Agenda Item History - 2016.EX18.1
Hmmm ..... Conveniently slipped under the rug
Thursday, October 27, 2016
Monday, July 18, 2016
Saturday, June 11, 2016
Monday, May 23, 2016
Upcoming Public Meetings
Upcoming Public Meetings - http://scarboroughsubwayextension.ca/consultation-opportunities.html
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
Thursday, April 14, 2016
Thursday, March 10, 2016
Vaughan councillor challenges Yonge subway ‘no-capacity mythology’
Hi All - The posts and information on this blog are still relevant, but; please visit my new blogs at www,TorontoTransitBlog.com and www.SmarterTracks.com for my latest plans and posts
thestar.com: Vaughan councillor challenges Yonge subway ‘no-capacity mythology’ http://google.com/newsstand/s/CBIwo6XA1ik thestar.com: Vaughan councillor challenges Yonge subway ‘no-capacity mythology’ http://google.com/newsstand/s/CBIwo6XA1ik - I agree with Alan Shefman - If city planners and politicians would think ahead; once the downtown relief line and Sheppard Subway extension to Scarborough are completed, pressure will be relieved off of the Yonge Street line - What's wrong if the Yonge Street line is overly successful? - It'll just give that much more incentive for some to use the new SmartTrack, thus contributing to its success - My God!!; what is wrong with these people?!!
Sunday, February 28, 2016
Tunnel Vision
Check out @WiteNiteI's Tweet: https://twitter.com/WiteNiteI/status/703045010158133248?s=09
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
The first draft of my proposal for public transit in Scarborough and the surrounding area is ready – I have called it “SmarterTracks” - You can view my plan at www.TorontoTransitBlog.com
Hi All – The first draft of my proposal for public transit in
Scarborough and the surrounding area is ready – I have called it
“SmarterTracks” – My plan eliminates the SmartTrack and puts the money where
it’s needed - The proposed SmartTrack route along Kennedy is already serviced
by a GO Train that Metrolinx has been planning to electrify and upgrade with greater capacity and frequency – Tory
should leave well enough alone - You can view
my plan at www.TorontoTransitBlog.com – Please be sure to leave your own
comments and ideas – If you connect with me and request it, I can forward a PDF
of the maps – You will be able to scroll through the maps and see the
progression of the various phases – I have forwarded my plan to Toronto City
Planners, politicians at all levels of government, various media, and other
authorities having jurisdiction (including Kathleen Wynne) – If you agree with
my plan; please advocate for it by contacting your local government
representatives – In case you are not aware; the powers that be are working
very quickly on plans for the GTA and the surrounding communities (including
making major changes) and will be announcing their final decisions very
shortly, so time is of the essence
P.S. - Facebook has frozen my Facebook account for using an
alias, so please friend me and have your friends look me up, like my posts, and
also invite me to be their friend on Facebook – I will not be sending out any
more friend requests directly myself, but I will accept if they reach out to me
Following is a list of e-mail addresses to help get you
started:
victor gottwald <vgottwa@toronto.ca>,
Kelli Korducki <kellikorducki@torontoist.com>,
Tess Kalinowski <tkalinowski@thestar.ca>,
info@sheppardsubway.com,
Toronto Transit Commission <media@ttc.ca>,
Maureen Adamson <maureen@madamsonassociates.com>,
andrea.crockford@metrolinx.com,
jpagliaro <jpagliaro@thestar.ca>,
tom@ctv.ca,
oppi@absolutevents.com,
agalbra@toronto.ca,
info@j-source.ca,
hholden@toronto.ca,
james.alcock@rogers.com,
haynedj@toronto.ca,
"“kwynne.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org”" <kwynne.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org>,
"“councillor_karygiannis@toronto.ca”" <councillor_karygiannis@toronto.ca>, jerry.chadwick@tdsb.on.ca,
oped@thestar.ca,
lettertoed@thestar.ca,
Newsroom@globeandmail.com,
Toronto Sun <torsun.citydesk@sunmedia.ca>,
Wendy Metcalfe <wendy.metcalfe@sunmedia.ca>,
