AMT - Agence
Metropolitaine de Transport
(Edited by Jean-Francois Turcotte and William H Baird)
amtnews@canadianrailwayobservations.com
CDPQ Infra, a subsidiary of the Caisse
de depot et placement du Quebec, late last week unveiled plans for a 41-mile
light-rail system to connect the Greater Montreal region with the city's
downtown and airport. Known as the Reseau Electrique Metropolitain (REM), the
system would have 24 stations and operate 20 hours a day, CDPQ Infra officials
said in a press release.
The project is expected to cost $5.5 billion (in Canadian dollars), with the
Caisse committing $3 billion. The proposed financial structure would also
require investments from the governments of Quebec and Canada.
When completed, the REM would be the third largest automated transportation
system in the world after Dubai and Vancouver. "A network as significant as
the one we are proposing could potentially add more than $3 billion to the
Quebec GDP over four years. We also expect close to $5 billion in private real
estate developments along the chosen route," said Christian Dube, executive
vice president for Quebec at the Caisse. CDPQ Infra will consult with
stakeholders in the coming weeks. Public information sessions also will be held
in areas affected by the new network.
CDPQ Infra officials anticipate submitting the project to the environmental
impact hearing process by summer's end.
The Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec is an institutional investor that
oversees public pension plans and insurance programs in the province.
STM NEWS
The Societe de transport de Montreal (STM) on May 2nd will launch a major refurbishment of its Honore-Beaugrand subway station in the eastern part Montreal.. The work includes adding three elevators to improve accessibility, waterproofing the station's underground roof, replacing the station's ambient lighting, and demolishing and rebuilding slabs and staircases, STM officials said in a press release.
The agency's board has awarded a $19 million contract to Groupe Decarel Inc. for the project, which is expected to wrap up in December 2017, STM officials said. The station, which is the eastern terminus of STM's Green Line, was opened in 1976 and currently serves 5.3 million customers annually. STM is advancing a plan to improve accessibility at 12 stations, including Honore-Beaugrand, by 2017.
Guy-Pascal Arcouette clicked these two great roster shots of AMT ALP-45DP 1350 near the Peel Street Basin in Montreal, December 2nd, 2012. The ALP-45DP is a type single cab dual-mode locomotive built by Bombardier Transportation for use on both by New Jersey Transit and Agence metropolitaine de transport (AMT). In 2008, (AMT ordered 20 locomotives (with an option for 10 more), the order value was $152 million and are 1350-1369. AMT 350 arrived in Montreal on June 9, 2011, after being shipped to Newark and then moving north to its new home. The ALP-45DP is an electro-diesel locomotive design derived from Bombardier's ALP-46 and TRAXX locomotives.[29][note 3] Design requirements included mass less than 288,000 lb (131,000 kg), length less than 75 ft, and emissions within EPA limits;[21] the challenge of fitting both diesel plant and electric transformer within the same carbody and weight limits led to the choice of two high-speed twelve cylinder Caterpillar 3512HD rated at 2,100 hp (1.6 MW) each.[21] Each engine system is independent including a separate 3,400 l (750 imp gal; 900 US gal) fuel tank,[note 4] allowing the locomotive to operate on one engine in case of failure, or under low load. The engines are capable of shorter startup times from idle to load (100 rpm/s) than traditional medium speed diesel engines.[30] To achieve mass balance and distribution within the locomotive, the engines are situated on either side of the transformer, which is located in the center of the locomotive.[25] The engines were manufactured at Lafayette, Indiana, USA. (Engine details via Wiki).
AMT Hudson Trains 111/112 had been upgraded to 3000-series cars back in 2010, the old train using 700 series had been cut in 2 parts and they have sent to the AMT Candiac line. Here are two shots by Marc Chouinard of AMT action at Lucien L'Allier Station back on September 1st, 2010.
Guy-Pascal Arcouette's photo from August 21st, 2010 shows a comparison of the ex-GO Transit F59PH's in RBRX patch and AMT livery side by side at Lu-La Station.
Please submit your Metrolinx/GO Transit/LRT/TTC News and photos to wce1942@gmail.com
TRANSIT AROUND THE GTA - with files from Kevin Argue
GO-Regional Express Rail Business Case
Full Business Case regarding the conversion of Metrolinx from a diesel-powered commuter railway to an electric regional express system
http://goo.gl/wIbdEz - metrolinx.com --March 30th, 2016
Toronto Mayor touts Toronto-Waterloo Region innovation corridor
Waterloo Region Record By Terry Pender -March 23rd, 2016
http://goo.gl/2xqaJO - therecord.com
Making the Case for a Multi-Modal Hub at Pearson Airport
March 1, 2016 1:00 pm | by Stefan Novakovic
http://goo.gl/vPM95d - urbantoronto.ca
TTC board wants more say in transit planning
TTC staff should manage east and west extensions of the Eglinton Crosstown, says the board.
