Metrolinx/ GO Transit/ LRT/ TTC  News Editor - JOHN S. JEFFERY

Please submit your Metrolinx/GO Transit/LRT/TTC News and photos to wce1942@gmail.com

 

TRANSIT AROUND THE GTA - SEPTEMBER 2016

With files from Kevin  Argue - CRO Contributor

 

Canada And Ontario Sign Agreement For Public Transit Infrastructure Funding

Prime Minister's Office, Announcement at Barrie, Ontario - 23 August 2016

Full list of the Transit Infrastructure projects covered in today's announcement

http://goo.gl/Q0iZdu  pm.gc.ca/eng/news

 

Embrace New Transit Technology Or Else, U Of T Study Says

A new report urges southern-Ontario cities to partner with Uber and other "shared mobility" services to improve transit

By JESSE WINTERStaff Reporter Fri., Aug. 19, 2016

http://goo.gl/EqvCfz - thestar.com

 

Canada, Ontario Sign Agreement to Fund Transit Infrastructure

August 23, 2016 3:00 pm | by  Robert MacKenzie

Analysis of the projects in the GTA

http://goo.gl/fe8yT0 - urbantoronto.ca

 Caltrain Signs Double-Deck EMU And Electrification Contracts

These double decker EMU's for Caltrain are similar to some of the EMU equipment that Metrolinx may consider, to electrify the GO Transit network. It ia very timely that Stadler has opened a plant in Salt Lake City for the Caltrain contract.

16 Aug 2016 - http://goo.gl/B3uRvo - railwaygazette.com

Tory Announces Plan For 21-Acre "Rail Deck Park" Downtown

August 3, 2016 3:20 pm | by Stefan Novakovic

http://goo.gl/YwkX1e - urbantoronto.ca

 Here is a view of the Toronto Terminal Railways rail corridor looking east from the Bathurst Street bridge toward Spadina Road and the CN Tower, on Monday, August 15th, 2016, . Toronto Mayor John Tory has proposed to cover over this space with a "Rail Deck Park". Metrolinx is also making preparations to electrify this Union Station Rail Corridor as the focal point of the five corridor network that will be electrified.

GO Regional Express Rail Update - Staff Report - June 28, 2016

 Updates on all the projects currently underway

http://goo.gl/p8l0xm - metrolinx.com

 Transit Renaissance' On Tap For GTA If Funds Found, Report Finds

The Toronto region is in the midst of what politicians are billing as a 'transit renaissance.

By Ben Spurr - Transportation Reporter, August 16th, 2016

https://goo.gl/TTLWql - thestar.com

 Metrolinx -Rapid Transit, Capital Projects Group - Quarterly Status Report Q4 2015/2016 - January 1st to March 31st 2016

http://goo.gl/gw3qvk - metrolinx.com

 Ontario Expanding Cycling And Go Rail Infrastructure In Toronto

West Toronto Railpath And Dufferin-Peel Park To Benefit Cyclists And Pedestrians

Dufferin Bridge Expansion Announcement - August 12th, 2016.

https://goo.gl/p8y9VH - newsontario.ca/mto

 Province Moving Ahead With Dufferin Street Bridge Widening

August 12, 2016 5:26 pm | by Stefan Novakovic

This will accommodate both the GO RER service expansion plan and the extension of the West Toronto Railpath. 

http://goo.gl/ve0arR - urbantoronto.ca

 Dufferin Street Bridge Widening Project - July 2016

http://goo.gl/sdedsh - metrolinx.com

GO Transit Fleet - Diesel-Electric Locomotives-

 F59 - EMD - EMD 710G3A engine - 12 Cylinder 3000 HP 

Source: GO Transit infrastructure - https://goo.gl/XvgjEp

 Here is F59PH Phase III GO 560 at Oshawa North on Tuesday, August 16th, 2016 on GO Transit's Lakeshore East Corridor, leading a westbound L10L train to Union Station and Aldershot. Today the trailing unit at the east end of the consist is Tier 2 MP40PH-3 GO 607 but often on L10L trains it is a matching F59PH.  

Eight F59PH units were rebuilt in 2011 for continued service after the rest of the F59PH fleet was retired. MP40PH-3C GO 607 was repainted into the new Metrolinx paint scheme along with sister unit GO 615.

 

MP40PH-3C - Tier 2 - EMD 710GB engine - 16 cylinder - 4,000HP

Series Number  - 600 - 656

Units 607 and 615 have been repainted into the new Metrolinx livery.

Unit 647 has been rebuilt into the prototype for new model MP40PHT-T4AC.

 Here is Tier 2 MP40PH-3C GO 601 leading an eastbound train, into the Oshawa GO Station on the Lakeshore East line, on Tuesday, August 16th, 2016.

GO 600 was the first unit built, but was sent to FRA-TTC in Pueblo, NM for testing and confirmation of requirements. GO 601 was the first unit delivered for revenue service, but made a trip to Toronto for the APTA-Heavy Rail conference in June 2007 without a prime mover. It was returned to MPI for completion following the conference. The unit was delivered to GO in February 2008 and entered service April 16, 2008. GO 600 finally entered revenue service September 27, 2008.

https://goo.gl/tLzolT - cptdb.ca

 

MP40PH-3C - Tier 3 - EMD 710GB engine - 16 cylinder - 4,000HP

Series Number - 657 - 666 -

These units have an extra cooling radiator on the roof, behind the cab, in order to meet Tier 3 emission standards.

Here is Tier 3, MP40PH-3C GO 665, leading an Oshawa bound train past Oshawa North on the GO Transit Lakeshore East corridor on Thursday, August 25th, 2016. It has an extra cooling radiator on the roof, just behind the cab, in order to meet Tier 3 emission requirements. It is one of the last ten MP40PH-3C (657 - 666) units ordered, and was painted in the new Metrolinx colour scheme as were sister units 662 through 666. Units 657 through 661 were delivered in the original GO Transit paint scheme.