premier@ontario.ca,
jnanos@toronto.ca,
ekeenan@thestar.ca,
councillor_thompson@toronto.ca,
councillor_lee@toronto.ca,
councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca,
Ron Moeser <councillor_moeser@toronto.ca>,
councillor_berardinetti@toronto.ca,
councillor_crawford@toronto.ca,
Norm Kelly <councillor_kelly@toronto.ca>,
CP Twenty Four <now@cp24.com>,
David Nickle <dnickle@insidetoronto.com>,
Toula K <jim@karygiannis.net>,
Councillor DeBaeremaeker <councillor_debaeremaeker@toronto.ca>,
sdelduca.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org,
minister.mto@ontario.ca,
councillor_colle@toronto.ca,
city@thestar.ca,
miller@ecf.utoronto.ca,
miller@civ.utoronto.ca,
"michael.talbot" <michael.talbot@rci.rogers.com>,
news <news@nowtoronto.com>,
rjames@thestar.ca,
John Tory <mayor_tory@toronto.ca>,
Mike Logan <scarboroughsubwayextension@toronto.ca>,
citybuilding@ryerson.ca,
chume@thestar.ca,
minister.mah@ontario.ca,
"justin.trudeau@parl.gc.ca" <justin.trudeau@parl.gc.ca>,
councillor_fletcher@toronto.ca,
sserran@toronto.ca,
Dipak Dhrona <ddhrona@toronto.ca>,
drider@thestar.ca,
BradDuguid <bduguid.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org>,
councillor_matlow@toronto.ca,
mary.meledes@metrolinx.com,
john.jensen@metrolinx.com,
angela.mastrangelo@metrolinx.com,
greg.percy@gotransit.com,
allison.collins@gotransit.com,
judy.pfeifer@metrolinx.com,
tracey.carvery@metrolinx.com,
robert.siddall@metrolinx.com,
leslie.woo@metrolinx.com,
gisele.zwicker@metrolinx.com,
Patrick.Searle@ontario.ca,
Linda Williamson <lwilliamson@ombudsman.on.ca>,
abursey@ombudsman.on.ca,
marc.garneau@parl.gc.ca,
BrianAshton@royallepage.ca,
Kelli Korducki <kellikorducki@torontoist.com>,
Tess Kalinowski <tkalinowski@thestar.ca>,
info@sheppardsubway.com,
Toronto Transit Commission <media@ttc.ca>,
Maureen Adamson <maureen@madamsonassociates.com>,
andrea.crockford@metrolinx.com,
jpagliaro <jpagliaro@thestar.ca>,
tom@ctv.ca,
oppi@absolutevents.com,
agalbra@toronto.ca,
info@j-source.ca,
hholden@toronto.ca,
james.alcock@rogers.com,
haynedj@toronto.ca,
"“kwynne.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org”" <kwynne.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org>,
"“councillor_karygiannis@toronto.ca”" <councillor_karygiannis@toronto.ca>, jerry.chadwick@tdsb.on.ca,
oped@thestar.ca,
lettertoed@thestar.ca,
Newsroom@globeandmail.com,
Toronto Sun <torsun.citydesk@sunmedia.ca>,
Wendy Metcalfe <wendy.metcalfe@sunmedia.ca>,
premier@ontario.ca,
jnanos@toronto.ca,
ekeenan@thestar.ca,
councillor_thompson@toronto.ca,
councillor_lee@toronto.ca,
councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca,
Ron Moeser <councillor_moeser@toronto.ca>,
councillor_berardinetti@toronto.ca,
councillor_crawford@toronto.ca,
Norm Kelly <councillor_kelly@toronto.ca>,
CP Twenty Four <now@cp24.com>,
David Nickle <dnickle@insidetoronto.com>,
Toula K <jim@karygiannis.net>,
Councillor DeBaeremaeker <councillor_debaeremaeker@toronto.ca>,
sdelduca.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org,
minister.mto@ontario.ca,
councillor_colle@toronto.ca,
city@thestar.ca,
miller@ecf.utoronto.ca,
miller@civ.utoronto.ca,
"michael.talbot" <michael.talbot@rci.rogers.com>,
news <news@nowtoronto.com>,
rjames@thestar.ca,
John Tory <mayor_tory@toronto.ca>,
Mike Logan <scarboroughsubwayextension@toronto.ca>,
citybuilding@ryerson.ca,
chume@thestar.ca,
minister.mah@ontario.ca,
"justin.trudeau@parl.gc.ca" <justin.trudeau@parl.gc.ca>,
councillor_fletcher@toronto.ca,
sserran@toronto.ca,
Dipak Dhrona <ddhrona@toronto.ca>,
drider@thestar.ca,
BradDuguid <bduguid.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org>,
councillor_matlow@toronto.ca,
mary.meledes@metrolinx.com,
john.jensen@metrolinx.com,
angela.mastrangelo@metrolinx.com,
greg.percy@gotransit.com,
allison.collins@gotransit.com,
judy.pfeifer@metrolinx.com,
tracey.carvery@metrolinx.com,
robert.siddall@metrolinx.com,
leslie.woo@metrolinx.com,
gisele.zwicker@metrolinx.com,
Patrick.Searle@ontario.ca,
Linda Williamson <lwilliamson@ombudsman.on.ca>,
abursey@ombudsman.on.ca,
marc.garneau@parl.gc.ca,
BrianAshton@royallepage.ca,
Saturday, February 20, 2016
Get Involved!