By: Tess Kalinowski Transportation reporter, Published on Thu Mar 24 2016
http://goo.gl/wzV2B7 - thestar.com
Economic impact study shows GO train extension to Bowmanville would create 21,000 jobs
http://goo.gl/pbxAjt - April 8th, 2016 - durhamradionews.com
GO Transit Fleet -
Diesel-Electric Locomotives-
MP40PHT-T4AC -New Tier 4 Model
Supplier: Motive Power Industries (Wabtec) -Boise, Idaho
Series Number Build Date
667 -682 2017
Note: Tier 4, AC traction, twin Cummins QSK 60 engines, combined horsepower rating 5400 HP
Source: Mark Ostler -Metrolinx
Here are MP40PH-3 GO 658 and GO 640 at North Bathurst Yard on April 20th, 2016. GO 658 is a tier 3 unit with an aftercooler on the roof in order to meet tier 3 emission standards. GO 640 is a tier 2 unit from the second order from MPI, and GO 658 is from the fourth order from MPI. The first five units in this fourth order (657 -661) were painted in the original livery. 661 to 666 were painted in the new Metrolinx livery. John Jeffery photo
ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVES -
Metrolinx is actively working on the Rail Fleet Strategy for the 10-year RER plan and beyond, as part of the Big Move. The choice of electric rolling stock is being evaluated and final recommendations will be made towards this summer. The results of this review will be announced on June 28th, 2016.
Once the recommendations are adopted, the actual acquisition, which involves technical specification preparation and tendering, will take up to early 2017 before the order will be placed, with delivery for testing targeted in 2020. Source: Mark Ostler - Metrolinx
EMU FLEET -
The Metrolinx program for electrification has expanded significantly and, as a result, the needs for electric vehicle facilities are being reviewed. These needs will depend on the results of the Regional Express Rail review. The decisions regarding electric vehicle facilities will be announced on June 28th, 2016.
There has been no decision made yet on EMU vehicle types for future electrification. Metrolinx will be reviewing various vehicle strategies and priorities. The choices will depend on the results of the Regional Express Rail review and public consultations, which were carried out in February and March.
Source: - Mark Ostler - Metrolinx
PASSENGER CAR FLEET -Updated April 15th, 2016
GO CEM (Crash Energy Management) Cars -Latest version of the Bombardier bi-level coach
With files from Bryan Martyniuk and Ken Reiss
CEM design cab cars and coaches:
Supplier - Bombardier
CEM Cab cars -67 ordered
Series number -300 - 366
Delivered -300 -326
Seen in service -300, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 308, 313, 314, 316, 317, 318, 319, 320, 321, 322
In Transit from Bombardier - 327, 328
CEM Coaches -60 ordered
Series number -
Coaches -4000 series,
Accessibility coaches -4500 series
Delivery Schedule -begins early summer 2016.
Bi-level coach upgrade programs to Series V standards
2400 series coaches -Upgrade project
Cars in the 2400 series have now been upgraded to series V standards by CADRAIL in Lachine, PQ
2400 series cars recently released:
2415,2416,2418,2433,2430,2434,2435,2436,2442,2447,2450,2451,2452,2453,
2455
2000 series coaches -Upgrade project
The 2000 series cars are now being upgraded to series V standards as well. Coach 2035 was used as the prototype for the series V upgrade program and was finally released on February 23rd, 2016.
Cars currrently in the CADRAIL shops include:
2036,2037,2048,2051,2061,2078
Source: Canadian Railway Observations -March 2016 issue, with permission.
Here is brand new CEM cab car 319, on Thursday, April 13th, 2016, at the Oshawa GO station. It is getting ready to depart westward to Union Station and Aldershot. Tier 2 MP40PH-3 GO 621 is providing the motive power for this twelve car train. John Jeffery photo
Here is new CEM cab car GO 327, along with TTC Flexity tram 4419, on April 17th, 2016, sitting in CP's "E" yard in Thunder Bay, waiting to go east on CP Train 420. GO 327 left Monday night, April 18th, 2016., TTC 4419 left a day later. This photo was taken by our Thunder Bay contributor Bryan Martyniuk who keeps us up to date on all things Bombardier. Bryan Martyniuk photo with permission
With files from Mark Ostler - Media Relations and Issues Specialist - Metrolinx
With files from Kevin Argue - CRO contributor
METROLINXengage -new Metrolinx website https://goo.gl/LmOKCW
This is a new opportunity to learn more about Metrolinx projects and provide feedback.