 

MP40PHT-T4AC (MP54PH) - 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 2700 HP engines, combined horsepower rating 5400 HP

Source: Mark Ostler - Metrolinx

 Here is Tier 4 MP40PHT-T4AC (MP54PH) prototype GO 647 at the Oshawa GO Station on Tuesday, August 16th, 2016, along with Tier 2 MP40PH-3C GO 629. These units are providing the motive power for GO 303 West which is departing for Union Station and Aldershot. On today's train

GO 647 is doing all the work and providing the HEP power for the train. Protection unit GO 629 is idling but offline, and its HEP unit is turned off.

GO 647 is equipped with twin 2700 HP Tier 4 Cummins QSK 60 medium speed 1800 rpm diesels and you can see the two sets of radiators and cooling fans. The dynamic brake unit is at the rear of the car body and there is no HEP unit, with the HEP power being supplied from either or both of the main alternators, as required. The crew advised that GO 647 is running just fine and there have been several visits from Motive Power Industries Technical Representatives, including cab rides, to see first hand how the unit is performing

 

PASSENGER CAR FLEET - Updated August 23rd, 2016

 Series VIII - CEM (Crash Energy Management) Cars - New Design introduced at APTA EXPO in 2014

 With files from Bryan Martyniuk

 CEM Design Cab Cars: First in Service, October 14th, 2015

Supplier - Bombardier

Series VIII - CEM Cab cars - 67 ordered

Series number - 300 - 366

Delivered - 300 - 342

In Transit from Bombardier -  343, (August 20th, 2016), 344 (August 26th, 2016)

Seen in service - 300, 302,303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 308, 309,310, 312, 313, 314, 315,  316, 317, 318, 319, 320, 321, 322, 323, 324, 326, 327, 328, 329, 330, 332, 333, 334, 335, 336, 337 340

 On Friday August 26th, 2016, brand new CEM cab car GO 344 was placed in CP's "E" yard in Thunder Bay for furtherance to Toronto. It will depart on Train 420 destined for CP's Lambton Yard in the west end of Toronto. It will be transferred there to CN for final delivery to GO Transit at their Willowbrook Shops in Mimico.

Bryan Martyniuk photo with permission

 

Here is CEM cab car GO 340 trailing GO 650 East at Oshawa North on GO Transit's Lakeshore East Line, on Sunday, August 14th, 2016. This is the newest CEM cab car seen in service so far.

 

Here is former cab car GO 213 operating as a standard coach in the consist of GO 310 West on Saturday, August 27th, 2016, passing the East Rail Maintenance Facility in Whitby. GO 213 is one of the original Bi-Level cab cars and has now been put to an alternate use as a standard coach. These cars will be sent for upgrading and removal of the train operations equipment.

 

Series VIII - CEM Design Coaches -

 Bombardier Inc Clinches $428 Million Rail Order From Ontario's Metrolinx Despite Ongoing Delays

Kristine Owram | August 2, 2016

http://goo.gl/Yiic4F - business.financialpost.com

 

March 2012 - 60 coaches in initial order

August 02, 2016 - 125 additional coaches ordered -

 

Series VIII - CEM Coaches - 4000 Series,

Delivered - None as of August 24th, 2016

 

Series VIII - CEM Accessibility Coaches - 4500 Series

Delivered - None as of August 24th, 2016

 

Delivery Schedule - begins summer 2016, both orders to be completed by 2020.

Bi-Level Coach Upgrade Programs

 200 Series Cab Cars - Updated August 23rd, 2016

 These cars are currently being retired as cab cars, as more Series VIII CEM 300 series CEM type cab cars arrive from Bombardier. The 200 series cars  are slated to be refurbished and will be re-used, mainly as  standard coaches. Some of them will also be used as stand by cab cars.

 200 series cab cars seen in coach service as of August 26th, 2016- 202, 207, 208, 209, 210, 211, 213, 216, 218, 219, 221, 225, 227, 228, 231, 232, 234, 235, 239,

 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.

 Here is BiLevel coach GO 2061, eastbound into Oshawa GO Station in the consist of GO 631 East on Saturday, August 27th, 2016. This is a Series One coach which has been upgraded to Series Five standards and repainted, by CADRail in Lachine, Quebec.

 

2400 Series Coaches - Upgrade Project

 Cars in the 2400 series have now been upgraded to series V standards by CADRAIL in Lachine, PQ

 Metrolinx/GO Transit - Regional Express Rail Projects:

with files from  Mark Ostler- Metrolinx & Kevin Argue - CRO Contributor

 Train And Bus Service Changes - GO Transit - Effective September 3rd, 2016 - All Lines

Service changes for the entire GO system effective September 6th, 2016

http://goo.gl/YBcm8I - gotransit.com

Union Station Rail Corridor

GO Regional Express Rail Update - http://goo.gl/Dks54F - page eight/nine

Union Station Corridor will be a cornerstone for the network. Work will include the installation of new track, crossovers, platform enhancements, signals, and storage facilities. Signals continue to be replaced throughout the Union Station corridor to update and improve the reliability of service.

Work is continuing on the Union Station Train shed project. The current plan is to have the existing contractor complete a reduced scope of work, and then to incorporate the balance of the train shed rehabilitation into a subsequent procurement, to ensure the electrification component can be contracted through a competitive process.

Here is the GO Transit North Bathurst Yard at Spadina Road and Front Street. We are looking eastward toward the CN Tower and Union Station. You can see the Union Station Corridor, which is being upgraded in preparation for electrification. The upgrade includes new signals, new track switches, and a new computerized control system.

 

Union Station Revitalization

AUGUST 15, 2016 / METROLINX

https://goo.gl/Q2w6JI - metrolinx.com

 Here is the last paragraph of this new Blog on Union Station Revitalization from The Link by Metrolinx. Worth the read.

 "When the revitalization is complete, this building will be a gathering place, an eating place, a shopping place, an admiring place, and of course, a traveling place; upholding it's title as Canada's busiest transportation hub for years to come."

 Platform Changes At Union Station Starting August 10th.