http://reliefline.ca/get-involved/upcoming-meetings
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
OneCity Transit Plan Rejected
OneCity Transit Plan Rejected
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/toronto-s-onecity-transit-plan-rejected-by-province-1.1180760
FYI; the links posted here should all still be good, but; I will be abandoning this blog and will only be updating this blog from time to time - Visit my new blog at www.torontotransitblog.com for information, ideas, comments, and concerns regarding traffic and transit in the GTA
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/toronto-s-onecity-transit-plan-rejected-by-province-1.1180760
FYI; the links posted here should all still be good, but; I will be abandoning this blog and will only be updating this blog from time to time - Visit my new blog at www.torontotransitblog.com for information, ideas, comments, and concerns regarding traffic and transit in the GTA
Timeline of Transit Planning in Toronto
Timeline of Transit Planning in Toronto
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/a-timeline-of-transit-planning-in-toronto/article13237591/
FYI; the links posted here should all still be good, but; I will be abandoning this blog and will only be updating this blog from time to time - Visit my new blog at www.torontotransitblog.com for information, ideas, comments, and concerns regarding traffic and transit in the GTA
Hi All - The posts and information on this blog are still relevant, but; please visit my new blogs at www,TorontoTransitBlog.com and www.SmarterTracks.com for my latest plans and posts
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/a-timeline-of-transit-planning-in-toronto/article13237591/
FYI; the links posted here should all still be good, but; I will be abandoning this blog and will only be updating this blog from time to time - Visit my new blog at www.torontotransitblog.com for information, ideas, comments, and concerns regarding traffic and transit in the GTA
Hi All - The posts and information on this blog are still relevant, but; please visit my new blogs at www,TorontoTransitBlog.com and www.SmarterTracks.com for my latest plans and posts
Links
Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/news/city_hall/2012/01/25/a_new_toronto_transit_proposal_delivers_more_bang_for_the_82_billion_buck.html
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/transportation/2016/01/20/revised-scarborough-subway-plan-eliminates-2-stations.html
FYI; the links posted here here should all still be good, but; I will be abandoning this blog and will only be updating this blog from time to time - Visit my new blog at www.torontotransitblog.com for information, ideas, comments, and concerns regarding traffic and transit in the GTA
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/transportation/2016/01/20/revised-scarborough-subway-plan-eliminates-2-stations.html
FYI; the links posted here here should all still be good, but; I will be abandoning this blog and will only be updating this blog from time to time - Visit my new blog at www.torontotransitblog.com for information, ideas, comments, and concerns regarding traffic and transit in the GTA
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
Bloor Viaduct - Foresight!
Bloor (Prince Edward) Viaduct - Foresight!
The foresight demonstrated by early planners and politicians in the City of Toronto in planning and building the the Bloor Viaduct so that is was capable of carrying a subway, that would not be built until 48 years later, was one of the greatest achievements for this city.