Current Metrolinx Engage Participation Opportunities:
New Stations and Station Access, Fare Integration, Regional Transportation Plan, Electrification
Electrification -
GO Rail Network Electrification Transit Project
Presentation of Public Meetings in February/March
Metrolinx will start with a commissioning line at Willowbrook Shops in Etobicoke -the first layover facility to also be electrified -but they will be able to speak more to phasing following the first round of 15 public meetings which are taking place in February and March, throughout the GTA. These results are expected on June 28th, 2016.
Source: - Mark Ostler -Metrolinx
Electrification - Regional Meeting Display Board
https://goo.gl/a7Y8vJ - metrolinxengage.com
Electrification Engagement Initiatives
Details of Electrification Corridor by Corridor
https://goo.gl/u1Jh6F - metrolinxengage.com
Mimico Train Layover Facility
Here is the new GO Mimico Train Layover Facility on Sunday, April 17th, 2016. We are looking westward from the Islington Avenue bridge and the facility is on the left, at the west end of the VIA Toronto Maintenance Facility. It is directly across from the GO Willowbrook facility, which is on the right hand side. This additional layover yard will provide much needed train storage capacity. John Jeffery photo
East Rail Maintenance Facility, Whitby, ON - http://goo.gl/ZhNqub
Here is the main building of the East Rail Maintenance Facility on April 18th, 2016. The left photo shows the east end of the main shop and the right hand photo shows the west end of the main building. You can also see the additional shops and offices that are being built at the front of the main building. John Jeffery photos
South Blair St. Underpass Project, Whitby, ON - http://goo.gl/HHOFOv
Here is a view of the South Blair Underpass on April 18th, 2016, looking south from Victoria St. Whitby, ON towards the new underpass. Three bridges carry the tracks of the GO Lakeshore East Corridor (Three tracks), the CN Kingston Sub ( three tracks), and a spur into a local industry. The third GO track will be the west end lead track into the East Rail Maintenance Facility, on the north side of the Lakeshore East line. This underpass will be open to traffic later in the spring, once final paving is completed. John Jeffery photo
Capital Projects Group Quarterly Report -February 2016
Union Station Train Shed Enhancement Project -page four. "The $600 million project includes expansion and renovations of the Union Station Train Shed to allow for electrification and increased train service as part of GO Transit's RER"- http://goo.gl/th6sy1 - metrolinx.com
Here is West Harbour GO Station on April 18th, 2016. The left photo shows the platforms and parking area, looking northward and the right hand photo shows the main entrance and bus loop. The Hamilton LRT will also loop through here, eventually. John Jeffery photos
Here is the area north of West Harbour GO station where the third main track, from West Harbour to Hamilton Junction, is under construction. The right of way from the signal bridge over to Hamilton Junction is graded but no track has been laid down yet, except the little stretch on the far side of the signal bridge. The track layout will change from how it is now, greatly improving train movements into and out of West Harbour GO Station.
Two trains are now operating out of the facility Monday to Friday.
Notice that the new signal bridge in the foreground, which will govern train movements into West Harbour, has three signals on it. Two will be for station tracks and the third will be for the siding coming out of the CN Cargoflo Terminal in the background on the left. John Jeffery photos
Here is Hamilton Junction on April 18th, 2016. The three tracks on the left are CP's Hamilton Sub. The far track goes from Welland up to Guelph Junction and the other two come out of Hunter Street GO station and connect to the CN Grimsby sub, which is on the right. You can see Bayview Junction in the distance on the right.
The eastern abutment for the new bridge over the DesJardins canal is under construction on the foreground. This will be the east end of the new third main track being constructed by Metrolinx to improve GO train access into the West Harbour GO station. The track connection to this new track will be from the CN Grimsby Sub north track which is just east of the abutment for the new bridge. There will be another signal bridge here as well when everything is finished. John Jeffery photo
Lewis Road Train Layover Facility - http://goo.gl/3bldjk - gotransit.com
Here is an updated photo of the Lewis Ave. layover yard on April 18th, 2016. The yard is in the background, complete and ready to store GO trains. CN is now in the process of connecting the yard to mileage 33.22 of the CN Grimsby sub at McNeilly Road in Stoney Creek. You can see the signal bridge that will protect train movements northward toward Hamilton, which is now in position, with the new LED signals turned away from the track.