 Metrolinx is starting the next phase of the Revitalization of Union Station. They will be refurbishing the steel train shed structure and then installing a new roof on top of it. Platforms 11 through 13 have to be closed to accomplish this work. This article outlines the changes.

http://goo.gl/IEHEEQ - gotransit.com 

With Files From Mark Ostler - Media Relations and Issues Specialist - Metrolinx, and Kevin Argue - CRO Contributor

 GO Regional Express Rail Update - http://goo.gl/Dks54F - page seven

GO RER plans for the Kitchener corridor include new track, layover facilities, station improvements, some track realignment and the construction of a new rail tunnel under the 401.

Kitchener - GO Train and Bus Schedule - Effective September 3rd, 2016

Highlights the service changes for the Kitchener Corridor

New Layover Yard at Shirley Avenue in Kitchener with storage capacity for four trains.

Two Georgetown train trips have been extended to Kitchener, providing four AM and four PM trips between Kitchener and Union Station.

A new third track at Georgetown will provide direct access to the Georgetown GO Station for Kitchener line trains.

http://goo.gl/EqvCfz -gotransit.com

Shirley Ave. Storage And Maintenance (Layover) Facility- Update

http://goo.gl/8PGgJT - metrolinx.com

 Here is the new Shirley Avenue Layover Yard in Kitchener on Friday, August 26th, 2016. We are looking eastward from the west end of the yard, with the Kitchener Corridor main line in the foreground, and the eastward CTC signal in the distance. This yard will be operational on Tuesday, September 6th, 2016 to accommodate the schedule changes on the Kitchener line. Two trains that currently terminate at Georgetown will now operate between Kitchener and Union Station. This will mean four train trips to Toronto in the morning and four return trips in the afternoon, from and to Kitchener.

GO Transit's New Fall Schedule Has More Stops In Kitchener, Guelph

CBC News Posted: Aug 23, 2016

http://goo.gl/UuzL9E - cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo

Excellent summary of the changes to GO train service on the Kitchener line on September 3rd, 2016.

 Here is an overview of the third track construction between CN Silver and the Georgetown GO Station, looking eastward from the Highway 7 bridge on Thursday, August 18th, 2016. The bridge is complete  and you can see the foundation for the third track being built up.

 

Here is a closeup of the work underway on the foundation for the third track, on Thursday, August 18th, 2016. We are looking westward from the Georgetown GO Station and wide cab C40-8 (ex BNSF) CN 2178 is slowly passing the construction site with an eastbound Halton Sub train.

 

Here is another view of the third track construction on Thursday, August 18th, 2016. You can see the GO trackage in the Georgetown GO Station, leading westward onto the GO Kitchener line. Not all of the tracks are currently hooked up, but the track closest to the Halton Sub, which is a through track, has had ties replaced and fresh ballast put down and tamped.

 

Gormley GO Station - Expansion Project - http://goo.gl/gc1kpA

 GO Barrie Line -

GO Regional Express Rail Update - http://goo.gl/Dks54F - page six

New layover yard under construction in Barrie

Construction of a second track between York University and Rutherford Road

Construction of a new GO/TTC Downsview Park Station

Tunnels and platforms being added to existing stations to accommodate more trains

Widening of the Dufferin Street Bridge

Dufferin Street Bridge and Railpath project - August 12th, 2016

https://goo.gl/wQgdQ7 - metrolinx page in metrolinx.com -

three pictures of Dufferin Street bridge project and present status of bridge.

 GO Lakeshore East Corridor -

GO Regional Express Rail Update - http://goo.gl/Dks54F - page seven

Guildwood - new station building, platforms, tunnels, elevators, two Kiss and Rides, and additional parking.

Lakeshore East Corridor expansion between Guildwood and Pickering GO Stations.

This includes the addition of a third track, modifications to two rail bridges, electrification enabling works and grade separations at Scarborough Golf Club Road, Galloway Road and Morningside Avenue.

East Rail Maintenance Facility, Whitby, ON -  http://goo.gl/ZhNqub

Here is GO 632 East travelling past the East Rail Maintenance Centre in Whitby, Ontario on Saturday, August 27th, 2016. The steel work behind the train will be the train wash facility when it is completed and you can see the west end of the train storage yard in behind the steelwork. The extreme west end of the yard is also visible, and the two unused bridges on the north side of the mainline are designated for the west end yard lead tracks, which will connect to the mainline tracks of the GO Lakeshore East Corridor.

Here is an eastbound GO train powered by Tier 2 MP40PH-3C's GO 635 and GO 605, passing the east end of the East Rail Maintenance Facility on Saturday, August 27th, 2016, where the foundation for the east yard lead is under construction. The GO train is approaching Oshawa North on the GO Lakeshore East Corridor and is passing the tail end of  a westbound double stack train powered by GE ES44AC CN 2803, and remote unit GE ES44AC CN 2826 which is westbound at full track speed on the north track of the adjacent Kingston Sub.

 

Here is a view of the east end of the East Rail Maintenance Facility on Saturday, August 27th , 2016. Much progress has been made, with the West Train Servicing Canopy completed, the Train Wash Building is under construction, and the main Train Servicing Building is almost complete. Lights are now up in the Train Storage Yard and will be operational soon, and rails are laid out ready to be installed. The East Train Servicing Canopy is now under construction, along with three other structures at the east end of the train yard.

B

Bowmanville Extension To Lakeshore East Corridor Service

Expanding GO Rail Service In Durham Region

What We're Doing

http://goo.gl/EOZnP6  - Metrolinx.com

 Metrolinx is working with Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) to advance infrastructure and service planning that will bring new GO rail service to a 20-kilometre extension of the Lakeshore East GO line by 2024.

The plan is to have four GO trains each morning and four each afternoon in and out of Bowmanville when the service starts in eight years.

Four new stations are being built to support the service: Thornton Road in Oshawa, Ritson Road in Oshawa, Courtice Road in Courtice and Martin Road in Bowmanville.

 Why We're Doing It

 Expanded rail service will provide Durham Region with more direct connections to the larger GO Transit network, helping to reduce congestion in the GTHA while connecting people to education and job opportunities.

Expanding GO Train service in Durham Region builds upon planning work and service and infrastructure improvements that are already underway through our Regional Transportation Plan.

