AMT - Agence
Metropolitaine de Transport
(Edited by Jean-Francois Turcotte)
amtnews@canadianrailwayobservations.com
ALP45-DP VIGNETTE:
My friend Ken Goslett took this great shot of the first of the AMT's new Bombardier-built ALP45-DP Dual Mode (Diesel/Electric) locomotives (AMT 1350), testing in Diesel Mode on the CP mainline trackage on Montreal's West Island in 2012. Note that the locomotive and multi-level cab car behind have clearance testing material affixed to their sides. As well you will not the these locomotive have a second set of horns for safety. Horn Redundancy is required on all mainline passenger locomotives, and cab cars in Canada. Canadian Pacific Railway authorized the use of the ALP-45DP locomotives in diesel mode only, and in November 7th, 2012 the first eight ALP-45DP's were at (ex-CP) AMT Sortin Yard being prepared for service on CP trackage only. You may recall the locomotive derailment on CN inside Central Station that temporarily banned them from CN Trackage when these loco were still factory fresh.
Michael Berry shot AMT ALP45-DP 1352 pushing a deadhead movement westbound on CP's Westmount Subdivision, during the morning rush hour, on March 31st, 2015. In the far distance three more AMT trains can be seen near Montreal West station. Today, the triple tracking of the Westmount Sub has been nearly completed.
Several of the AMT F59PH units have now been repainted into the new AMT wave livery. AMXX 1349 (Ex-GO) was shot in fresh AMT paint at the B&P Locomotive Works in Butler, PA in August 2015. (Peter Short photo).
AMT/STCUM VIGNETTE:
Pierre Fournier was one of the first railfans to catch three rebuilt former CN GP9's in fresh STCUM paint at AMF/ CN Pointe St-Charles Shop on April 27th, 1990. The three GP9RMu's were STCUM 1311, 1312 and 1313. The Montreal commuter transit system didn't opt for the new 1700 gallon fuel tank and went a smaller one. STCUM (who later became AMT) only rostered four of them in total (AMT 1310-1313).
Retired from service, AMT GPRM9u 1310, 1312, and 1313 were sold a few years ago, and AMT 1311 was donated to the CRHA Exporail Museum. Michael Berry Shot AMT 1311 at Exporail in St-Constant, QC in 2014.
AMT Mascouche line News
Starting on November 2, 2015, AMT will reintroduce
stopping-service at St-Léonard - Montréal Nord and Anjou stations for
reverse-commuting trains #1201 and 1212. These usually run on the East main to
meet opposing traffic - AMT's Mascouche trains normally use the West main
between Grou (near Pointe aux Trembles) and Montréal Nord. The platforms for
these stops will not handle full-length train, as they were originally built for
emergency use only.
Meanwhile, an unfortunate consequence of not building a station in Charlemagne
(dropped to reduce costs) is that the Repentigny station's parking is already
full, despite the line's initially disappointing ridership level. AMT intends
adding 160 additional parking spaces in the following weeks.
AMT Candiac line News
Quebec's Transport Minister has approved the construction of a temporary station on the Candiac Line near the Lachine Canal (on Victoria street). This station, first announced in 2013 but never funded until now, will be used to relieve roadwork congestion on A20 during the massive rebuilding of the Turcot - St-Pierre interchange. The Blainville (now St-Jérôme), Delson (now Candiac) and St-Hilaire lines all started as temporary projects which later became permanent, so it is possible that this station will remain in service after 2020. It may even become an interchange point with the future Airport and West Island light rail line planned by Québec's Caisse de Dépôt et de Placement (CDP).
AMT ST-Jérôme line News
Station or not? A station has been planned in Mirabel (between Blainville and St-Antoine) for more than a decade, well before the line was actually extended to St-Jérôme in 2006. A land use dispute with Quebec's Union des Producteurs Agricoles (UPA) has so far prevented the station from being built, as the proposed parking lot would enroach on agricultural land, and many fear that more mearby land could be converted for residential use once the the station is built.
While dormant, the Mirabel station project is apparently still alive and will be reviewed by Quebec's Transportation Minister. This station could offer some relief for the heavily-used Blainville station, and will offer Mirabel residents a welcomed alternative to the heavily congested highways A15 and 117.
