Looks like “the shining city on a hill” could be on the north shore of Lake Eire, a beacon and a lesson for other cities to the south. And to other cities to the north.

This development could increase transit envy among other Canadian cities. But then, many of them already got it going on. Edmonton just opened an extension of its LRT line, with another stretch to open soon. Calgary never seems to stop work, extending first this line, then the other. Ottawa will be needing plenty funds but has the right idea with its plans for rail through, er, under, the city’s center. Vancouver not so much — its SkyTrain or whatever strikes me as an elevated BART, costly and unconnectable. But on the whole, Canada is on the right track for transit.

By: Alon Levy

Alon Levy — Mon, 18 May 2009 18:10:21 +0000

Chris: these trains don’t even run on the same gauge. The Toronto subway system runs on broad gauge track. The light rail, I believe, will use standard gauge.

By: Chris

Chris — Mon, 18 May 2009 14:29:18 +0000

Excellent news. Getting across Toronto on public transport at the moment requires endless bus journeys. My only comment would be that the Etobicoke-Finch LRT line should tie in to the western end of the Sheppard subway line, rather than Finch station. Then convert the Sheppard line to LRT and run the same trains all the way through!