More GO service to Bowmanville is part of the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe.

Timeline

This new GO rail service is expected to begin by 2023-24.

 Quick Facts

 Project Cost: $550 million

Location: Durham Region

Timing: Completion set for 2024

Funding Source: Province of Ontario

Number of Stations: Four new stations are being built to support the service: Thornton Road in Oshawa, Ritson Road in Oshawa, Courtice Road in Courtice and Martin Road in Bowmanville

Connection Points: Bowmanville to the GTHA via Oshawa

Kilometers: 20-kilometres of track

 GO - Lakeshore West Corridor

GO Regional Express Rail Update - http://goo.gl/Dks54F - page seven

Significant station improvements at Mimico, Long Branch Station, Port Credit, Aldershot, and Hamilton GO Centre.

Final construction work is targeted to wrap up this year at West Harbour Station, Burlington Station, and the Lewis Road Layover Facility.

Ongoing construction projects include Exhibition Station Rehabilitation, Bronte Station Platform and Parking Rehabilitation, and rail corridor expansion projects including bridges, retaining walls, and track and signal improvements required to provide future two-way-all-day service to Hamilton.

Metrolinx - Bayview Junction - Desjardins Canal Bridge Project

 Here is Hamilton Junction and the Desjardins Canal Bridge which is under construction by Metrolinx, on Friday, August 26th, 2016. The bridge will allow the completion of a third mainline track between Hamilton Junction and West Harbour GO Station, to allow Lakeshore Corridor GO trains to access West Harbour GO Station without interfering with CN Grimsby Sub freight trains. We are looking eastward from the York Street bridge toward Bayview Junction which is visible in the distance. You can also see new CTC signals in the foreground being installed to govern the movement of GO trains and CP Freight Trains to and from CP trackage into Hamilton Centre GO Station.

 

 Here is the West Harbour GO Station looking northward toward the Bay Street bridge on Friday, August 26th, 2016. The second platform and the Bay Street entrance are almost finished, however the trackwork for the second platform is not yet complete.

 

Here is a view looking northward from the Bay Street Bridge showing the approach trackwork at CN Stuart under construction, which will be completed once the Desjardins Canal Bridge is finished. You can see the two new signal bridges which have been installed at CN Stuart and are just waiting for the tracks to be installed. In the foreground is the access roadwork for the parking garage which is almost complete. On the right hand side you can see Hamilton yard switcher 4001 hard at work shunting a string of tank cars.

 

Lewis Road Train Layover Facility -

Here is the spur from the Lewis Ave., layover yard at CN McNeilly on Friday, August 26th, 2016. The yard lead is now connected to the CN Grimsby Sub at CN McNeilly and you can see the trackwork and signals which have been added to govern the movement of GO trains between here and West Harbour GO Station.

 

Here is The Lewis Ave. layover Yard at CN McNeilly on the CN Grimsby Sub in Stoney Creek. on Friday, August 26th, 2016. The yard is now complete and is connected to the CN Grimsby Sub at CN McNeilly.

 

Niagara GO Expansion - with files from Kevin Argue

 Seasonal GO Service 'Gaining In Popularity'

August 19th, 2016,By Ray Spiteri, Niagara Falls Review

http://goo.gl/GCytQb - stcatherinesstandard.ca

 Daily Train GO Service To Niagara Falls

What We're Doing

http://goo.gl/FZtyWf - metrolinx.com

 Metrolinx is planning to bring you new weekday GO rail service between the future Confederation GO Station in Hamilton and the Niagara Region.

The Niagara Falls GO rail extension will operate on approximately 60 km of track between the future Confederation GO Station in Hamilton and Niagara Falls.

Three new stations in addition to Confederation are being built to support the service: Casablanca Boulevard in Grimsby, and upgraded rail stations in St. Catharines and Niagara Falls.

Why We're Doing It

Daily GO service to Niagara Falls is part of the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe.

Timelines

This new GO rail service is expected to begin by 2023.

Project Status

Work will begin in 2017 to plan, design and retrofit the existing VIA stations, with completion expected in 2023.

 Quick Facts

 Project Cost: Work is being done to refine infrastructure scope, cost, and schedule

Location: Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA)

Funding Source: Province of Ontario

Number of Stations: Four new stations and upgraded rail stations in St. Catharines and Niagara Falls

Connection Points: Lakeshore West corridor, Confederation GO Station in Hamilton and three new stations being built to support the service: Casablanca Boulevard in Grimsby, and upgraded rail stations in St. Catharines

Kilometers: 60-kilometres of track 

 Kevin Argue and Mark Ostler- Metrolinx

GO - Milton Corridor

GO Regional Express Rail Update - http://goo.gl/Dks54F - page eight

Construction is underway on new layover facilities that will house and store trains. Plans are also underway for improvements at Cooksville, Kipling and Milton stations.

Ontario Adding Two More Go Train Trips On The Milton Line

Province Increasing Transit Options to Help Manage Congestion

August 18th, 2016, Ontario Ministry of Transportation

https://goo.gl/DMX5mE - news.ontario.ca

GO Richmond Hill Corridor

GO Regional Express Rail Update - http://goo.gl/Dks54F - page eight

The tender for the construction of Bloomington GO Station, the new northern terminus of the Richmond Hill line, is scheduled for release in July 2016.

Construction of the Gormley Station is ongoing and progressing well; the station is expected to open for partial train services on the first week of December 2016.

 GO - Stouffville Corridor

GO Regional Express Rail Update - http://goo.gl/Dks54F - page eight

Phase 1 double tracking work continues on the corridor between Agincourt and Unionville, and a public meeting was held on June 1st in preparation for the start of Phase 2 work beginning. This work includes track expansion, signal work along the corridor and the installation of noise walls.

A second track is being added to the remaining single-tracked parts of this segment and work includes expanding Unionville, Milliken, Agincourt and Kennedy GO stations to accommodate the second track

Here is Tier 2 MP40PH-3C GO 610 leading a northbound Stouffville line train at Agincourt GO Station on Sheppard Avenue. The train has just completed its station stop and is about to tackle the northbound uphill grade. This station will be upgraded to accommodate the second track, which is under construction.

