AMT - Agence
Metropolitaine de Transport
(Edited by Jean-Francois Turcotte and William H Baird)
amtnews@canadianrailwayobservations.com
The Cat is Out of the Box - Meet CPDQ's REM
The Caisse de Depot et de Placements du Quebec (CPDQ)'s light rail project was officially unveiled to the public on April 22, 2016. The Reseau Electrique MontrEalais (REM) would stretch from Brossard's DIX30 Power Center on the South Shore to Deux-Montagnes on the North Shore , with branches running to the Dorval Trudeau airport and along A40 in the West Island to Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue.
As expected, CPDQ would build and operate an automated light rail metro line on the new Champlain Bridge (set to open by the end of 2018) to replace an existing and overcrowded busway operating on the current Champlain Bridge. The line would then operate on a mostly underground alignment to reach Central Station.
This choice is obviously inspired by Vancouver's Canada line, in which CPDQ has a stake.
The End of the Deux-Montagnes line
A far more controversial aspect of the plan would see CPDQ absorbing AMT's popular Deux-Montagnes electric commuter rail line and fully convert it to a light rail automated metro line, running through the Mount Royal Tunnel, which would be forever closed to commuter and intercity rail traffic. This also includes AMT's brand-new Mascouche line, which would be forced out of its downtown terminal, with riders forced to transfer to the REM at a new station to be built near Jct de l'Est.
The conversion of the Deux-Montagnes line to a light rail metro would involve major alterations to infrastructures:
Rebuilding of all stations with 80-meters long high-level platforms. The line currently uses 260 meters-long low-level platforms.
Complete replacement of rails and ties for light rail operations.
Replacement of the CTC with a communication-based signaling system.
Double-tracking of all single-track sections, including bridges over Riviere des Prairies and Riviere des Milles Iles.
Closure of all fifteen grade crossings on the line.
Replacement of the existing 25 kV AC60Hz electrification by a new 1.5kV DC system.
The Deux-Montagnes line would operate on a 6-minutes headway. The Airport and West Island branches would operate on a 12-minutes headway, with a combined 3-minutes headway on the common section through Ville St-Laurent and the Mount Royal tunnel. This short headway would preclude any other rail traffic from ever using the tunnel again.
CPDQ's official video presenting its project:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-H5hq-1yS0
The following document (in French) contains further technical information:
http://cdpqinfra.com/sites/all/files/document/avis_au_marche_fr.pdf
All this comes with a 5.5 billion price tag, with CPDQ kicking in 3 billions and the rest expected to come from various levels of government funding.
A Terrible Day for Rail Transportation in Montreal
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While CPDQ's proposal won praise from elected officials, transit enthusiasts and economic stakeholders, evidences are emerging that CPDQ's radical proposal to seize the Mount Royal tunnel rail line was pushed forward without consulting any existing agency currently operating rail service in the Montreal area (notably AMT and VIA Rail). As currently proposed, the REM will have a far-reaching impact that can severely harm the future of rail transportation in the Greater Montreal area. Not only will the REM lead to expensive asset write-downs that will amount to major waste of taxpayer-funded investments, its lack of interoperability with the conventional rail network will greatly restrict any future development. Adieu, Mascouche?
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The first major casualty of the REM would be AMT's Mascouche line, which was built at a cost of 671M$ and opened less than two years ago. Without its direct connexion with downtown, Mascouche line riders will be forced to either connect with the Orange mEtro line at SauvE (itself already overcrowded) or with the REM near Jct de l'Est. Since an 8-car Multilevel trainset can seat more 1121 people, one has to wonder how these will fit in a 4-cars light rail metro that can transport only 600 people (most of them standing), and that will likely be crowded with Deux-Montagnes, Airport or West Island riders.
A likely outcome is that ridership will severely drop on the Mascouche line when the REM cuts if short out of Central Station, potentially threatening its viability.
The Mascouche trains will also be unable to reach the future Pointe St-Charles maintenance center. Speaking of which an (almost) empty Maintenance Center.
AMT is currently building a major commuter train maintenance center in Pointe St-Charles, at a cost of 320M$. This center would have hosted Deux-Montagnes, Mascouche and St-Hilaire trains is (was?) expected to open in 2018, with construction work well under way.