The density was not there when
Toronto first starting talking between 1910 and 1912 about the possibility of
building a bridge to span the Don Valley between Bloor Street and Danforth
Avenue [Later called the Prince Edward Viaduct (now commonly referred to as the
Bloor Viaduct)] - Consultants suggested that the Prince Edward Viaduct include
a lower deck for a future subway - The lower deck was built, but the first plan
for a line to use it was not made until June 15, 1933, when the TTC published a
report which suggested the construction of a subway along Bloor Street and
Danforth Avenue – Includes excerpts from Wikipedia at
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Line_2_Bloor%E2%80%93Danforth#Pre-subway_era
BRIEF HISTORY – Bloor (Prince
Edward) Viaduct
- 1910 and 1912 - The first serious
record of discussions for a bridge with a lower deck spanning the Don Valley
for a possible future subway *
- 1914 – Planning begun
- 1918 – Bloor Viaduct opened
- 1919 – Final completion of
construction
- 1966 – Bloor-Danforth subway
opened *
* Now THAT is foresight!!! - It’s
too bad today’s politicians have no foresight and don’t listen to their
planners and other consultants
See also:
http://www.blogto.com/city/2011/09/the_birth_of_the_bloor_viaduct/
FYI; the links posted here should all still be good, but; I will be abandoning this blog and will only be updating this blog from time to time - Visit my new blog at www.torontotransitblog.com for information, ideas, comments, and concerns regarding traffic and transit in the GTA
FYI; the links posted here should all still be good, but; I will be abandoning this blog and will only be updating this blog from time to time - Visit my new blog at www.torontotransitblog.com for information, ideas, comments, and concerns regarding traffic and transit in the GTA
Monday, February 8, 2016
Richmond Hill Subway Extension Links
Richmond Hill Subway Extension Links
http://www.vivanext.com/yonge-subway-extension/
http://www.yorkregion.com/news-story/5701290-councillors-applaud-next-step-to-put-subway-to-richmond-hill-back-on-track/
http://www.postcity.com/Eat-Shop-Do/Do/August-2015/The-extension-of-the-Yonge-subway-to-Richmond-Hill-is-building-steam-following-Metrolinxs-green-light/
FYI; the links posted here should all still be good, but; I will be abandoning this blog and will only be updating this blog from time to time - Visit my new blog at www.torontotransitblog.com for information, ideas, comments, and concerns regarding traffic and transit in the GTA
Sunday, February 7, 2016
The Urban Transportation Development Corporation
The Urban Transportation Development Corporation
Wikipedia - The Urban Transportation Development Corporation Ltd. (UTDC) was a Crown corporation owned by the Government of Ontario, Canada. It was created in the 1970s as a way to enter what was then expected to be a burgeoning market in advanced light rail mass transit systems. UTDC built a respected team of engineers and project managers. It developed significant expertise in linear propulsion, steerable trucks and driverless system controls which were integrated into a transit system known as the Intermediate Capacity Transit System (ICTS). It was designed to provide service at rider levels between a traditional subway on the upper end and buses and streetcars on the lower, filling a niche aimed at suburbs that were otherwise expensive to service.
Link
See also: "The Existing Scarborough RT" elsewhere on this blog
FYI; the links posted here should all still be good, but; I will be abandoning this blog and will only be updating this blog from time to time - Visit my new blog at www.torontotransitblog.com for information, ideas, comments, and concerns regarding traffic and transit in the GTA
Introduction - Toronto Transit Blog
Toronto Transit Blog
I have created this blog “Toronto Transit Blog” to express my comments and concerns and to further discussion regarding traffic and public transit issues and the latest planning proposals for the GTA – I am huge proponent of subways, especially for Scarborough, so please pardon my biases – I do support all forms of improvements to get this city moving again, including; improvements to the bus network, LRTs, subways, SmartTrack, Go Trains, and yes; even expressways – I believe that the most direct route is usually the best route, and that the number of different modes of transit and number of required transfers, should be minimized as much as possible
John Tory made promises and commitments during his election campaign, and I understand that he wants to deliver, but; it should not be done in haste - Let's take a breath, use our heads (because they have it all wrong right now), and do it right [we don’t need another white elephant (or black gas plant)] – See my blog page “Downtown Relief Line” for my latest thoughts, comments, and concerns, about the direction we seem to be taking
I try to include a little humour - I’m no comedian, so please forgive me if the jokes are bad
I have no allegiance to any group, or political party (federal, provincial, regional, or municipal), so I’m not worried about putting a few noses out of joint, or stepping on a few toes (anybody’s toes)
FYI; the links posted here should all still be good, but; I will be abandoning this blog and will only be updating this blog from time to time - Visit my new blogs at www.SmarterTracks.com and www.TorontoTransitBlog.com for information, ideas, comments, and concerns regarding traffic and transit in the GTA
My Contact Info
Websites - www.TorontoTransitBlog.com /
www.SmarterTracks.com
Toronto Transit Blog - www.TorontoTransitBlog.com
SmarterTracks Blog - www.SmarterTracks.com
E-mail - email @ TorontoTransitBlog.com *
Facebook - http:// www.facebook.com/pprenticeiii *
Facebook E-mail Address - pprenticeiii @ facebook.com *
Twitter - @ WiteNiteI *
Twitter - @ TO_Transit_Blog *
* NOTE: OMIT SPACES (two spaces have been inserted on each side of the @ symbol to fight spam)
P.S - My proposals and maps are ready - You can check them out at www.SmarterTracks.com and www.TorontoTransitBlog.com
Oh My God ..... Here We Go Again!