AMT Motive Power News
AMT F59PH #1340-1349 are a group of ten such units acquired from Toronto's GO Transit when replaced by newer, cleaner and more powerful MP40PH-3 units.
AMT has contracted Brookville Locomotives to rebuild six of the ten F59PH's
(#1340, 1343, 1346-1349). The rebuilt units are now designated F59PH-3's, and
are being repainted in AMT's "Wave" scheme. Units 1348 and 1349 have been
sighted in service on the Vaudreuil-Hudson line, and other units have been
sighted in transit to Montreal, from Brookville, PA.
Meanwhile, units 1341, 1342, 1344 and 1345 were pressed into service on the
Candiac line to replace leased RBRX F59PH's of the same origin. These units
quickly received a temporary "stealth" paint scheme, with AMT markings hastily
applied on an all-gray or white primer paint. They are expected to be rebuilt in
the following months, although it is unclear if the work will be contracted to
Brookville or to another supplier.
F59PH's are preferred to tall-riding F59PHI's on the Candiac line, because they
are less sensitive to the often-strong winds plaguing CP's bridge over the
St.Lawrence River between Lasalle and Kahnawake. Several years ago, empty
containers riding doublestacked on a Montreal Maine & Atlantic train were
toppled by high winds, closing the line for several days.
Please submit your Metrolinx/GO Transit/LRT/TTC News and photos to wce1942@gmail.com
Metrolinx Projects - with files from CRO contributor Kevin Argue
A Frustrating Update on Transit Expansion Plans steve munro.ca
An article written on September 29th, 2015 by Steve Munro outlining the present status of Transit projects in Metropolitan Toronto. It includes both TTC and Metrolinx projects, along with a very useful map.
GO Transit service between Toronto and Peterborough
Mark Ostler has provided the following statement about the proposed commuter rail service to Peterborough on October 15th, 2015. Detailed plans have been completed of several scenarios, if Metrolinx do decide to proceed with this project in the future.
Metrolinx has not purchased the CP Havelock subdivision, nor are we in the process of purchasing it at this time.
Metrolinx is not currently pursuing the expansion of commuter rail service to Peterborough. We are focused on expanding and improving the existing GO rail network through our ongoing work that will lead to the implementation of Regional Express Rail.
Source: Mark Ostler - Media Relations & Issues Specialist Metrolinx
Regional Express Rail:
Metrolinx considers 50 potential locations for new GO stations
This article documents some of the impacts of Regional Express Rail. Electric locomotives allow for 15 minute headways, and the addition of more stations, a number of which were recommended by John Tory in his Smart Track proposal. This has now been integrated into the Regional Express Rail project. Review the map in the article for further details.
Rapid Transit Capital Projects Update
Metrolinx Board Meeting - September 22, 2015
GO TRANSIT -NOVEMBER NEWS
GO Transit Fleet - with files from William Baird/ Bryan Girling/ Bryan Martyniuk
Locomotives
Diesel Electric Fleet- Update October 15th, 2015
Mark Ostler from Metrolinx has shared the following information about their Diesel Electric fleet planning process.
Since Metrolinx has been given the mandate by the Government of Ontario to proceed with electrification it changed our diesel electric locomotive fleet planning. The extra on board emissions reduction equipment to achieve tier 4 was larger than originally anticipated. It was decided that if we switched to AC drive technology (from the current DC) it would result in more room to package the equipment and provide a better performing & maintainable locomotive e.g. mission reliability, lower maintenance activities and better adhesion performance in wet rail conditions. The window for conversion had passed where we had sufficient units to cycle through a conversion program. So we elected to purchase 16 new Tier 4 AC units which is planned to bridge us until we need to start buying electric equipment (e.g. electric locomotives, EMUs etc).
Source: Mark Ostler - Media Relations & Issues Specialist Metrolinx
Repowering Program - Update - October 15th 2015 -
Mark Ostler has also shared the following information about the repowering program. Unit 647 is on its way to TTCI in Pueblo, Colorado for vehicle dynamic testing and then will come to Toronto towards the end of the year to be commissioned and start its revenue testing. As mentioned above, we will not convert any more and instead will focus on 16 new Tier 4 AC units which is a better solution. The prototype will be very valuable for us to verify engine control and performance in advance of the 16 new ones.