By closing the Deux-Montagnes line and cutting the Mascouche line short, AMT's brand-new maintenance center will end up hosting only the St-Hilaire trains.
CPDQ has stated it could try using the center for its own needs, but it's hard to foresee how a maintenance center, already under construction, and designed for heavy-rail vehicles, could ever be modified to host a mix of heavy rail and electric light rail automated vehicles, both operating on separate networks with completely different technologies.
No More Train de l'Ouest
For years, AMT has been advocating major capacity enhancement to the Vaudreuil-Hudson line, notably building dedicated, electrified tracks. CPDQ has no intention of converting the Vaudreuil-Hudson line to REM, instead choosing to build the light rail through an industrial area along A40. This will likely cannibalize the Vaudreuil-Hudson line's ridership, which could lead to service reduction.
Overcrowed From the Start
Evidences are mounting that the CPDQ's choice of automated light rail technology may not be adequate for the projected ridership of the REM.
The short length of the trains (80 meters) and the small capacity of the light rail vehicles (compared to a MR-90 or Multilevel train sets) will make it hard for the REM to absorb even the current ridership levels, despite the projected 3-minutes headway (which itself will make the REM's operations very sensitive to any disturbance).
In the following link, blogger and transit enthusiast Anton Dubrau discusses the many shortcomings of CPDQ's questionable choice of technology for the REM to handle the projected ridership.
CPDQ has so far refused to publish their ridership projection for the REM.
Summary of AMT Assets to Write-off
Capacity aside, there are many more reasons to question the CPDQ's choice of rail technology for the REM. Its radical incompatibility with the existing rail network is a strong disavow of every investment made by AMT in the past two decades. It will force expensive write-downs of equipment and infrastructure, some of which not even yet in service.
Among these:
58 MR-90 electric multiple units, now 22-years old (at about 50% of their expected service life).
Twenty ALP-45DP dual mode locomotives, purchased in 2009 at a cost of almost 15M$ a piece for specific use in the Mount Royal tunnel. This is more than twice as expensive as a conventional diesel locomotive. AMT will have no use for expensive dual-mode locomotives when deprived from its only electric line.
160 Bombardier Multilevel cars, purchased at a premium in 2009 for specific use in the Mount Royal tunnel. Conventional Bilevel cars would have been less expensive to buy and operate, and would have offered more capacity.
AMT had purchased CN's Deux-Montagnes subdivision in 2014 at a cost of 92M $.
AMT's Mascouche line (671M$) - threatened as a whole by the lost of its downtown connection.
AMT's Vaudreuil-Hudson line - whose ridership may be cannibalized by the West Island branch of the REM.
The Deux-Montagnes line itself was fully rebuilt in 1993-1995 with new stations, rails, ties, ballast, electrification and CTC, all of which at less than half their life expectancy. The whole infrastructure will have to be torn down for the conversion to REM, as the light rail metro technology cannot re-use any of the existing infrastructure.
The afore-mentioned 320M commuter rail maintenance center under construction in Pointe St-Charles
So in the end, 5 billion $ will be spent on converting a heavy rail line to a light rail line, with insufficient capacity, and which will render useless billions of recent commuter rail investments. Plucked Quebec taxpayers will certainly appreciate CPDQ's alacrity in "improving" their transit network.
Lost Opportunities - St-Jerome and Quebec
For years, AMT has planned to reroute the St-JErome line from Lucien l'Allier to Central Station, running through the Mount Royal tunnel, with a underground connexion built from the Rockland viaduc to the tunnel near the site of the proposed Edouard-Montpetit station.
This would save at least 15 minutes per trip and would have greatly enhanced service on the line, which could then be partly or fully electrified.
The same tunnel could also be used by VIA Rail to reach Quebec-Gatineau's Trois-Rivieres subdivision. For years, VIA has been planning to reroute the Quebec trains on a faster route on the North Shore, avoiding interference with CN's freight trains on its South shore line through Drummondville. Using the Mount Royal tunnel would fit right with VIA's High-Frequency Rail plan, which involves building its own electrified tracks isolated from CN and CP's network.
