I didn't see this as dead when reading it. Where's the deadness? TTC Staff doesn't seem to be about to proceed, but that doesn't stop others pushing the issue (Commissioners, Toronto, Metrolinx, etc.)
Even if diesel fuel costs, ridership, and frequency of service were all to double, the incremental cost estimates of converting the sample network to trolley bus operation still would be very high. The main cost disadvantages of trolley buses derive from the need for investment in electrification infrastructure (sub-stations and overhead power systems) which accounts for more than two-thirds of the total cost differential when compared to diesel bus operation. In addition, trolley buses offer less flexibility to both alter and extend routes to serve entirely new areas.
^If a trolley bus costs 3X as much money just from stringing up two wires, how much do you think it will cost to do that, plus rip up the road, lay a concrete base 2 feet thick and then install welded track all the way to Steeles avenue? And for what: marginally more riders traveling in the same mixed traffic?
Issuance of a purchase order to Suncor Energy Products Partnership (Suncor) for the physical supply and delivery of diesel fuel to various TTC locations for the period commencing April 1, 2011 to December 31, 2015 in the total upset limit of $513,000,000