CN are building the rest of the yard lead, adding this new siding track to the level crossing at McNeilly Road, and building up the subgrade on the north side of the crossing to carry the rest of the yard lead out to the Grimsby Sub. The actual laying of the track on the north section of the yard lead, installing the track switch and then installing the rest of the signals are the next items to be done. The crossing signals on the west side of the crossing also have to be relocated to make room for the new yard lead track. John Jeffery photo
Kevin Argue & Mark Ostler
Region hears latest plans for Toronto-Waterloo corridor
by Martin Bauman. Posted Apr 15, 2016
http://goo.gl/xi660K - 570news.com
Capital Projects Group Quarterly Report -February 2016
Kitchener line -page three
http://goo.gl/th6sy1 - metrolinx.com
Track improvements -
Track work will commence in spring 2016, beginning in the area around the Guelph GO station.
Here is the GO Kitchener line at Edinburgh Road South in Guelph, Ontario, on April 2nd, 2016. Notice that there is a previous second track that has been retained when the road crossing was rebuilt last year. Looking eastward, the right of way for a second track from Edinburgh Road, to connect with the siding at the Guelph GO station, has been cleared of bushes and undergrowth. The right hand photo shows the second track looking westward from the crossing. John Jeffery photos
Shirley Ave. Layover Yard -Kitchener
Construction of the Shirley Ave. layover yard in Kitchener (Breslau) is in progress, and it will be operational in summer 2016. This yard will be on the north side of the GO Kitchener line and will have the capacity to store four GO trains. There will also be a GO bus maintenance facility on this site. When this layover yard is completed in early summer, the AM and PM train service between Union Station and Kitchener will be doubled.
Source: Mark Ostler- Metrolinx
Kevin Argue and Mark Ostler- Metrolinx
Richmond Hill Line
Capital Projects Group Quarterly Report -February 2016
Richmond Hill line -page four -http://goo.gl/th6sy1 - metrolinx.com
Gormley GO Station -Expansion project - http://goo.gl/gc1kpA
Barrie Line -Double Tracking Project
Capital Projects Group Quarterly Report -February 2016
Barrie Project -page three
http://goo.gl/th6sy1 - metrolinx.com
More Public Consultations Coming For GO Viaduct in Ward 18
The latest update on the proposed bridge to replace the Davenport Diamond
April 13, 2016 10:30 am | by David Brake
http://goo.gl/6D8OrR - urbantoronto.ca/infrastructure
Phase One - Six kilometres of second track between York University and the Rutherford GO station.
Phase two -Full double track expansion of the Barrie corridor, between Parkdale Junction on the GO Kitchener line and Allandale GO station in Barrie. Phase 2 will start later in 2016 and will be completed in the first half of 2017.
Source -Mark Ostler and Urban Toronto.ca
Stouffville Line: Double Tracking Project
Capital Projects Group Quarterly Report -February 2016
Stouffville Project -page four
http://goo.gl/th6sy1 - metrolinx.com
GO Lakeshore East Corridor -
The Lakeshore East Transit Project Assessment process has begun and completion is expected in Summer 2016. Station improvements at Guildwood GO Station are underway, and improvements will also be required at Rouge Hill GO Station. Two bridges at Highland Creek and the Rouge River must be widened to accommodate a third track and future fourth track.
Sources:
Mark Ostler -Metrolinx
Capital Projects Group Quarterly Report -February 2016
http://goo.gl/th6sy1 - metrolinx.com
Guildwood GO Station -Station Upgrade - http://goo.gl/Yo5zPw
Community Notice -April 11th, 2016 -
http://goo.gl/cDgDOJ - gotransit.com
Oshawa GO Station -Station Upgrade - http://goo.gl/UTVaM0
gotransit.com
Here is the new GO/VIA Station at Oshawa on Friday, April 22nd, 2016. You can see the original CN station behind it and the new VIA bridge over the main line tracks. Upon completion of the new station, the old CN station will be torn down, and a canopy constructed to connect it to the VIA bridge. New GO platforms will also be constructed. Completion is expected later in 2017. John Jeffery photo
Economic impact study shows GO train extension to Bowmanville would create 21,000 jobs
April 8th, 2016 -durhamradionews.com
Union Pearson Express can't break even at lower fare, report finds
Oliver Moore - Urban Transportation Reporter
The Globe and Mail
Published Sunday, Apr. 17, 2016
http://goo.gl/JKHN9c - globeamdmail.com
Crews make great progress on Lansdowne Bridge Replacement
Tweet by Anne Marie Aikins on Twitter -pictures of progress
Landsdowne Avenue Bridge Replacement - Planned Service Disruption. April 15-17, 2016
Union Pearson Express -Latest News
https://goo.gl/e8P2nm - UPExpress.com
Union Pearson Express photos
Here are UPX 1011 and 3006, eastbound under the Spadina Avenue bridge, heading for the Union Pearson Express terminal at Union Station. It is Thursday April 21st, 2016, and we are looking eastward from the Spadina Ave. bridge. UPX 3006 is a type C car and is square at both ends so it can operate mid-train or in the leading position. It has a driver's cab at one end and number boards and a headlight. John Jeffery photos
Here is UPX 1003 leading a three car Union Pearson Express airport train westbound to the Union Pearson Express terminal at Pearson International Airport, Terminal One. It is Thursday April 21st, 2016 and the train consist is made up of UPX 1003 (type A), UPX 3003 (type C), and UPX 1012 (type A).