With the REM, both opportunities will forever lost. St-JErome line riders will have to endure the current circuitous route through Cote St-Luc, with potential interference with CP freight trains on its Adirondack subdivision. And VIA Rail will never, ever, be able to improve service on its Montreal-Quebec route, which may eventually become irrelevant and disappear.
More missed opportunities
One would think that converting the Mount Royal tunnel to light rail would be the perfect moment to finally build the projected Edouard-Montpetit and McGill intermodal stations (link in French). These would directly link the future REM with the Blue and Green metro line respectively and would greatly enhance the connectivity of the transit network.
The idea of building such stations has been floated around many times, but the high price tag has chilled any hope of ever starting the project.
CPDQ lists both stations as "projected" under its plan. As they have been for the past 20 years or so.
CN's Doney spur.
Five days a week, CN runs local train L56421 to serve customers on the Doney and St-Francois spurs. This train must use the Deux-Montagnes line between Jct de l'Est and Val Royal to reach the spur.
The very short REM headway and its incompatible light rail technology means that a full temporal separation will be required for CN to continue using the line. The short window during which CN will be able to run on the Deux-Montagnes line will be less than four hours a night. However, train L564 21 currently requires a full eight-hours shift to complete its run from Taschereau to the Doney spur, and back.
The most likely outcome is that CN will apply to abandon the spur, and the customers will be forced to relocate or switch to truck service.
This is a rather minor casualty of the REM, but rail freight nevertheless should never be negatively impacted by a passenger rail or transit project, as rail freight's economic and ecological benefits generally exceeds passenger rail's.
A better alternative?
It is hard to understand how CPDQ, or anyone, could ever come up with a project that could be so harmful for rail transportation in the Greater Montreal.
Alternatives to the questionable light rail metro technology proposed by the CPDQ exist though.
High capacity electric commuter trains running on a slightly longer headway (e.g. 6 minutes) would provide a similar service quality, while offering a higher theoretical long-term capacity and, even more important, preserving the interoperability of the tunnel. VIA or AMT could insert a train between CPDQ's trains if a longer headway is used.
Examples of such mixed networks exists: the London Overground network for instance, or Metrolynx's future Regional Express Rail in Toronto.
An example of high-capacity and high-frequency metro-like rail service can also be found in many Australian cities such as Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne (see photo below).
Former GO TRANSIT GMD-built F59PH 533 was sold to RB Recycling in Montreal, several years ago and eventually repainted for Michigan MI-TRAIN intercity Service. It was one of eight units to be done, however when that project got postponed indefinitely, the deal fell through. RBRX then leased it to AMT for Montreal Commuter for four years. and for the ast three years has been leased to Los Angeles Metrolink. She was built in 1988 and was overhauled about 12 years later at Alstom so has had a long life and ran many miles all over North America!
Here she is when she arrived at CADRAIL (Richard Marchi):
Here she is in fresh paint for MI-TRAIN colours (Eric Aucoin)
Here she is in Los Angeles in May 2016 in Metro Link Commuter service! (Lynn Powell):
A brief history of the Montreal commuter rail network (In French): http://tinyurl.com/zu6275v
Please submit your Metrolinx/GO Transit/LRT/TTC News and photos to wce1942@gmail.com
Waterfront Transit "Reset" Phase 1 Study - Public Information & Consultation Meeting May 25 & 26 2016
The #WaterfrontReset LRT presentation from last nights meeting:
http://goo.gl/e9ufvZ - Jennifer Keesmaat Toronto City Planning, on Twitter
Project Study Team - Toronto City Planning, TTC, WaterfronToronto
Waterfront reset examines way to extend transit to new neighbourhoods along the lakeshore
By Ben Spurr Transportation Reporter, May 25, 2016
https://goo.gl/hKhAc0 - thestar.com
Transit Line Studies Advance With New Round of Consultations
May 19, 2016 5:30 pm | by Jack Landau
http://goo.gl/wOmdNg - urbantoronto.ca
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau earmarks up to $840M for Toronto transit
David Donnelly, CBC News, May 06, 2016
http://goo.gl/iELNpa - cbc.ca
$840m Transit "Promise" Raises More Questions Than It Answers
May 9, 2016 4:58 pm | by David Brake
http://goo.gl/mhNS0g - urbantoronto.ca
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 is Tier 4 MP40PHT4-T4 prototype GO 647 , in service, at the Oshawa GO Station on May 12th, 2016. It had been running all week with Tier 3 MP40PH-3C GO 666 online, just in case there were problems. On this day however, it was undergoing fuel conservation and fuel consumption tests. GO 666 was idling and available, but offline. GO 647 was being tested under full load, pulling a ten car train and an offline locomotive. It was amazingly quiet and you can carry out a normal conversation next to it. The operating crew said the cab is very quiet and that the twin Cummins QSK 60's sound like a jet engine winding up when they are put in run eight. John Jeffery photo
Here is an overhead view of GO 647 and GO 666 at the Oshawa GO Station on May 12th, 2016. You can see the roof detail on GO 647 which has two Tier 4 Cummins QSK 60 series 2700 HP prime movers. GO 666 is a Tier 3 MP40PH-3C with a 4,000 HP EMD 710 series prime mover. It has an aftercooler on the roof to achieve Tier 3 emission standards. GO 666 has a separate genset to provide Head End Power (HEP). The Head End Power on GO 647 is drawn from one or both main alternators as there is no separate genset on this unit.