The Globe and Mail (Shared publicly - Jan 20, 2016) - "New proposal for Scarborough subway plan includes fewer stops"
Link
https://plus.google.com/+globeandmail/posts/9DnYTUcipaq?_utm_source=1-2-2
FYI; the links posted here should all still be good, but; I will be abandoning this blog and will only be updating this blog from time to time - Visit my new blog at www.torontotransitblog.com for information, ideas, comments, and concerns regarding traffic and transit in the GTA
P.S - I am working on a map that will illustrate all or most of my key proposals and ideas, so; STAY TUNED to www.torontotransitblog.com - My proposals and maps should be ready by the end of February 2016
Poll finds more transit funding unpopular whatever the source
CBC News - The only thing respondents don't oppose? More money from the federal government
I do understand federal taxpayers reluctance to have their hard-earned tax dollars go to public transit - If adequate funding had been provided over the past forty years, it would not have necessary to address so many traffic and transit issues all once - My understanding is that we are not tax free until some time in June - Every penny up until that point goes to taxes each year (that's about 45%) - I don't know if it's more or less than1/3 for each of the regional/municipal, provincial, and federal governments, but their overall share of the pie should be cut, or at least never be allowed to exceed the current size of their piece - They'll get more or as the pie gets larger or smaller - Having said that; where did the money go? - It's time the provincial and federal governments coughed up their share for public transit and other infrastructure
Link
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/transit-funding-poll-vancouver-1.3429603
FYI; the links posted here should all still be good, but; I will be abandoning this blog and will only be updating this blog from time to time - Visit my new blog at www.torontotransitblog.com for information, ideas, comments, and concerns regarding traffic and transit in the GTA
P.S - I am working on a map that will illustrate all or most of my key proposals and ideas, so; STAY TUNED to www.torontotransitblog.com - My proposals and maps should be ready by the end of February 2016
Downtown Relief Line
Downtown Relief Line
I am a huge proponent of subways for Scarborough (as most of you know), but this statement in 2013 by then TTC head Andy Byford was (and still is) right on the money
Let's slow down, use our heads (because they have it all wrong right now), and do it right - The correct solution and sequence for transit in the east part of the city is as follows:
STOP AND THINK
1 - Take the time to rethink the current transit proposal for Toronto for now [because they have it wrong (remember the gas plants scandal!)] - Let's not rush into it (just because John Tory is trying to save face because he promised to deliver), and make sure we get it right
DOWNTOWN SUBWAY RELIEF LINE and McCOWAN (SCARBOROUGH) SUBWAY
2 - Plan and build the Downtown Toronto Relief Line, and Three-stop Scarborough (McCowan) Subway Extension, first; (If something has to be sacrificed; it is the SmartTrack that should be
sacrificed - There already is an existing GO train along that route for
fast and express service with plans to electrify it and double the scheduled number of stops
Like everything else they have been talking about a DRL for decades ..... actually, let me look it up ..............; ah yes here it is - Over 10 decades:
Downtown Relief Line - 1910 to Present
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Relief_Line_%28Toronto%29
They are working on a plan for a Downtown Relief Line, but
they are working on plans for Scarborough first - Although I'm a staunch
supporter of having the Scarborough (three-stop) subway extension built, the
Downtown Relief Line should be built first – This not just good
planning; it’s common sense – Building the Crosstown East LRT extension to the
Scarborough UofT campus years ago would have taken pressure off of Scarborough
for a few years and given them time to scratch up the dough for a proper
three-stop subway, but they have left it too late; the existing Scarborough RT
is at the end of its life and will cost 100s of millions of dollars just to
stretch its life long enough to build the subway – The powers that be know this,
and they are scrambling to do something even at the risk of getting it wrong –
They were on the right track with the proposal for the three-stop Scarborough subway
extension along McCowan Road – They have veered off and heading down the wrong
track again – Also; the DRL would relieve pressure off the Bloor-Danforth line
and the Yonge and Bloor subway station, before the Scarborough subway extension
comes on line – The
Scarborough subway should be extended from Kennedy and Eglinton along
McCowan Road to McCowan and Sheppard (consisting of 3 or 4 stops) - The
McCowan subway could later be extended north one stop at a time towards McCowan and Steeles Avenues, the Town of Markham, and Markville Shopping Centre as the demand and population density requires it - The Three-stop Scarborough Subway Extension and the DRL need to
be built concurrently, with the DRL opening first
Finally
coming to their senses and realizing the the city needs the DRL before
they start feeding a shitload of new transit into the network:
http://regionalrelief.ca/designedit/controllers/site.php?region=toronto&static=/city-of-toronto/layouts/home.php&page=/toronto_home/page