Type C cars are square at both ends and can operate mid-train or in the leading position. The Union Pearson Express fleet is made up of 12 type A cars and 6 type C cars. More Union Pearson Express trains are now operating with three car consists due to the increase in ridership. John Jeffery photo
AECOM awarded transit contract from Metrolinx with CA$100-million maximum value
Metrolinx has awarded AECOM a contract to provide technical advisory services on the Hurontario Light Rail Transit (LRT) project in Mississauga and Brampton, Canada, and the Hamilton LRT project in Hamilton, Canada.
AECOM Media - Brendan Ranson-Walsh, April 14th, 2016
Crosstown Eglinton LRT -Toronto http://www.thecrosstown.ca
This line will be operated by the TTC, under contract to Metrolinx. The TTC has now designated this LRT route as Line 5 in their system.
Ministry of Labour investigating scaffolding collapse at future Eglinton Crosstown station Codi Wilson and Rachaeul D'Amore -CTV Toronto Tuesday April 19th, 2016 http://goo.gl/oVMt9N toronto.ctvnews.ca
Crosstown LRT Fly-through Mount Dennis to Kennedy - Video
Crosstown -What's New -April 15th, 2016 - http://goo.gl/OMTZj6
Construction Updates -April 15th, 2016
Finch West LRT update -January 2016
Project outline - http://goo.gl/9BZyW0 - www.metrolinx.com
TTC Considers Finch West and Crosstown LRT Link at Pearson
March 30, 2016 | by David Brake
http://goo.gl/H3zjEN - urbantoronto.ca
ION LRT- Region of Waterloo -
ION delay: Bombardier behind on building LRT train cars
Delays not expected to affect LRT launch date, says region
By Jackie Sharkey, CBC News Posted: Apr 14, 2016 -
http://goo.gl/cFWhSq - cbc.ca/news
Construction Domes taken down -So what was happening inside?
kitchener.ctvnews.ca - April 15th, 2016 - http://goo.gl/i5bE9b
Here are the domes over the King St. underpass bridge project in Kitchener on April 2nd, 2016. They were required to keep the curing concrete of the new railway bridge at a fixed temperature during the winter weather. In the left hand photo we are looking at the west side of the dome. The track in the foreground is the spur down to the interchange yard in south Kitchener where the Goderich and Exeter and Canadian Pacific interchange rail cars. The right hand photo is looking at the east side of the dome and you can see the Goderich and Exeter line to Stratford diverting around the north side. John Jeffery photos
Freshly poured concrete on Charles St. LRT trackage in Kitchener
9:04am -April 15th, 2016
ION - Construction Updates
http://goo.gl/BPb8um Updated April 19th, 2016
Interactive Map - General Information and Updates - https://goo.gl/TQkH2j
Here is ION LRT trackage on April 2nd, 2016, laid along Borden Ave, in Kitchener. This stretch will carry southbound only LRT cars from Charles St. to the Block line rail corridor, which leads south to Fairview Mall. Notice the gray catenary support poles, which have already been installed.
The northbound trackage is on Mill Street, the next street to the south. Both stretches of track connect the Block Line to Fairview Mall, to the Charles Street trackage, which carries LRT cars into downtown Kitchener and on to Waterloo. John Jeffery photo
ION Route Map - http://goo.gl/2PI4km
http://goo.gl/zWH0xM - rapidtransit.regionofwaterloo.ca
Hamilton LRT -
DRESCHEL: Coming to grips with LRT's traffic impacts
Mon., Mar 28, 2016 | By Andrew Dreschel
LRT door-knocking team to reach property owners
Hamilton Spectator By Matthew Van Dongen -March 29th, 2016
City of Hamilton LRT website -
Procurement for the LRT will start in 2017, with construction starting in 2019.