In GO 647, each of the two QSK60 prime movers generate 2700 HP with 2000 HP available for traction and 700 HP available for head end power. The unit operates with one or both engines running, depending on the size of the trailing consist. It can pull a six car train with just one engine running. John Jeffery photo
Here is a rear view of MP40PHT-T4 prototype GO 647, at the Oshawa GO Station on May 12th, 2016. This unit is longer than the MP40PH-3C, to accommodate the two Tier 4 Cummins QSK 60 prime movers. The dynamic braking equipment is at the rear of the carbody, and there is no separate genset. Each prime mover is in a pressurized compartment.
You can see the cab of trailing unit GO 666 at the left of this photo. GO 666 is the last Tier 3 unit ordered. The next order (Series numbers 667 - 682) is for brand new MP40PHT-T4AC units for 2017 delivery. This sixteen unit order is meant to provide GO Transit with enough diesel motive power until electric motive power begins arriving in 2020. John Jeffery photo
Last but not least, here is GO 647 and GO 666 approaching Aldershot GO Station. CRO contributor and CN Engineer Phil Hall took this photo from the cab of his locomotive. You can clearly see the two sets of roof fans on GO 647. Phil Hall photo with permission
Passenger Car Fleet - Updated May 24th, 2016
GO CEM (Crash Energy Management) Cars - Latest version of the Bombardier bi-level coach.
With files from Bryan Martyniuk
CEM design cab cars and coaches:
Supplier - Bombardier
CEM Cab cars - 67 ordered
Series number - 300 - 366
Delivered - 300 - 332
Seen in service - 300, 302,303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 308, 310, 312, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317, 318, 319, 320, 321, 322, 328
In Transit from Bombardier - 333 (May 21st, 2016)
CEM Coaches - 60 ordered
Series number -
Coaches - 4000 series,
Accessibility coaches - 4500 series
Delivery Schedule - begins early summer 2016.
Here is new CEM cab car GO 332, on May 12th, 2016, sitting in CP's "E" yard in Thunder Bay, waiting to go east on CP Train 420. Bryan Martyniuk photo with permission .
Bi-level coach upgrade programs
200 Series Cab Cars
These cars are currently being retired as cab cars, as more CEM 300 series cab cars arrive from Bombardier. They are going to be refurbished and will be used mainly as standard coaches. Some of them will also be used as stand by cab cars.
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 - May 2016 issue, with permission.
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
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
East Rail Maintenance Facility, Whitby, ON - http://goo.gl/ZhNqub
Here is the East Rail Maintenance Facility on Saturday, May 28th, 2016. Much progress has been made in the storage yard on the south side, as well as in the main building. Notice that the right of way for the west yard lead has now been graded. GO 253 West with Tier 2 MP40PH-3C GO 628 is passing by, just about to make a station stop at the Whitby GO Station at Brock Street. John Jeffery photo
South Blair St. Underpass Project, Whitby, ON - http://goo.gl/HHOFOv
Here is the South Blair St. underpass finished and ready to open for traffic on Tuesday, May 31st, 2016. The left hand photo shows the new traffic lights that the Region of Durham have just installed. The right hand photo shows South Blair St. looking south from Victoria St.