CROSSTOWN EAST LRT to SCARBOROUGH UofT CAMPUS
3 - Plan and build the Downtown Toronto Relief
Line, and extend the Crosstown East LRT to Malvern as per the latest
planning update - The Crosstown East LRT is a great idea and the right thing to doSMARTTRACK
4 - If required; build SmartTrack later, with stops at Kennedy and Eglinton, Ellsmere, Sheppard, Finch, and Steeles - A Kennedy and Lawrence stop would be optional - Ellesmere buses could stop at Scarborough Centre and continue through to and from Kennedy and Ellesmere from there
HIGH-CAPACITY PARKING NODE
5 - Build a high-capacity parking node at McCowan and Sheppard (See my blog page entitled "LRT vs SHEPPARD AVENUE SUBWAY EXTENSION" for more information on my proposal for a high density parking node at McCowan and Sheppard)
SCARBOROUGH TO SHEPPARD SUBWAY CONNECTION
6 - Have the McCowan subway branch off at McCowan and Sheppard and loop back to connect the Sheppard subway to the Scarborough Centre including a high-capacity subway station at McCowan and Sheppard * - This extension would add at least 3 new stops and require a retrofit of the existing Don Mills and Sheppard subway station - The cost to retrofit the Don Mills and Sheppard subway station would actually be far less than the cost of building a transitional station if an LRT were to be built [My guesstimate would be $150 to $250 million for a subway retrofit versus almost a$1 billion for a transitional LRT station (Mr. Tory; have your planners give you a thumb-suck number on that one; my guesstimate is free] *
PICKERING HIGH-CAPACITY RAPID TRANSIT (SMARTTRACK)
7
- Pickering needs another rapid transit option to better
connect it with the rest of the GTA - Plan for a future mode of high-capacity
rapid transit to connect the Scarborough and Sheppard subway lines with
Pickering at the Scarborough Centre subway station, (If planned now; the line
could turn north into a separate track parallel with the Scarborough Centre
subway station, and then come back south, turn west along Ellesmere and connect
with the GO train station at Kennedy and Ellesmere [and then eventually (50 to
60 years down the road) even further west along York Mills to connect with the
proposed DRL at Don Mills and York Mills, and the Yonge and York Mills subway
station] – I did notice that the latest published plan for transit in the GTA
does show a future Additional RT line from Pickering (now THIS would be a
SmartTrack) - [It is unlikely that a subway could ever be justified east of
McCowan as the greenbelt, Rouge Park ,and Metro Zoo east of Scarborough would
never have the density to ever justify it, however; another mode of rapid
transit (such as SmartTrack between Scarborough Centre and Pickering would make
sense here] - The Pickering High-capacity Rapid Transit line would provide more
of a local service than the existing GO train in Pickering and Ajax, while also
providing rapid connections to Scarborough Centre, the Sheppard subway, Kennedy
and Ellesmere GO, the Eglinton Crosstown LRT, and the rest of the GTA north of
the Eglinton Crosstown LRT - This line could eventually be extended east to
Whitby and Oshawa with better local service along Highway #2 than the GO Train
- When electrified, the GO Train would be upgraded as a faster and more
frequent express service (just as they have been planning for many years now)
* GREATEST CHALLENGE
Building
a new high capacity station servicing 2 subway lines while
incorporating a tight t/y-shaped branch is going to be tricky - The
track from Scarborough Centre to the Sheppard subway line would have to
start curving north of the McCowan and Sheppard subway station - It
would have to be a gradual curve and turn back west south west before
straightening out at Sheppard Avenue
WEST GTA
My apologies to the West GTA - As a long time resident of Scarborough; I am not as familiar or knowledgeable about the transit issues in that area of the city, however; I will try and tackle the west GTA at some point in the future - P.S.; I started this blog on Feb 2'16, so it's only a few days old, I am starting from virtually from scratch, and I have lots still to do just to address issues in my end of town - The only thing I have been doing over the past few years is e-mailing public officials, planners, politicians, the media, and other interested parties; to no avail
Links
Downtown Relief Line - 1910 to Present
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Relief_Line_%28Toronto%29
http://regionalrelief.ca/designedit/controllers/site.php?region=toronto&static=/city-of-toronto/layouts/home.php&page=/toronto_home/page
https://plus.google.com/+NationalPost/posts/cQHsox6ARDy?_utm_source=1-2-2
Note(s):
FYI; the links posted here should all still be good, but; I will be abandoning this blog and will only be updating this blog from time to time - Visit my new blog at www.torontotransitblog.com for information, ideas, comments, and concerns regarding traffic and transit in the GTA
KEY DESTINATIONS
Note(s):
FYI; the links posted here should all still be good, but; I will be abandoning this blog and will only be updating this blog from time to time - Visit my new blog at www.torontotransitblog.com for information, ideas, comments, and concerns regarding traffic and transit in the GTA
Hi All – I have completed the next draft of my ten
(10) phase SmarterTracks Plan – My plan incorporates most of the key elements
of the City’s latest proposal, plus my own ideas and proposals for the future
of transit in Scarborough and the surrounding area – It’s a better plan!