 

Here is cab car GO 251 bringing up the rear of GO 610 North, just north of Agincourt GO Station, headed for Lincolnville on Thursday, August 18th, 2016. The rear of the train is just about to crest the grade and clear Havendale Road. You can see the work that has been done on preparing the roadbed for the second track.

Here is Tier 2 MP40PH-3C  GO 656 leading a northbound Stouffville line train, which is just leaving Milliken GO Station at Steeles Avenue. GO 656 is the last Tier 2 MP40PH-3C delivered, and the next unit on the roster GO 657, is the first of ten Tier 3 MP40PH-3C units which have been delivered. Milliken Station is going to be upgraded to accommodate the second track which is under construction, and the Steeles Avenue level crossing will also being eliminated.

The Lincolnville Layover expansion includes an additional track for train storage and upgrades to the existing track to accommodate future additional peak-hour and peak-direction service on the Stouffville Corridor.

Seasonal Niagara GO Train Service Returns

http://goo.gl/xctTM -gotransit.com 

 

One of the new Cab Car's No. 318 rolls through Mimico Station Aug 2nd 2016.

Here we see how busy Union Station is with VIA, Union Express and GO all operating there. Toronto Ontario Aug 2 2016.

John Street tower tucked under the bridge that connects the Rogers Center. It was there first and has been swallowed up by the CN Tower, Rogers Center complex. Toronto Ontario Aug 2 2016.

Did You Know That You Can Check Your Flight Status On UP Express?

https://goo.gl/BDXy5B - twitter.com/UPexpress

 

Here is Type C car UPX 3003 leading Type A car UPX 1014 on a westbound trip from Union Station to Pearson Terminal One on Monday, August 15th, 2016. The train is westbound under the Bathurst Bridge and will shortly cross over one track to avoid the construction to widen the Dufferin Street Bridge.

 

Here is UPX 1010 leading UPX 3007 and UPX 1011 on a three car eastbound train from Pearson Terminal One to Union Station, on Monday, August 15th, 2016. UPX 3007 is a Type C car that has square ends and a cab at one end. It can operate in the leading position, or in the middle of a train. UPX 1010 East is about to pass under the Bathurst Street Bridge and enter Toronto Terminal Railways trackage.

 

Here is UPX 1007 leading Type C car UPX 3004 westbound to Pearson Terminal One on Monday, August 15th, 2016. The train is crossing over one track to avoid the construction to widen the Dufferin Street Bridge.

 

Union Pearson Express - Latest News

https://goo.gl/e8P2nm  - UPExpress.com

 

Capital Projects Group Quarterly Report - June 2016 - page two and three

http://goo.gl/veUDr0 - metrolinx.com

 Crosstown Eglinton LRT - Toronto  http://www.thecrosstown.ca

 Metrolinx Makes Big Move With Kodak Building At Mount Dennis

August 25, 2016 3:58 pm | by Robert Mackenzie

http://goo.gl/BqQYLE - urbantoronto.ca

  Construction Of Avenue Station Progressing For Crosstown LRT

August 18, 2016 1:33 pm | by Jack Landau

http://goo.gl/EqvCfz - urbantoronto.ca

 Tunnelling Complete For Eglinton Crosstown LRT

August 17, 2016 11:05 am | by Jack Landau

http://goo.gl/wywbhC - urbantoronto.ca

 Crosstown LRT A Revitalization Catalyst For Mount Dennis

October 28, 2013 12:45 pm | by Brandon Leal

Shows the changes that were made to the plans for the Black Creek Maintenance and Storage Facility, Black Creek station, Mount Dennis Station, and Jane Street Station. These facilities will be located at the west end of the Crosstown line.

http://goo.gl/ebWQoQ - urbantoronto.ca

 Stations and Stops

http://goo.gl/wkM7Wr - thecrosstown.ca

 What's New - as of August 15th, 2016

http://goo.gl/0gMlwj - thecrosstown.ca

 Construction Updates - as of August 15th, 2016

http://goo.gl/iBe6sE - thecrosstown.ca

 Finch West LRT

 What Is The Finch West LRT Project? - Video

Published on 27 Jun 2016

Metrolinx Project Director Sampson Ho talks about "What is the Finch West LRT Project?"

https://goo.gl/Jve18p - youtube.com

https://goo.gl/hUA1oM - twitter.com/finchwestlrt/status

 Map of Finch West LRT

FinchWestLRT Project @ finchwestlrt on Twitter

https://goo.gl/loAAB1 - June 3rd, 2016

 Project Outline - http://goo.gl/9BZyW0 - www.metrolinx.com

 Hurontario - Main LRT - Mississauga

 Hurontario LRT Project - Project Overview

http://goo.gl/kYC0Cg - metrolinx.com

  ION LRT- Region Of Waterloo

 Waterloo Region Gets $22.8 Million In Provincial, Federal Transit Funding

Money will go towards vehicle replacements, station and terminal development

CBC News Posted: Aug 23, 2016 

http://goo.gl/2tS0XD - cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/ - 

 Here is the junction of Charles St. and Borden Avenue under construction on Friday, August 26th, 2016. The track turning right will handle southbound trains headed for Fairview Mall,which will be the southern terminus of Phase One. The track coming northward down the hill will handle northbound trains coming along Mill Street from Fairview Mall headed for the northern terminus at Conestoga Mall in Waterloo.

 Here is a view of the southbound Charles Street trackage through the downtown area, looking southward toward the Manulife building on Friday, August 26th, 2016. The northbound track in the downtown area runs along Duke and Frederick Streets.

 

Here is a view of the Grand River Hospital LRT Station, under construction, on Friday, August 26th, 2016. This is a double track stretch and we are looking southward on King Street.

 

Here is the Seagram LRT Station on University Ave W., in Waterloo, under construction, on Friday, August 26th, 2016. Notice the gauntlet track on the west track which is used by Goderich and Exeter branch line trains to Elmira. The gauntlet track allows freight cars to keep clear of the LRT station canopy.