The CN and GO tracks have been returned to their original alignment. There is now room for a third track on the bridge on the north side that carries the GO Lakeshore East Corridor tracks, The third track will be the westerly yard lead into the new East Rail Maintenance Facility, which will be opened in 2017. 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 May 25th, 2016. This photo was taken from Bay Street looking towards the James Street main entrance at the east end of the station. The newly completed Bay Street entrance,at the west end of the station, is in the immediate foreground. Notice that the second platform is complete but the second station track has not yet been installed. John Jeffery photo
Here is the Ferguson Avenue overpass just east of West Harbour GO Station. The junction in the foreground is where the new third main track will join the Grimsby Sub. This third main track (under construction) is for GO trains and begins at Hamilton Junction and will run through West Harbour GO Station to Ferguson Avenue. Eventually this new track will extend all the way to the new Centennial GO Station in Stoney Creek, which will be completed in 2019. This will allow GO trains from West Harbour to access the Lewis Layover Yard in Stoney Creek without interfering with CN Freight trains on the CN Grimsby Sub. It will also allow Seasonal Niagara GO trains and VIA/Amtrak trains to serve West Harbour GO Station. John Jeffery photo
Here is the right of way for the new third main track between WestHarbour GO Station and the Lewis Avenue layover yard in Stoney Creek. We are looking westward from the Mary Street bridge toward the West Harbour GO Station which you can see in the distance. Timing of the installation of this third track has been the subject of negotiations between Metrolinx and CN. Initially this new track will only go as far as Ferguson Ave. which is just east of this bridge. John Jeffery photo
Lewis Road Train Layover Facility -
http://goo.gl/3bldjk - gotransit.com
Here is the McNeilly Road road crossing in Stoney Creek, under construction on May 25th, 2016. The yard lead for the Lewis Layover yard is under construction and will be the third track on this crossing. You can see the CN crews working on the crossing gates and signals. The yard itself is almost complete and as soon as it is connected to the Grimsby Sub, additional GO train service will be added at West Harbour GO Station. A maximum of four trains will then be able to lay over at Lewis Avenue instead of deadheading back to Willowbrook in Mimico. John Jeffery photo
Seasonal Niagara GO Train service returns
http://goo.gl/xctTM -gotransit.com
Seasonal GO train service returns May 20
By Ray Spiteri, Niagara Falls Review
Monday, May 2, 2016 http://goo.gl/5tK2r4
Kevin Argue & Mark Ostler
Here is CN Silver at Georgetown on May 25th, 2016. The bridge for the new third track connection from the Georgetown GO Station westward to Silver Junction, is complete, but the tracks have not yet been installed. This will allow GO trains and Goderich and Exeter freight trains to connect between the GO Kitchener line and the Halton Sub without interfering with CN freight trains. John Jeffery photo
Here is the new bridge for the third track on May 2th, 2016, which will connect the GO Kitchener line directly to the Georgetown GO Station platforms. The bridge is complete but there is still a lot of track work to do. John Jeffery photo
Here are the Georgetown GO Station platforms on May 25th, 2016. We are looking westward toward the yard lead at the west end of the layover yard. The southerly GO platform will be served by Kitchener GO trains once the third track connecting this platform to the GO Kitchener line is completed shortly. Goderich and Exeter freight trains will pass through here as well, operating between MacMillan Yard in Concord, and Stratford. John Jeffery photo
Kevin Argue and Mark Ostler- Metrolinx
Shirley Ave. Storage and Maintenance (Layover) Facility
http://goo.gl/8PGgJT - metrolinx.com
Construction of the Shirley Ave. layover facility in Kitchener (Breslau) is in progress, and will be operational in June 2016. This yard will have the capacity to store four GO trains. There will also be a GO bus storage and maintenance facility on this site. When the layover facility is completed, two new morning trips to Toronto and two new evening trips to Kitchener will be added.
Richmond Hill Line
Capital Projects Group Quarterly Report - February 2016
Richmond Hill line - page four -http://goo.gl/th6sy1 - metrolinx.com
Bridge Replacement Project - Richmond Hill line
This bridge is just north of Eglinton Ave, just before the line ducks under the CP Belleville Subdivision.