SmarterTracks:
- Services every one of the twelve (12) key destination in Scarborough identified by the City planners [including Centennial College (Progress Road Campus)] – The latest city plans do not
- Includes an LRT along Markham Road as well as Lawrence Avenue which cover two corridors the City has acknowledged are ripe for new development (The City was almost willing to spend an extra $1 billion to relocate the subway there) – The latest city plans do not
- Eliminates SmartTrack, and finally completes the connection between the proposed McCowan Road and the Sheppard Avenue Subways in Scarborough
- Includes provision for a future High-capacity Rapid Transit Line (HCRT) between Pickering/Ajax and Scarborough (possibly a LRT, mono-rail, or other form of elevated RT), in place of the currently proposed BRT (Express bus line)
- Services everything efficiently and effectively without SmartTrack, and uses the minimum number of differing modes of transit with the least number of transfers possible
The City’s Scarborough Transit Proposal Update
dated January 21’16, services:
- The Kennedy-Steeles Corridor
- Golden Mile
- Kennedy Mobility Hub
- University of Toronto Scarborough Campus (UTSC)
- Scarborough Centre
TBD (Not included in The City’s Scarborough Transit
Proposal Update, but in the planning stages)
- Malvern Centre
SmarterTracks services all of the key destinations
above, plus:
- The Scarborough Hospital General Campus
- The Scarborough Hospital Birchmount Campus
- Rouge Valley Centenary Hospital
- Consumers Business Park
- Centennial College (Progress Road Campus)
- Toronto Zoo
- Incorporates LRTs along Markham Road and Lawrence Avenue
Now, the City will tell you that they plan to
address and service all of these key destinations eventually, but; when, at
what cost, and how will it fit in with the current proposal – As it is now,
even if expedited, the earliest anything new in the City’s current proposal
will be ready for operation and use and is at least eight to ten years from now
– Connection of the remaining six destinations is likely to be decades further
down the road
SmarterTracks HIGHLIGHTS
- Eliminates SmartTrack
- Finally completes the connection between the McCowan Road (Line 2 Extension to Scarborough) and Sheppard Avenue Subways in Scarborough
- Services Malvern Centre, The Scarborough Hospital General Campus, The Scarborough Hospital Birchmount Campus, Rouge Valley Centenary Hospital, Consumers Business Park, Centennial College (Progress Road Campus), Toronto Zoo, plus all of the other key Scarborough destinations serviced by The City’s Scarborough Transit Proposal updated on January 21’16
- Includes an LRT along Markham Road as well as Lawrence Avenue (two corridors identified by the City as ripe for new development)
- Includes a new possibly Elevated HCRT Line between Scarborough and Pickering/Ajax
If not planned for now; future developments could
box them in and limit options - For example; land acquisitions could be too
small, stations could be oriented incorrectly to accommodate future needs, retrofit
costs would be higher, tunnels might not be deep enough to accommodate future
stations, e.t.c. …..
Be sure to visit my websites for the full details, and
comment or contribute at www.TorontoTransitBlog.com, and www.SmarterTracks.com
- Like, follow, and comment on my websites, or on social media; as I think some
are starting to listen!
