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I couldn't agree more. It is the VIA station I have used the most and it is almost always packed with people. And since there are no longer any redeeming qualities about the station since they renovated it, and plenty of free space, they could build an entirely new one without disrupting any of...

Let me just clarify one of my points. I do agree that from Smiths Falls to around Coteau, there is an opportunity with HFR to turn it into a demonstration section for the kind of speeds that are possible when a line is built to HSL standards. We don't know the full details for what they are...

If HFR happens it will be the perfect project to really start to kick start modernization and rationalization of passenger rail in The Corridor. And based on gut feeling and the reaction to it in the media (and the minimal amount of negative reaction to it) I would put the odds in favour of it...

To me, the perspective that local service doesn't much matter for VIAs future is a sure fire way to ensure that any future proposal ends up getting binned. Local service (which also includes service to suburban areas of large metros) is critical making any future network upgrades a success, as...

I didn't read the comment section but I am going to take a guess it can be summarized as "OMG! Won't someone think of the cars!!" This intersection is not a nightmare for cars. In fact I route myself through that intersection all the time. Yes, opening it up to pedestrians would slow down...

The idea of moving "all" rail lines out of the city was very much an idea floated by the NDP before the last election, probably in the hopes that it would spark a few imaginations and get them some support back. Before that no one had even mentioned the idea, let alone the need to commission a...

Having seen that update I decided to Google it up and do some more reading on this project, initially to see if I could find some of the CTA documents for some truly exciting reading. There was really only one document related to their filing, a letter to the CTA by MOOSE that is a response to...

The question isn't really how, it's how much. Getting a line in and out of Pearson will be very expensive. If this was going to be purely funded with public funds it would probably never happen. But with the GTAA involved that greatly increases the chances of a project like that going forward.

Interesting. Without knowing the exact details of what a rail connection to the airport would look like one could assume that the airlines have already, in essence, agreed to the idea of future HSR/HFR/RER being a key part of the transportation network at Pearson. It makes me even more curious...

Very true. This doesn't cry out as a well fleshed out plan, at least in terms of the transit details. What it does come across as is the GTAA spreading the message that "We know there are lots of transit agencies that want to bring their service to Pearson and we are now ready to play ball. So...

It will be interesting to see if this proposal by the GTAA brings about any kind of a response from the airlines. They have historically been cold to the idea of HSR in Canada. But, if the GTAA is serious about creating a transit hub that could benefit the TKL high speed service, VIA HFR, and...

I was thinking a fee for rail service that uses the terminal. A VIA passenger could have an additional $0.50 - $1.00 added per trip if their final destination was Pearson. And GO could simply pay an annual fee. Something along those lines could at the very least cover the operational costs...

In addition to that I could see them charging a small fee for each passenger that uses the airport station, or simply charging the agencies that use the station an annual fee in lieu of the GTAA covering a significant cost of the project. I am sure many people would not be behind such an...

I am aware of what loss leaders are and I know that supermarkets are also not just doing it as a goodwill gesture. It is a calculated move that will result in other purchases being made when someone goes in for that super cheap item that will ultimately make up for what they are losing on that...

I am really excited to know all the details of these two Maritime projects. This, along with HFR, is going to be very telling as to what direction VIA will be headed down, at least for the short to medium term. I don't expect anything big and radical, just something simple and straightforward...

I think the one point you made, about VIA's existing leverage with the freight lines, is one of the reasons why they will want to maintain the status quo as closely as possible. If they start giving up the odd slot here and there, they are likely never to get them back so there is a strong...

The impression I get that is that whatever service is implemented on these new lines will be in addition to what currently exists, not replacing it. I'm sure existing lines might see the odd change but nothing in any of the articles or discussions about HFR has lead me to believe that places...

HSR Canada does have a lot of great historical resources, but as an advocacy group, they really miss the mark (as most rail advocacy groups in Canada do). HFR shouldn't be seen as an alternative, rather it is a prerequisite. This project would allow VIA to better serve existing customers, add...

The point about a possible Markham station is one that often gets missed in these discussion. Improving access to some of the larger suburbs in the GTA, and Montreal and Ottawa for that matter, would definitely help make the train a more attractive option for those living in those areas, as well...

If this becomes a reality it would be a massive step forward for inter-city rail. Not just for what it will directly, but for what I can also set the stage for in the future. I am really jazzed about this!