Anne Marie Aitkins - Metrolinx - May 23rd, 2016. Three pictures posted. In the third photo you can see the bridge carrying the CP Belleville Subdivision over the Don Valley, in the distance.
https://goo.gl/c1siEc - twitter.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
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
Here is the view at Mile 55.44 of the Uxbridge Sub, on the Stouffville line, on May 20th, 2016. We are looking north from the Agincourt GO Station and you can see CN crews working at a level crossing at the top of the grade. Both sides of the right of way have now been cleared and the next step is to relocate the track signals and crossing gates to make room for the second track. John Jeffery photo
Here is the Stouffville line, looking southward from where it crosses Kennedy Road, just north of the Milliken GO Station on Steeles Ave. The second track will be installed on the east side of the existing running track. The south end of the existing 1.5 Km siding between the Unionville GO Station and mile 52.40 on the Uxbridge Sub., is on the other side of this crossing. John Jeffery photo
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
Bowmanville Extension to Lakeshore East Corridor Service
An announcement is expected on or before June 28th, 2016
Clarington Council decides to purchase land for future Courtice GO train station
By Stefanie Swinson May 26th, 2016
http://goo.gl/6ZOBEx -durhamregion.com
Crews make great progress on Lansdowne Bridge Replacement
Tweet by Anne Marie Aikins on Twitter - pictures of progress
Union Pearson Express - Latest News
https://goo.gl/e8P2nm - UPExpress.com
Here is Union Pearson Express type "A" car 1005, next to new CEM cab car 305, at Willowbrook Shops on Saturday, May 21st, 2016. 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.
Mount Dennis Station Open House presentation - May 26th, 2016
http://goo.gl/NFcZd2 - thecrosstown.ca
Tunnelling Complete for Western Leg of the Crosstown LRT
May 10, 2016 11:42 am | by Jack Landau
http://goo.gl/53O8rl - urbantoronto.ca
Eglinton Crosstown Updates as of May 25th, 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
Hurontario - Main LRT - Mississauga
Hurontario LRT Project - Project Overview
http://goo.gl/kYC0Cg - metrolinx.com
Environmental Project Report - Executive Summary
http://goo.gl/WP8zHQ - metrolinx.com
ION LRT- Region of Waterloo -
Grappling with the LRT delay -How did we get here and now what?
Waterloo Region Record By Paige Desmond , May 26th, 2016
http://goo.gl/qSpRPk -therecord.com
LRT delayed until early 2018 due to Bombardier train delays
By Jackie Sharkey, CBC News Posted: May 24, 2016
http://goo.gl/8oTKcr - cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo
Photo Tour of Waterloo Region ION Light Rail Construction
By Mark Rejhon Published May 16, 2016
https://goo.gl/e0GVPU -raisethehammer.org
The King Street bridge at the rail crossing near Victoria St. begins to take shape
https://goo.gl/us5Bfk - May 06,2016 - twitter.com/rideIONrt
ION - Latest Construction Updates -
Monthly ION Update May 27th, 2016
http://goo.gl/54UH4c rideion.ca
ION Route Map - http://goo.gl/2PI4km
http://goo.gl/zWH0xM - rapidtransit.regionofwaterloo.ca
Hamilton LRT -
McMeekin on LRT: 'There's No Economic Future if You're Disconnected'
By Ryan McGreal Published May 25, 2016
http://goo.gl/UiO9mE -raisethehammer.org
Hamilton Spectator, Paul Wilson - May 24th, 2016
Paul Wilson: Eight ways to feel better about our new LRT
http://goo.gl/kX1wgT - thespec.com
Remembering WHY Hamilton and the Province Chose Light Rail Transit
By Ryan McGreal Published May 19, 2016
https://goo.gl/UUGIav - raisethehammer.org
The Spectator's View: LRT and Harbour: Big moves into the future
Howard Elliott - April 27, 2016
http://goo.gl/pH943t - - thespec.com
Hamilton's much-anticipated LRT plans ready for public viewing
Wed., Apr 27, 2016 | By Matthew Van Dongen
http://goo.gl/XMX1gm - thespec.com
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/BQeI9S - News and Events - May 4th, 2016
http://goo.gl/IWqtKJ - Construction Updates - May 20th, 2016
TTC
TTC - APRIL 2016 NEWS - with files from Kevin Argue
Chief Executive Officer's Report - May 2016 Update
Report for TTC- Board Meeting of May 31st, 2016
http://goo.gl/EYRuIl ttc.ca
TTC to get estimated $850 million from Federal Budget's Transit money
April 8, 2016 -citynews.ca
Waterfront Reset Project
A joint project with Waterfront Toronto, the City of Toronto, and the Toronto Transit Commission. The Waterfront LRT is one of the items under study.