You can find the maps outlining the ten phases of
my plan at www.SmarterTracks.com, or download a PDF at
https://ln.sync.com/dl/592315070#8gztui9r-73p78qmm-msdjyppq-c7k7zh75 – The PDF
is interactive – I have also attached it to this post - After downloading it;
you can scroll through the pages and see the progression of the various phases
of the plan
If you agree with my plans; please advocate for
them by contacting your local and provincial government representatives – In
case you are not aware; the powers that be are working very quickly (too
quickly) on plans for the GTA and the surrounding communities (including making
major changes) and will be announcing their final decisions very shortly, so
time is of the essence - Following are some of the authorities and other
interested parties (politicians, planners, media) I have connected with, that
you might also wish to contact:
Metrolinx - Kelly Thornton, Senior Advisor,
Community & Stakeholder Relations, kelly.thornton@metrolinx.com , T:
416-202-5589 C: 416-706-6020
thestar.ca – Royson James, rjames@thestar.ca , T: (416)
869-4441
City of Toronto - John Livey, Deputy
City Manager, Cluster B, City of Toronto, jlivey@toronto.ca , T: (416)
338-7200
City of Toronto - Joseph
P. Pennachetti, City Manager, E-mail TBD
City of Toronto - Roberto Rossini,
Deputy
City Manager, Cluster C & Chief Financial Officer, rrossin@toronto.ca , T: (416)
392-8773
City of Toronto - Lynda Taschereau, Executive Director,
Strategic & Corporate Policy, ltascher@toronto.ca , T: (416)
392-6783
victor gottwald <vgottwa@toronto.ca>,
Kelli Korducki
<kellikorducki@torontoist.com>,
Tess Kalinowski <tkalinowski@thestar.ca>,
info@sheppardsubway.com,
Toronto Transit Commission <media@ttc.ca>,
Maureen Adamson
<maureen@madamsonassociates.com>,
andrea.crockford@metrolinx.com,
jpagliaro <jpagliaro@thestar.ca>,
tom@ctv.ca,
oppi@absolutevents.com,
agalbra@toronto.ca,
info@j-source.ca,
hholden@toronto.ca,
james.alcock@rogers.com,
haynedj@toronto.ca,
"“kwynne.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org”"
<kwynne.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org>,
"“councillor_karygiannis@toronto.ca”"
<councillor_karygiannis@toronto.ca>,
jerry.chadwick@tdsb.on.ca,
jerry.chadwick@tdsb.on.ca,
oped@thestar.ca,
lettertoed@thestar.ca,
Newsroom@globeandmail.com,
Toronto Sun <torsun.citydesk@sunmedia.ca>,
Wendy Metcalfe <wendy.metcalfe@sunmedia.ca>,
premier@ontario.ca,
jnanos@toronto.ca,
ekeenan@thestar.ca,
councillor_thompson@toronto.ca,
councillor_lee@toronto.ca,
councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca,
Ron Moeser <councillor_moeser@toronto.ca>,
councillor_berardinetti@toronto.ca,
councillor_crawford@toronto.ca,
Norm Kelly <councillor_kelly@toronto.ca>,
CP Twenty Four <now@cp24.com>,
David Nickle <dnickle@insidetoronto.com>,
Toula K <jim@karygiannis.net>,
Councillor DeBaeremaeker <councillor_debaeremaeker@toronto.ca>,
sdelduca.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org,
minister.mto@ontario.ca,
councillor_colle@toronto.ca,
city@thestar.ca,
miller@ecf.utoronto.ca,
miller@civ.utoronto.ca,
"michael.talbot"
<michael.talbot@rci.rogers.com>,
news <news@nowtoronto.com>,
John Tory <mayor_tory@toronto.ca>,
Mike Logan
<scarboroughsubwayextension@toronto.ca>,
citybuilding@ryerson.ca,
chume@thestar.ca,
minister.mah@ontario.ca,
"justin.trudeau@parl.gc.ca"
<justin.trudeau@parl.gc.ca>,
councillor_fletcher@toronto.ca,
sserran@toronto.ca,
Dipak Dhrona <ddhrona@toronto.ca>,
drider@thestar.ca,
BradDuguid <bduguid.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org>,
councillor_matlow@toronto.ca,
mary.meledes@metrolinx.com,
john.jensen@metrolinx.com,
angela.mastrangelo@metrolinx.com,
greg.percy@gotransit.com,
allison.collins@gotransit.com,
judy.pfeifer@metrolinx.com,
tracey.carvery@metrolinx.com,
robert.siddall@metrolinx.com,
leslie.woo@metrolinx.com,
gisele.zwicker@metrolinx.com,
Patrick.Searle@ontario.ca,
Linda Williamson
<lwilliamson@ombudsman.on.ca>,
abursey@ombudsman.on.ca,
marc.garneau@parl.gc.ca,
BrianAshton@royallepage.ca,
It may already be too late as Toronto City Council
was debating the issue recently and could be ready to make a decision and an announcement
any time now
Please share and pass this message on to your friends and relatives
See my websites at www.SmarterTracks.com and www.TorontoTransitBlog.com for further
insight, and a place where you can comment on/contribute to my plan and other
ideas on traffic and transit issues within the GTA and the surrounding region
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