Here is the LRT System Shops and Maintenance Facility on Friday, August 26th, 2016, adjacent to the Northfield Station near the north end of the line.

 

Latest Construction Updates -

 Monthly ION Update August 19th, 2016

http://goo.gl/w5PwXo - rideion.ca

 ION Interactive Route Map - http://goo.gl/2PI4km

 http://goo.gl/zWH0xM - rapidtransit.regionofwaterloo.ca

Hamilton LRT -

 Hamilton LRT Project, City of Hamilton

 Yes, Brampton Is Still A Cautionary Tale

The city that turned down Provincial LRT funding has delayed any possible rapid transit by several years - and still has no guarantee of funding.

By Ryan McGreal Published August 24, 2016

https://goo.gl/ykoTKX - raisethehammer.org

 Community Engagement For The Hamilton LRT

https://goo.gl/gRTwev - hamilton.ca

 LRT Crew Scanning And Drilling To Prepare For Construction

By Samantha Craggs, CBC News Posted: Aug 15, 2016

http://goo.gl/el4a3N - cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton

 July 7, 2016

 Metrolinx Maps and Fact Sheets regarding Hamilton LRT.

https://goo.gl/m2vUVq - hamilton.ca

 Capital Projects Group Quarterly Report - June 2016 - page four

http://goo.gl/veUDr0 - metrolinx.com

 City of Hamilton LRT website -

Procurement for the LRT will start in 2017, with construction starting in 2019.  

https://goo.gl/m2vUVq

 Ottawa LRT - Confederation Line - ligneconfederationline.ca

 http://goo.gl/6Wjc2F  - News and Events - August 11th, 2016

 http://goo.gl/I660JR  - Construction Updates -August 16th, 2016

TTC - APRIL 2016 NEWS - with files from Kevin Argue

 

Chief Executive Officer's Report - July 2016 Update

http://goo.gl/tBMIfN  - Board Meeting of July 11th 2016

Next meeting is not scheduled until September 28th.

 Canada, Ontario Sign Agreement to Fund Transit Infrastructure

August 23, 2016 3:00 pm | by Robert Mackenzie 

Excellent summary of the Federal Transit Funding announced for Toronto and the TTC.

http://goo.gl/fe8yT0 - urbantoronto.ca

 Take TTC To The CNE

August 19 to September 5, 2016

https://goo.gl/X5MqVO - ttc.ca/serviceadvisories/servicechanges/CNE2016

 SUBWAYS: with files from Kevin Argue - CRO Contributor

 Yonge Line - Finch - Richmond Hill Extension

 Downtown Relief Subway line - New line planned

 Relief Line: Preferred Alignment Now Includes Unilever Stop

June 1, 2016 3:42 pm | by Stefan Novakovic 

http://goo.gl/fGcfof - urbantoronto.ca

 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.

http://goo.gl/jJUyhu

 Yonge - University-Spadina-York Subway Extension - Line 1

 Video - First Ride Of The Rails From Downsview To Vaughan

https://goo.gl/ztdecG - June 6th, 2016 - ttc.ca

 Inside The TTC's Will Alsop-Designed Pioneer Village Station

August 19, 2016 3:35 pm | by Stefan Novakovic

http://goo.gl/1BLext - urbantoronto.ca

 Bloor- Danforth Line 2 - Subway Extension - Kennedy Station to Scarborough Town Centre

The Project

http://goo.gl/rfOlzq - scarboroughsubwayextension.ca

 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 TR trainsets operate only on line 4 (Sheppard).

http://goo.gl/ipBgwV - wikipedia.com

 Scheduled Subway Closures

 September 2016

 Line 2 Bloor-Danforth: Pape to St George closure on September 3, 4 and 5

Line 1 Yonge-University: Wilson to Downsview closure on September 10 and 11

Line 1 Yonge-University: St Clair West to Downsview closure on September 17 and 18

Line 1 Yonge-University: Bloor-Yonge to Osgoode closure on September 24 and 25

 STREETCARS

 New Streetcar Derails At King And Bathurst Causing Traffic Backup

A streetcar derailed, blocking the eastbound King and Queen routes.

By JENNIFER PAGLIARO City Hall reporter - Tues., Aug. 16, 2016

https://goo.gl/iDYyqc - thestar.com

 TTC CLRV/ALRV Retirements

Started by PCC Guy, May 29, 2015

Canadian Public Transit Discussion Board

https://goo.gl/IWt7Be -cptdb.ca

 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 4422 - In revenue service on the 509 Harbourfront line, 510 Spadina line, and 514 Cherry line.

4423 - The 22nd Flexity Tram -In service on the 510 Spadina Line as of Tuesday, August 9th, 2016.

Source: https://goo.gl/jWDVxa -  twitter.com/flexitytracker

 Here is the 22nd Flexity Tram TTC 4423, southbound on the 510 Spadina line on Monday, August 15th, 2016. The car is approaching the southbound platform at Front Street. Ironically the next northbound tram was TTC 4400, the first Flexity tram…the first and the latest (22nd tram of 204 ordered).

Here is the 21st Flexity tram TTC 4422 , on the 510 Spadina line, stopped at the southbound Harbord Street platform on Sunday, August 14th, 2016. The 510 Spadina line is now fully accessible as all cars on this line are now Flexity trams.

 

ROUTE 514 - THE CHERRY STREETCAR line

 The 514 Cherry streetcar route will improve capacity along the busiest section of King Street and provide new streetcar service on Dufferin Street in Liberty Village and to the West Don Lands. The route operates every 15 minutes or better, all day, every day, and is partially operated with new accessible streetcars.

Source:  https://goo.gl/2mQraq -  ttc.ca/Service_Advisories/

 Here is Flexity Tram 4411 northbound at Front St. E. and Cherry St. on the 514 Cherry Line on Sunday, August 14th, 2016. It is leaving the Distillery Loop and will shortly be turning west along King St. headed for the Dufferin Gate Loop.

 

Here is Flexity tram TTC 4411 making the turn from Cherry Street, westbound onto King Street, on Sunday, August 14th, 2016.