http://goo.gl/DBjh9Y - waterfronttoronto.ca
SUBWAYS:
Downtown Relief Subway line - New line planned
Reliefline.ca - New Website
This is a joint effort between the City of Toronto and the TTC. Keep up to date with the developments on this project by joining the mailing list.
Yonge Subway Line - Richmond Hill Extension proposal
Yonge - University-Spadina-York Subway Extension - Line 1
http://goo.gl/0b1xZN - TTC project updates
Bloor-Danforth Subway - Scarborough extension - Line 2
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
Scheduled Subway Closures
June 2016 - http://goo.gl/GfQGCf
Line 2 Bloor-Danforth: Pape to St George closure on June 4
Line 2 Bloor-Danforth: Pape to St George closure on June 12
Line 1 Yonge-University: St Clair West to Downsview closure on June 18 and 19
Line 3 Scarborough: McCowan to Kennedy closure on June 25 and 26
Line 2 Bloor-Danforth: Pape to St George opening late on June 26
STREETCARS
Vintage Toronto - PCC Streetcar visits Breakfast Television - video
Vintage Streetcar will operate on 509 Harbourfront Route on Sundays this summer - for free
http://goo.gl/r00NaI -bttoronto.ca - May 24th, 2016
Bombardier to lay off 60 employees in Thunder Bay
Thunder Bay plant to focus on building TTC streetcars
Jeff Walters - CBC News - May 24th, 2016
http://goo.gl/wlQV7v - cbc.ca/beta/news/canada/thunder-bay/
Bombardier details new production schedule for long-delayed TTC streetcars
By BEN SPURR Staff Reporter Thu., May 19, 2016
https://goo.gl/pHFnV3 - thestar.com
Bombardier Inc's problems go far beyond planes:
How a failure to deliver streetcars on time has ripple effects across Canada
Peter Kuitenbrouwer | May 9, 2016
http://goo.gl/GmBlpI - business.financialpost.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 -To be replaced with a new Flexity Tram.
4402 - Prototype unit- To be replaced with a new Flexity Tram.
4400 and 4403 to 4420 - In revenue service on the 509 Harbourfront line, and 510 Spadina line.
4420- The nineteenth Flexity tram - entered service on the 510 Spadina Line on Friday, May 20th, 2016.
4421 - The 20th Flexity Tram - At Leslie Barns on Saturday, May 31st, 2016, undergoing testing.
Here is TTC 4420, the nineteenth Flexity Tram, in service, northbound on the 510 Spadina Line, on Saturday, May 21st, 2016. This photo was taken from the northbound platform at Front St. John Jeffery photo
Here is TTC4421, the 20th Flexity tram, sitting in CP's "E" yard in Thunder Bay on Saturday evening, May 21st, 2016. Bryan Martyniuk photo with permission
Here is TTC 4421, tucked away on track 5 at the east end of Leslie Barns, on Saturday, May 28th, 2016. On this date, the 20th Flexity tram is not yet in service. It is still testing and doing its 600 km "burn in" that every new tram has to complete before it is allowed to enter service. This picture was taken during the Leslie Barns Open House .John Jeffery photo
Leslie Barns- Maintenance And Storage Facility
Doors Open Toronto Event and Official Opening
Saturday, May 28 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where:
Leslie Barn Maintenance and Storage facility
1165 Lakeshore Blvd. E.
Leslie Barns - Newsletter June 2016
http://goo.gl/VXVGMO - ttc.ca
Here is a view of Leslie Barns and the adjacent storage yard, on Saturday May 28th, 2016, during the Doors Open Toronto Open House, and official opening of Leslie Barns. We are looking westward from TTC 4419, which was taking us on a tour of the yard. Our operator shared with us that he finds the view of the Toronto skyline inspiring, every day, when he comes to work.