Transportation Technology Centre - Pueblo Colorado
http://goo.gl/9zpZV - TTCi website
http://goo.gl/mOlmnZ - test track facility map
Source: Mark Ostler - Media Relations & Issues Specialist Metrolinx
Robert Boes - CRO Contributor - Boise, Idaho
GO F59PH 563 eastbound at Spadina into Union Station on Aug 4th, 2015. Bryan Girling picture with permission.
GO MP 40-PH-3C 658 eastbound at Spadina on Aug 4th, 2015. The aftercooler for tier 3 emissions can clearly be seen on the roof, right behind the cab. Bryan Girling picture with permission.
GO CEM (Crash Energy Management) Cars - Latest version of the Bombardier bi-level coach
67 new design Type IX CEM (Crash Energy Management) cars are on order, along with 60 CEM coaches. Prototype cab cars 302, and 303 have been delivered so far. In the news release GO Transit said:
This will allow us to introduce more trips to meet growing ridership demand as we work to bring Regional Express Rail service to the GO network. The new train cars will also provide a more comfortable ride for GO customers by such features as:
Seats spaced further apart giving more leg room and more space between and underneath for bags and luggage.
Improved cushioning on seats and head rests, and moveable arm rests.
Washrooms with electric hand dryers and touchless water and soap dispensers.
Additional floor heat to help maintain warmer temperatures inside the coaches during the winter months.
Flooring material that helps reduce the noise of the train for a quieter ride.
Softer lighting that is easier on the eyes.
Doorways that make it easier to get in and out of the coach, especially with strollers and bikes, since the centre pole near the doors is removed.
Source: http://goo.gl/LPSnMo
GO 300, one of 67 new Type IX Crash Energy Management design cab cars, has just been picked up from the Bombardier plant in Thunder Bay on Sunday, September 27th, 2015. It is spotted in Canadian Pacific's Westfort yard, waiting for furtherance to GO Willowbrook Shops in Mimico on CP Train 420. The 60 standard coaches in this order will also have the same Crash Energy Management design and additional features. The CEM design is the latest design change (Type IX) to the Bombardier bi-level coach. Bryan Martyniuk picture, with permission.
GO Transit Commuter Car upgrade (2400 series)
GO 2035 was the first Bi-Level 1 upgrade of this series to be completed at CAD., and is staying on the property as all methodology, procedures, and standards are developed and based, from this first prototype example. These cars are being overhauled and upgraded to Type V standards.
RELEASED (GO):
GO 2415, 2416, 2418, 2433, 2430, 2435, 2447, 2450, 2451, in June, July and August.
Source: Canadian Railway Observations
GO 2435 at Oshawa North on the GO Lakeshore East line, on Wednesday , October 7th, 2015. This coach has recently been overhauled and upgraded to Type V standards at CADRAIL in Lachine, Quebec. John Jeffery photo.
GO Transit Expansion:
GO Part 2: Weekend All-Day GO Trains Possible In Hamilton 2016
Excellent article by Mark Rejhon on GO Expansion in the Hamilton area. Part 2 of a series.
West Harbour GO Station- with files from Walter Pfefferle
Mark Ostler of Metrolinx has shared the following information regarding the possible track connection to the CN Grimsby sub, towards Niagara Falls, at the West Harbour GO station. This would allow GO Niagara trains to stop at West Harbour.
The possibility of our Niagara Seasonal Service stopping at West Harbour GO Station depends on the outcome of complex negotiations with CN, which is currently being undertaken by Metrolinx.
Source: Mark Ostler - Media Relations & Issues Specialist Metrolinx
West Harbour Construction update:
The following photos were taken by CRO webmaster Walter Pfefferle. They show the construction progress of the station, trackwork, and signals, to October 11th, 2015.
A Niagara Thanksgiving weekend service train moves eastbound on the CN Grimsby sub, through Hamilton yard, past West Harbour GO station. October 11th, 2015. Walter Pfefferle photo with permission.
This photo shows the parking garage nearing completion and the Elevator/stairwell at the east end of the station almost finished. October 11th, 2015. Walter Pfefferle photo with permission.
This photo shows the trackwork and signals leading out of West Harbour GO station toward CN Bayview Junction. October 11th, 2015. Walter Pfefferle photo with permission.