Ottawa LRT -Confederation Line
http://goo.gl/5hjl10 - Project Spotlight
http://goo.gl/5dW1tc - Construction Updates
TTC
TTC - APRIL 2016 NEWS - with files from Kevin Argue
Chief Executive Officer's Report -April 2016 Update
Report for Joint TTC-Metrolinx Board Meeting of April 27th, 2016
http://goo.gl/VFkadx - ttc.ca
TTC to get estimated $850 million from Federal Budget's Transit money
April 8, 2016 -citynews.ca
TTC and Metrolinx to hold joint board meeting
The two agencies will sit down together for the first time at the end of the month
By: Tess Kalinowski Transportation reporter, Published on Wed Apr 06 2016
http://goo.gl/oEKQk2 - thestar.com
SUBWAYS:
Downtown Relief Subway line -New line planned
A downtown relief line subway, but where? -An interactive look at the six options.
By: Jennifer Pagliaro City Hall reporter, William Davis Data Analyst, Published on Mon Mar 28 2016
http://goo.gl/AAJ0cK - thestar.com
Three Levels of Government Unveil Presto Gates at Main Street
April 8, 2016 1:24 pm | by Stefan Novakovic
Yonge Subway Line - Richmond Hill Extension proposal
Yonge Subway Extension -Viva Next
Proposal Status
http://goo.gl/YDOYG9 - vivanext.com
Yonge - University-Spadina-York Subway Extension -Line 1
http://goo.gl/0b1xZN - TTC project updates
Bloor-Danforth Subway -Scarborough extension - Line 2
TTC's Bloor-Danforth Subway turns 50 on February 25th, 2016
By Kevin Connor -First published February 24th, 2016
http://goo.gl/3cCGJJ - torontosun.com
Toronto Rocket (TR) Subway Cars 5381 -6176
This article provides a full description of the new TR group of cars, currently under construction by Bombardier in Thunder Bay. These cars are all based at Wilson Yard in Downsview. Six-car trainsets operate exclusively on line 1 (Yonge-University-Spadina-York extension) because they can operate on the new ATC signal system on that line.
Six - four-car trainsets operate only on line 4 (Sheppard).
http://goo.gl/ipBgwV - wikipedia.com
STREETCARS
TTC boss frustrated by yet another streetcar delivery delay
Promise of 4 new vehicles per month will not be met, CEO says
By Jonathan Rumley, CBC News Posted: Apr 22, 2016
http://goo.gl/ZB4B10 - cbc.ca/news/canada/ontario
A peek inside Leslie Barns, the TTC's new high-tech garage
By: Tess Kalinowski Transportation reporter, Published on Apr 10 2016
http://goo.gl/Ech8FX - thestar.com
TTC Streetcar Track Plans 2016 - 2020
http://goo.gl/EQTG5Y - stevemunro.ca
Flexity Outlook LFLRV- fleet. -4400 -4603
Flexity Outlook production units in revenue service:
4401 -Prototype unit will be upgraded to production unit after 4402 returns from Thunder Bay.
4402 - Prototype unit, at Bombardier Thunder Bay for upgrade to production unit.
4400 and 4403 to 4417 -In revenue service on the 509 Harbourfront line, and 510 Spadina line.
4418 -Entered Revenue service on the 510 Spadina line, on April 8th, 2016.
Seventeenth new TTC streetcar enters service
The TTC's newest low-floor streetcar, car number 4418, entered service on the 510 Spadina route on Friday evening, April 8th, 2016.
April 11th, 2016 https://goo.gl/3ZCfhj - ttc.ca
Here is TTC 4418, the 17th Flexity tram in service,
southbound on the 510
Spadina line just north of College Street, on Sunday, April 17th, 2016. This
tram entered revenue service on Friday, April 8th, 2016. John Jeffery
photo
Here is the 18th Flexity Tram, TTC 4419 on Tuesday evening, April 19th, 2016 in Thunder Bay. It is getting ready to depart "E" yard for Toronto on train 420 behind CP 8859 and CP 8804. This photo and update were provided by Thunder Bay CRO contributor Bryan Martyniuk. Bryan Martyniuk photo with permission
New - ROUTE 514 - THE CHERRY STREETCAR line
Cherry Street trackage -east end of the 514 route
TTC Testing Streetcars On Cherry Street, April 20 To 22
By Robert Mackenzie on April 20, 2016
http://goo.gl/2jjwV9 - transit.toronto.on.ca
Here is the new Distillery Loop on Cherry Street on Thursday, April 21st, 2016, which will be the east end of the new 514 Cherry Route. On Wednesday TTC 4401 (prot0type test unit) did a test run down Cherry Street to check the new track work and the overhead catenary. Notice the TTC Overhead Wiring truck and crew adjusting the catenary in the Distillery Loop. John Jeffery photo
Here is the junction between the 504 King East line and the new tracks on Cherry Street for the new 514 Cherry Route, on Thursday, April 21st, 2016. On Wednesday TTC 4401 did a test run down Cherry Street and checked all of the new trackage and new overhead catenary. Streetcars can connect both eastward and westward to and from the 504 King line from Cherry Street. The Flexity trams will be coming from Leslie Barns, east of here, to go into service. When they go from the Distillery Loop to the Dufferin Loop, in service, they will be going to and from the western end of the King line. John Jeffery photo
Dufferin street trackage -dufferin loop -west end of the 514 route
By James Bow -March 28th, 2016
Article about the new 514 Cherry St. streetcar route that begins operation on June 19th, 2016. There is also some information on the history of the neighborhoods it will serve.