Here is TTC 4411 westbound on the 504 King line at Yonge Street on Sunday, August 14th, 2016. The 514 Cherry Line uses King Street trackage between Cherry Street and Dufferin Street. The Flexity trams have electronic destination signs so they can be programmed to display the correct route information.

Here is CLRV car TTC 4046 exiting from the Dufferin Gate Loop, on Monday, August 15th, 2016, headed for the Distillery Loop on Cherry Street at the east end of the 514 Cherry Line.

 

Here is CLRV car TTC 4095 southbound on Dufferin Street on Monday, August 15th, 2016, approaching Dufferin Gate Loop. Notice the destination card strapped to the short turn sign, on the front right hand side of the car. When the sign is flipped up it reads "Distillery".

 

 

Other Streetcar Infrastructure

 St Clair Station Projects:

 512 St Clair Streetcar Route: Platform Adjustments (June 19 to December 2016)

Adjusting a four-metre section of passenger platforms to conform with the deployable ramp working range

Installing extra railing for added safety

Placing tactile strips for accessibility purposes

 Overhead Wire Replacement (mid-July)

Overhead wires inside the streetcar loop will be upgraded

St Clair West Station Projects

 512 St Clair Streetcar Route: Accessibility Ramps Adjustments (June 19 to early September)

Adjusting a four-metre section of passenger platforms to conform with the deployable ramp working range

Adding additional railing for safety and tactile strips for accessibility

Vaughan Road: replacement of concrete in the streetcar right-of-way

 Overhead Wire and Track Replacement (June 19 to December

Track replacement leading into St Clair West Station (between Bathurst Street and Tweedsmuir Avenue)

East track (June 19 to December), and the west track will be replaced (June 19 to September)

Overhead wires inside the station will be upgraded concurrently

The main entrance escalators require preventative maintenance repair. Work for one escalator will take up to 2 weeks to complete. An escalator in the upwards direction will always be available for customer use (July to September)

The Heath Street entrance will receive additional bike parking

Buses Replace Streetcars On St. Clair, While Bathurst-College Shuts Down

by NEWS STAFF Posted Jun 17, 2016

Complete description of project and TTC Video explaining why the work is needed and giving details.

http://goo.gl/ZR2QBL - 680news.com

 Streetcar Track Construction Update: Spring 2016

Steve Munro - May 9th, 2016 - information and photos

https://goo.gl/TSHzCI - stevemunro.ca 

  

 

AMTRAK

(Edited by William H Baird)
editor@canadianrailwayobservations.com

AMTRAK in CANADA

BRING BACK THE MONTREAL AMTRAK TRAIN

(Ediorial By Nat Frothingham)

 As this issue with its focus on energy goes to press, we encourage readers of The Bridge to contact Gov. Peter Shumlin, members of Vermont's Congressional delegation and lawmakers to register their strong support for the return of passenger rail service from Washington, D.C. - through Vermont - to Canada and Montreal.

 It's now almost 22 years since Amtrak scuttled the passenger rail link to Canada and it's well past time to restore that link. In three brisk points - here's why. First, getting rail passenger service up and running again through Vermont north to Montreal and south to Washington, D.C. could take thousands of cars off the road and lead to a reduction of the greenhouse gases that cause climate change. Second, given the flatness of Vermont's economy, imagine what it could mean in dollars and cents if we were connected by rail to Montreal, a world-class city of 3.9 million people. Imagine the gains in trade and commerce. Imagine the gains in tourism dollars. Third, from time to time we're told that young people are moving out of Vermont to big cities where there's more action and better employment opportunities. Imagine what it could mean to have rail access to Montreal and Quebec. Another language and culture with big city attractions such as professional ice hockey and professional baseball. When you travel by rail to Montreal you can get off the train, take the Metro to any stop on the system and enjoy all that Montreal has to offer: restaurants, shopping, plays, concerts, the botanical gardens and the distinctive architecture of the old city.

 Well then, why did passenger rail - north to - and south from - Montreal end on April 1, 1995? It's a bit of a story.

 Why Passenger Rail Declined:

 Passenger rail has had a long history in the United States and its heyday from the mid-19th century into the 1920s. But after the 1920s, popularity of the private automobile led to a slow decline in passenger rail. But there were other factors that contributed to this decline - competition between trucks and trains for the business of hauling interstate freight, the construction - beginning in the 1950s and 60s of a nationwide interstate highway system - and more recently the emergence of air travel as a sometimes cheaper and faster alternative to passenger rail. But that's not all. As ridership declined, trains - and train equipment - as well as the stations and tracks - deteriorated. Then there was growing frustration at the border crossing between the United States and Canada. Typically, a train bound north to Montreal or south from Montreal into Vermont would come to a stop at the border while customs officials came aboard to check on travel documents and interview passengers. Meanwhile the riding public waited in place, often for as long as two hours.

 Across the country, ridership took one hit after another. Finally in October 1970, then President Richard Nixon signed into law the Rail Passenger Service Act. This consolidated rail passenger service across the country into a public-private entity called the National Passenger Railroad Corporation, known as Amtrak. But getting people out of their cars and back into trains was a steep climb - in fact, too steep a climb.

 By 1994 - even though Amtrak was partly subsidized by federal dollars, it was running a deficit of nearly $200 million and Congress demanded cuts.

The 1994 cuts were draconian. Some trains survived. Others survived but on a less frequent schedule. Still others were ditched completely. One of the trains that was ditched completely was the train from Washington, D.C. through Vermont called "The Montrealer."

 So, the service ended - but not without regret.

 One person who regretted the ending of The Montrealer was Karen Songhurst who was director of the White River Junction Chamber of Commerce when the news broke December 12, 1994 that Amtrak was shutting down that train.

 In 1997 Songhurst joined the Vermont Agency of Transportation to run the rail program and today, almost 20 years later, she's a policy analyst for VTrans with an almost encyclopedic knowledge of The Montrealer and the more recent history of trying to reestablish a passenger rail link to Montreal.

A few days ago, Songhurst spoke to The Bridge by phone and described how she felt back in 1994 when The Montrealer was scrapped. She felt that killing The Montrealer would hurt the whole region.