Georgetown South project - Kitchener line
http://goo.gl/TKtbAE -A project update on the construction of a direct track connection from the CN Brampton subdivision at Georgetown, to the GO Kitchener subdivision at Silver Junction. This will allow GO Trains and Goderich and Exeter trains to access the Kitchener line west of Georgetown without interfering with the flow of CN freight trains at Georgetown.
GO Kitchener Line - with files from Kevin Argue - update October 15th, 2015
CTC Signal System - Silver Junction(Georgetown) to London
VIA Rail confirmed on August 31st, 2015 that the CTC signal system and track switches between Silver Junction(Georgetown) , Stratford, and London, on the GO Kitchener line/ CN Guelph sub, are planned to be activated on October 31st, 2015. Source: VIA Rail Public Affairs
Mark Ostler of Metrolinx has shared the following update on VIA's signal work on the Kitchener line.
VIA's signal work will improve safety in the area by allowing CTC to locate trains on the corridor, and will improve some of the at-grade crossing protection as well. The area currently has no signals and a single track so being able to locate trains on the corridor is important for operations.
Metrolinx updates source: Mark Ostler - Media Relations & Issues Specialist Metrolinx
VIA Rail source: VIA Rail Public Affairs Department
Union Pearson Express
UPX 3005 is eastbound into the UPX Union Station terminal and passes Spadina on August 4th, 2015. 3005 is a type C car with square ends that can be used in the leading position, or mid-train in a three car consist. Bryan Girling picture with permission.
Metrolinx's reputation on the line with poor figures for Pearson express train
This article by Oliver Moore of the Globe and Mail on September 25th, 2015, documents the latest dilemma for this new service. Lower fares or leave them as is?
LRT Transit Projects in Central Ontario - NOVEMBER 2015 NEWS
Bombardier is supplying the LRT cars for these projects. There are five models in the Flexity family of cars of which the Flexity Freedom LRT car is one variation. https://goo.gl/Ox2uo6
Crosstown LRT - Toronto
End to End - Eglinton Crosstown www.crosstown.ca
A short video that gives you a complete outline of the project. Very interesting, including a description of which stations connect to other services. The Western terminus of Mount Dennis and the associated service facility are also included in these descriptions.
Knitting Crosstown LRT Stations into Toronto Neighbourhoods
October 13, 2015 by Stefan Novakovic
http://goo.gl/JjdQWA - Urban Toronto News
Westward Tunnel Boring Commences - Crosstown East
This article by Jack Landau, for urbantoronto.ca on September 24th, 2015, documents the commencement of tunnel boring westward from Brentcliffe Drive in Leaside, to Yonge Street, by machines Don and Humber.
http://goo.gl/RHrx7O - Urban Toronto Infrastructure news
Eastward Tunnel Boring - Crosstown West
The other two machines, Dennis and Lea, tunneling eastward from Black Creek Drive to Yonge Street, have reached Bathurst Street. All tunneling will be completed by the end of 2016.
http://goo.gl/IgG8BL - Track the Tunnel Boring Machines
Bombardier Prototype display unit of the LRT Flexity Freedom car at the Jane & Finch Mall on September 27th, 2015. The route map of proposed LRT routes can be seen off to the right of the car. In LRT service there will be five sections to the vehicle, the same as the TTC Flexity Outlook Streetcar. The Flexity Freedom car is standard gauge, and will run in trains of two car sets. John Jeffery photo.
This is the interior of the prototype Flexity Freedom LRT car display unit. This view is looking toward the front of the car. The floor of the Flexity Freedom car is at platform height at all LRT stations. John Jeffery photo.
Hurontario - Main LRT - Update
Projected cost is $1.6 billion (2014$) - Seeking federal funding through PPP Canada. - EA complete - Approximately 3 years to start of construction.
- Next steps include: - Tendering for Technical Advisory services and providing the board with recommendation for award in fall of 2015. - Acquisition of key parcels of property. - Development of agreements with local/regional governments. - Resolution of Brampton downtown alignment. - Development of a risk-based master schedule throughout the RFQ/RFP phase. - Development of an early works plan.
