GO Transit: Construction Projects (Metrolinx, various)

[Sauga89]

According to the InSauga news site, Metrolinx has issued a number of expropriation notices in Oshawa related to the Bowmanville extension. Apparently, Metrolinx needs to widen the right-of-way in a few spots.

 

[crs1026]

I broadly agree with your take and agree that secrecy is a serious problem which adversely affects credibility and sympathy.

That said, I would call secrecy a process failure, not an outcomes failure.

I would therefore argue its not the critical issue, merely an important one.'

We are broadly on the same page, but I can’t resist quoting some management guru (I forget who) who offered the line “(Organizational) Culture eats strategy for lunch”
The reason secrecy is so toxic at ML is that it has become culture (ie habit). The lack of information may only be an inconvenience for us spectators, but it is crippling to ML as it prevents open communication and examination of issues and challenges - it hardly matters to the management team if things go badly when any analysis of outcomes is thwarted by non-admissions and always rosy PR. The lack of public oversight and accountability is enabling the failure to manage outcomes.
Until this is corrected, any drive towards outcomes or accountability will fail. So I would say secrecy is a bedrock failure rather than a secondary complaint.
The formula for accountability that was drummed into me over the years was pretty simple
- What (ie scope)
- By When (timeline)
- With what resources (spend)
If someone who manages work is not talking in those terms, my simple mind says they are failing to discharge their employment obligations, be that direct employment or contractual commitment.
ML’s failure starts at Board level - its public face is celebratory, not oversight. And it flows downward from there.

- Paul

 

[SkylineHorizons]

I wonder if the deal struck with CN to deal with Brampton and Silver Junction will provide a template for addressing Niagara service. From a capital perspective, clearly Metrolinx is struggling to find current projects, so it is likely waiting a few years. But the big things to address would be:
-A third track and upgrading crossings through Hamilton to increase speeds. Grade separations would be nice, but crossing upgrades should allow speeds up to 60mph I believe.
-Double tracking and speed upgrades on the Grimsby sub out to St. Catherine's. The corridor is wide enough and straight enough for 90mph track and either double track or passing sidings to allow for up to 30 minute bi-directional service while still dealing with some freight operations.

Bayview junction will need upgrades to prove service beyond 30min, and at some point the Welland canal bridge will need to be addressed, but those should wait until speed upgrades are done.

I cannot tell you how many people I've nearly hit while operating through that section in Hamilton in the past, including one harrowing close call with a women carrying a baby. They're not going to up the speed to what you are suggesting, if they did fatalities would be weekly occurrence.