 She said before The Montrealer was scrapped, as many as 20,000 people a year boarded trains in and out of White River Junction to Montreal and other destinations as well. "In a single year," she said, "there were over 100,000 passengers crossing the border to and from Canada." And she added, "They were getting on and off between the end points." She was convinced that killing the train had been a mistake. "It was a lack of understanding of the positive impacts of the train," she asserted.

Reviving a Train to Montreal. So the passenger train to Montreal was eliminated. But now, 20-plus years later, there's a pretty general agreement about wanting to restore that north-of-the-border train service.

"It's going to happen. There's no one opposed to this." These were the opening words from Brian Searles during a phone contact with The Bridge.

Searles, a former Secretary of the Vermont Agency of Transportation, is now an emissary appointed by Shumlin to represent Vermont in negotiations with Canada and others to bring back the passenger rail to Montreal.

 Searles is on the mark in saying that there's broad political support for bringing back a passenger train to Montreal. That support includes Vermont's Congressional delegation with a special appreciation to Senator Patrick Leahy and Gov. Shumlin. But despite the unanimity of political support, getting through the negotiations and getting the train running has proved difficult - so difficult that none of the principals we talked to, including Chris Saunders at Leahy's office, or policy analyst Songhurst, or emissary Searles would predict a date when rail passenger service into Canada would be restored.

Said Searles about the obstacles, "It's a complex project even now: two countries, four states, three railroads, a lot of people." And the big elephant in the room that has both informed and complicated negotiations are security concerns at the border provoked by the terror attacks of September 11, 2001. Or as Songhurst observed, "It was the security issues that made it difficult, particularly after 9/11/01."

One bright spot in the continuing negotiations between the United States and Canada was the signing a year and a half ago of what is called the Preclearance Agreement, made possible by the 2011 "Beyond the Border Accord." This agreement sets the stage for the construction of a preclearance facility to be located at Montreal's Central Station, Canada's second busiest rail passenger hub. The proposed facility would screen rail passengers getting ready to board a train south across the border. It would also screen and clear passengers arriving by train in Montreal before they are cleared to enter Canada.

There's a reason why people closest to the negotiations are reluctant to predict a date when passenger rail to Canada from Vermont will be restored.

The negotiations have begun. The Beyond the Border Treaty has been signed. A proposal for a pre-clearance facility has been discussed and there's a preliminary design. But there's no final design, though Songhurst did say that pre-clearance legislation has been completed in both countries.

More Complications

But here's something else, perhaps not an obstacle but something like a stumbling block. According to Songhurst, the Montreal Central station is owned - not by any arm of the government, but by a private conglomerate. It's a railway station but it's also a retail facility and a hotel. And like the station, even the tracks and the trains are owned by a private entity. But despite these complications, the negotiations are moving ahead. Said Songhurst, "What we've done is develop partnerships with the other entities. We have cooperative agreements with the Province of Quebec, New York State Department of Transportation and Amtrak. We are all on board with the cooperative agreements. We want this to happen. We have identified teams of people who have been working together for three years."

Then there's a bill moving through Congress that, according to Searles "steps up the protocol for customs and border protection." How, for example, will it work in practice to have American customs and border protection officials operating in a preclearance facility located in Canada? What if an American border official had to disarm somebody in Montreal? Would American customs and border officials be subject to Canadian law? Searles said he was hopeful that this bill would win approval soon.

After the pre-clearance issues have been resolved - looming in the near distance are questions of how the new service will operate and how it will it be paid for.

 These are some of the critical questions. What will the train schedule be like? Where will the train stop to pick up and discharge passengers? What amenities - such as a dining car services or station upgrades - will be offered. What will be the cost of the new service? In these discussions, assumptions need to be agreed upon and the answer to one question changes the answer to other questions. How many passengers can be expected to use the service? What part of the costs will be picked up by the private Canadian train operators? What part of the costs will be borne by the several states? What about labor and union issues on both sides of the border?

 At one point as Songhurst discussed the complications, I said to her, perhaps unfairly, "This could be hung up for another 20 years." But she answered graciously, "No, please. The significant obstacle was the pre-clearance element. That was the biggest hurdle." But she also acknowledged a couple of "must-pass" bills, one recently introduced in Canadian parliament; and another bill to approve a "stepped-up protocol" that's moving currently through the United States Senate with a matching bill headed for the House of Representatives.

 Speaking with a hope informed by working to restore passenger service for over 20 years, Songhurst said, "I'm only more confident of it because I'm in the weeds and have been in the weeds almost 20 years. I came to VTrans to run the rail program in 1997. I was the first rail program administrator and then moved up to policy."

 Well, in writing this editorial I started out by wanting to press hard for accelerated action from the key players who are working to restore passenger service to Montreal. I still feel strongly and urgently that this project needs to be moved forward. But as I wrote this story, I found myself talking with some very committed public servants who have been hard at work for a number of years confronting the immense obstacles and complications in front of them as they try to get an essential passenger rail link restored.

I can't believe that people like Searles, Songhurst and Saunders at Leahy's office wouldn't welcome public understanding and public support as they try to resolve the still-multitudinous problems facing them in putting back together a train through Vermont to Canada and Montreal.

 

---

 Francois Jolin captured the Amtrak Adirondack at St-Jean-sur-Richelieu QC, led by P42DC 98 heading up to Montreal on August 15th, with a plethora of Air Balloons in the sky!

 

AMTRAK IN THE USA

 Dennis Weber snapped Private Varnish on the tail end of Amtrak train #8 on August 5th with Northern Sky Charters Dome and a sleeper from the A-O-E at La Crosse WI. 

Adorning the tail end of Amtrak #8 on August 24th at La Crosse WI, Dennis shot private car Charter Club / St. James Place.

 

AMTRAK VIGNETTE

The Amtrak Adirondack at Lucien-L'Allier Station in downtown Montreal back in March 2011.  This is the location the former CP Windsor Station, which was covered by the Bell Centre in the background.  

  Please submit your AMTRAK IN CANADA photos directly to William H. Baird

 

 

Copyright CRO September 2016