http://goo.gl/PldoJq - transit.toronto.on.ca
Streetcar overhead wiring upgrades - Dufferin Street south of King Street
February 29 to early June 2016
This will allow the operation of low-floor LFLRV streetcars on Dufferin Street between King Street and the Dufferin Gates loop. This is in preparation for the start-up of the 514 Cherry streetcar route on June 19th, 2016. This route will use Flexity LFLRV cars between the Dufferin Gates Loop on Dufferin Street, along King Street to the newly built Distillery Loop on Cherry Street.
Here is Dufferin Street south of King Street on April 18th, 2016. Notice that the overhead infrastructure has already been upgraded, south of King Street. The track work had been upgraded previously. The left hand photo shows Dufferin Street looking north from the Dufferin loop. The right hand photo shows Dufferin Street looking south towards the Dufferin loop. Notice that the upgraded catenary, so far, has only been installed on Dufferin Street itself. The upgraded catenary has yet to be installed in the Dufferin Loop. John Jeffery photos
Here is the Dufferin Loop on April 18th, 2016. This will be the west end of the 514 Cherry Streetcar route, which starts on June 19th, 2016. This route will use the new Flexity LFLRV trams, which requires track work and overhead catenary upgrades. The old catenary in the loop has been removed and the upgraded catenary has not yet been installed. Any necessary track work upgrades in the loop will be carried out as well. John Jeffery photos
Here is the intersection of Dufferin and King Street West on April 18th, 2016. Notice that the overhead catenary needs to be upgraded, as well as the track work in the intersection, before the 514 Cherry route starts on June 19th, 2016. Cherry 514 cars will come west along King Street, from the Distillery Loop on Cherry Street, and then turn south on Dufferin Street to the Dufferin Loop. This intersection needs to be in top shape in order to be able to handle a constant flow of Flexity LFLRV trams. John Jeffery photo
Other Streetcar Infrastructure
TTC Repairing Streetcar Tracks On Bathurst Street, Starting March 28
By Robert Mackenzie on March 25, 2016 -
http://goo.gl/7g5ZqT - transit.toronto.on.ca
College Street Wiring Upgrades: TTC Detours, April 15 To 18
By Robert Mackenzie on April 14, 2016
CALGARY LRT Considers a Pricy Green Line Extension
The city's preferred option for the north-central leg of the Green Line LRT is to bore a tunnel from 20th Avenue and Centre Street N., under the Bow River and the downtown core to connect with the southeast portion of the line. At an estimated $1.3 billion, it's roughly $500 million more expensive than four other options city officials have mulled over since December. But the hefty price tag would ultimately have less impact on development and cause fewer traffic problems, says project manager Jon Lea. "It's certainly the most expensive, but we feel it best serves Calgary today and into the future as well," Lea told reporters Monday. The city has been exploring other options to get the Green Line LRT over the river, including running the train on the Centre Street bridge and through a tunnel downtown, a shallow tunnel beneath Centre Street over a new bridge and another tunnel downtown, and an elevated system through the core over the Bow River on a new bridge and tunnelling beneath Centre Street. "We are happy to announce that through public input, through our technical analysis, looking at economic outcomes and urban development and redevelopment opportunities, the underground option is the one that is meeting our criteria the best," Lea said.
The project, currently projected to cost $4.5 billion to $5 billion, would stretch more than 40 kilometres across the city from North Pointe to the southeast community of Seton. That cost projection is based on a Class 4 estimate, which has an accuracy range of minus 40 per cent to plus 75 per cent. It does not include remaining land acquisition along the north-central portion of the line. "As we work through the design it's where we're going to really narrow down the numbers," said Lea. "When we come to council in the summer we'll have updated estimates." The city recently notified about 300 land owners along the north-central line that the project may impact their property, though it's unclear how many will ultimately be affected. "Not all of those properties will be required, but as we refine the design then we'll work with the property owners, to acquire their land," said Lea. The federal government has pledged $1.5 billion in funding, while city council approved $1.56 billion over 30 years. The NDP government has not made any financial commitment. "We have to be wary of cost without question, but at the (same) time are we wasting money over the long term by doing something cheap and easy and quick just to get something done," said Coun. Shane Keating. "Are we actually saving money today by going underground rather than trying to move it in the future like a lot of other municipalities have," Keating said. "Those are things that have to be studied over the next six to eight months before we actually get shovels in the ground." The city continues to evaluate three options - underground, street-level or elevated - to get the Green Line through the Beltline on either 10th Avenue, 11 Avenue or 12th Avenue south. A series of public meetings and pop-up events were planned including an interactive installation at Olympic Plaza in late April (Postmedia).