Source: http://goo.gl/FOtD8x
ION LRT- Region of Waterloo - with files from Kevin Argue/ William Baird
ION - Construction Updates
First on-street LRT tracks installed in Kitchener - KW Record - October 4th, 2015
ION vehicles expected to arrive locally in late 2016
CTV
Kitchener
Published Tuesday, September 22, 2015 6:03PM EDT http://goo.gl/DxYseO
Hamilton LRT:
Metrolinx has assigned a dedicated Director to the project. http://goo.gl/FOtD8x
Metrolinx will trim Hamilton LRT project before it goes over budget
TTC - NOVEMBER 2015 NEWS
Subways:
Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension
http://www.ttc.ca/Spadina/index.jsp
Toronto Rocket (TR) Subway Cars
Streetcars:
Flexity Outlook LFLRV- fleet. - 4400 - 4603
These cars are currently based at the Roncesvalles Car Barn located at Queen and King, on the west end of the 501 Queen line. The entire Flexity Outlook LFLRV fleet will move to Leslie Barns Car Barn, once it opens later this fall. Leslie Barns, located at Lakeshore Boulevard and Leslie Street South, has all the latest equipment to properly service these new streetcars, that are equipped with a much more advanced level of technology than the CLRV or ALRV fleets.
Flexity Outlook production units in revenue service:
4401 - Prototype unit, will be upgraded to production unit in November 2015 after 4402 returns from Thunder Bay.
4402 - Prototype unit, at Bombardier Thunder Bay for upgrade to production unit.
4400 and 4403 to 4411 - In revenue service on the 509 Harbourfront line, and 510 Spadina line. Once there are 12 Flexity LFLRV streetcars on the 510 line, the 511 Bathurst line will be next to get the new LFLRV cars.
4411 - Entered revenue service on September 28th, 2015. (10th Flexity tram in service).
TTC LFLRV 4411, the latest Flexity Outlook tram, which entered revenue service September 28th, 2015. It is pulling away from the Sussex Ave. platform, southbound on the 510 Spadina line on October 7th, 2015. John Jeffery photo.
Streetcar Infrastructure:
Overhead Catenary Wiring Upgrades - update September 19th, 2015
Leslie Barns: update
Maiden trip 4401 - Queen Street to Leslie Barns - September 21st, 2015
Maiden voyage of a streetcar down the new Leslie Street connecting track to Leslie Barns. (LFLRV 4401 did the honours) Brad Ross picture - TTC Helps. https://goo.gl/AqtzMI
Another test trip down Leslie St. Connecting Track with 4401 - September 28th, 2015
Second picture shows the pantograph deployed in Leslie Barns while they test the catenary. Notice the camera mounted underneath on front truck. They were checking the trackwork as well. Brad Ross picture - TTC Helps.
Aerial view of Leslie Barns - October 2nd, 2015
Leslie Barns from above. Views of the tracks, green roof and storm water pond Fred Sandoval picture. Leslie Barns @TTC Leslie Barns on Twitter
AMTRAK IN CANADA
(Edited by William H Baird)
editor@canadianrailwayobservations.com
On October 11th, Walter Pfefferle snapped VIA/ AMTRAK 97 with AMTRAK 172 slides through the Southern Ontario Railway Yard and by the continuing construction of the new GO facility in Hamilton Ontario.
An Amtrak passenger train#55 the southbound The Vermonter derailed in Northfield, Vermont, on October 5th, injuring seven people. Officials said there were no fatalities but seven were injured. Dana Huoppi, a spokeswoman with the Montpelier Fire Department, said the locomotive and four of the five came off the tracks with two into the drainage ditch, following the train encountering a rock slide and washout on the ROW. The food service car on the rear was the only car still on the rails. The locomotive was on the ground with diesel fuel leaking from tank.
UPDATE: 'Vermonter' engine 'dead in tow' on OCTOBER 12th.
Amtrak's southbound Vermonter crashed as the result of a rockslide on Oct. 5 near Northfield, Vt. Several people on board were injured. On Oct. 11, recovery crews hauled the locomotive from the right-of-way about a mile to a rail yard in Northfield.
NORTHFIELD, Vt. — Locals in Vermont got an up-close look on Sunday at how railroads take care of wrecked locomotives. Thomas Clifford provided this photo gallery documenting the move of Amtrak No. 102, the lead locomotive on an ill-fated Vermonter train that derailed when it struck a rockslide on Oct. 5. (Tains Newswire).
Please submit your AMTRAK IN CANADA photos directly to William H. Baird
© CRO November 2015