The line of CLRV's and ALRV's are cars that have been taken out of service and are going to be refurbished. John Jeffery photo
Here is TTC 4420, the 19th Flexity tram, at the Leslie Barns Open House on Saturday, Mau 28th, 2016, with its pantograph up. It is expected that the Flexity trams on the 509 Harbourfront and 510 Spadina lines will start using their pantographs this coming December, once all of the necessary overhead catenary upgrades are completed on these routes.
At some point, around TTC 4445 or so, the Flexity trams will no longer come equipped with trolley poles. John Jeffery photo
A TTC Overhead wiring truck with a pantograph? Why yes, and the gentleman from the wiring crew that I talked to explained that when they put up or maintain the new overhead catenary they have to make sure it is within the right tolerances. Overhead catenary for pantographs swings back and forth so that the wire does not wear a groove in the pantograph. There are marks on the top of the pantograph to show if the wire is within the right range. Apparently this is really critical for pantographs when the tram is going around a corner. John Jeffery photo
New - Route 514 - The Cherry Street Line
Opening date for this new route is June 19th, 2016. This new route will use Flexity trams so the overhead wiring and trackage on Dufferin street south of King Street has been upgraded and now the Dufferin loop must be upgraded as well before service can start.
The wiring crew at the Leslie Barns open house (May 28th, 2016) confirmed that new poles were installed in the loop last week, the week of May 23rd, 2016. The new overhead catenary will be installed in the loop over the next week or so. The intersection of King and Dufferin has been checked and the trackwork and overhead catenary are ready to handle the new Flexity trams, just not with pantographs yet. The overhead catenary in this intersection will be upgraded at a later date, to allow the Flexity trams on the 514 route to use pantographs.
Work on the new trackage and overhead catenary on Cherry Street at the east end of the route is proceeding. Trackwork and overhead wiring is in place and TTC 4401 has made one test trip down this new section of track to the new Distillery Loop. The rail grinding machine operated over this section of new track on May 18th, 2016. Several items still have to be completed along Cherry Street, between King Street and the Distillery Loop before service can start.
Other Streetcar Infrastructure
Streetcar Track Construction Update: Spring 2016
Steve Munro - May 9th, 2016 - information and photos
https://goo.gl/TSHzCI - stevemunro.ca
College
and Bathurst - streetcar track reconstruction and intersection improvements
June 20 to July 22, 2016
https://goo.gl/rpE3Vi - ttc.ca/ServiceAdvisories
Streetcar Track Maintenance
Queens Quay - temporary service changes Spadina Avenue to Bathurst Street: overhead crews will modify the top of the existing poles within the streetcar right-of-way.
Bay Street Portal to Spadina Loop:
Augment the existing underground communication system with 1,830 metres (6,000 feet) of new fibre optic cables. For this work the crews will be working inside the underground cable chambers on the streetcar right-of-way and in the Spadina/Queens Quay Loop.
https://goo.gl/UlURyx - ttc.ca/ServiceAdvisories
AMTRAK PHOTOS
(Edited by William H Baird)
editor@canadianrailwayobservations.com
AMTRAK 47 leads VIA 97/64 through Hamilton Ontario heading to Niagara Falls and the USA on the CN Grimsby Sub. Hamilton Civic Hospital can be seen in the background.
On May 12th, Francois Jolin Shot the Amtrak "Adirondack" at St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC. The train is passing the old Grand Trunk Depot led by one of the good looking AMTRAK heritage locomotives (AMTK P40DC 822).
On May 12th, 2016 Dennis Weber shot Amtrak train #8 the "Empire Builder" at Dakota, MN with Engines-AMTK 180-131 and Milwaukee Road painted private Varnish adorning the tail end, including a MILW Skytop observation car.
On April 23rd, 2016, George C. Manley caught Amtrak #6 with P40 837, P42 48 and brand new AMTRAK ACS64 669 electric. This is the second to last delivery of the ACS-64 locomotives to the passenger railroad. AMK 670 will be the last to come. The location is Railroad Ave. in Suisun, California as Amtrak #6 heads up Cannon Hill with a respectable nine car consist.
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Please submit your AMTRAK IN CANADA photos directly to William H. Baird
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