AMTRAK NEWS
(Edited by William H Baird)
editor@canadianrailwayobservations.com
AMTRAK TRAIN #89 Collision NTSB Report
Amtrak Train #89 struck a backhoe sitting on the southbound mainline track in
Chester, PA in April, killing two Amtrak employees and injuring 35 passengers.
A federal directive issued to Amtrak April 6th, confirms the rail agency's
workers weren't following basic safety rules when a weekend train crash killed
two people in Chester. The directive of action from the Federal Railroad
Administration is the first official confirmation that safety rules weren't
followed in the Sunday crash. Specifically, it highlighted concerns about the
way personnel working on tracks follow safety standards. It stated both
federal regulations and Amtrak's internal rules were not being followed at the
time of the crash, according to information provided by a senior FRA official.
What is amazing about the tragic chain of events leading to this needless accident was the people working on the tracks didn't have 2 items they were suppose to have. They had a cell phone but not radio communications with the dispatcher. This would have given them more information of rail traffic coming their way. The other was they didn't have a shunting device. Even if the dispatcher who is this case failed to set a red block for the track they were working on, the work crew as a back up are suppose to use a shunting device. A shunting device is basically a glorified auto jumper cable. This creates an electrical short circuit which also happens when a train enters a block tripping a red block signal. The big question is why didn't this crew have these 2 items which are required by FRA regulations? (via Noel T. Bramer - RailPac - April 11, 2016).
Photos show the damage inside an Amtrak train after it struck a backhoe on the tracks and partially derailed near Philadelphia Sunday morning (April 3rd) killing two Amtrak employees. "The whole train was shaking like it was going to fall apart," passenger Ari Ne'eman said. "All you could see was a lot of dirt and debris flying past the train," passenger Beth Blakely said of the crash, which also left 35 people with non-life-threatening injuries. "And then there was a couple of sort of like fire flashes. (ABC News-Apr 4, 2016). http://tinyurl.com/hruppu3
Amtrak has been ordered to retrain rail workers on basic safety rules days after a train going 106 miles per hour struck and killed two Amtrak employees working on the same track in April. The mandate from the Federal Railroad Administration suggests the veteran Amtrak workers may not have known the track was being reopened to train traffic. The directive, in bold print, orders Amtrak to reinforce the rule that a track will not be reopened until all workers have either left the area or been warned about an approaching train.
Federal agencies have repeatedly advised railroads to use backup safety precautions for workers on the rails after accidents hauntingly similar to April 3rd's fatal Amtrak crash in Chester. Sources with knowledge of the crash that killed two have said a communications lapse during a shift change contributed to workers' staying on the rails while safety precautions designed to route trains away from them were canceled. This exact scenario, according to a 2014 Federal Railroad Administration safety advisory, has been an ongoing problem in railroad work.
AMTRAK DERAILMENT IN KANSAS
(Progressive Railroading - Apr 7, 2016)
The forward-facing video from Amtrak's lead locomotive also showed abnormal track immediately before the derailment, NTSB officials said in the report. At the scene, investigators found fresh damage to the north ends of the ties and fresh tire tracks perpendicular to the tracks. In addition, they found a small amount of flaked corn, which is a type of cattle feed. Investigators traced the tire tracks to a feed lot owned by Cimarron Crossing Feeders LLC, where the tread on a 2004 Kenworth International truck matched the tire track impressions at the scene, NTSB officials said. http://tinyurl.com/hjv3cya
Amtrak suing Cimarron cattle company regarding train derailment (KWCH-Apr 9, 2016)
Court documents show Amtrak is alleging Cimarron Crossing Feeders employees left a feed truck unattended, out of gear and without the brakes on. It said that truck rolled downhill and hit the track causing damage "that resulted in a displacement of the railroad tracks of over one foot."
Amtrak is accusing the employees of removing the truck from the track area without telling anyone about the damage the truck caused to the tracks.
Shaun Heller shot Amtrak Cascades train #513 arriving with AMTK 468 leading March 19th, 2016. If you look further back, you can see that a BNSF unit is on the tail end, BNSF SD70ACE 9342!
Please submit your AMTRAK IN CANADA photos directly to William H. Baird
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