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GO Transit: Construction Projects (Metrolinx, various)

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^ I'm just so shocked, shocked I tell you. How could this possibly be?
Durham calls on province to reaffirm commitment to Bowmanville GO train extension
January 3, 2019 | 6:14 am

DURHAM — Durham commuters shouldn’t worry that the GO train won’t come to Bowmanville, but plans for how the new stations will be built, and when service begins, may be completely reconfigured — that’s the subtext of the carefully-worded messaging from Metrolinx on the current status of plans to build new GO train stations in Oshawa and Clarington.

“Metrolinx is committed to continuing to improve service to our customers in Durham Region,” said Metrolinx spokesperson Nitish Bissonauth via email.

The plan — announced in June 2016 by the former Liberal Ontario government and Metrolinx — included four new GO rail stations (two in Oshawa, one in Courtice and one in Bowmanville), a bridge over Highway 401, a CP corridor expansion, three grade separations (two road-to-rail, one rail-to-rail), 14 bridge expansions, nine level crossing modifications (seven of which are in Clarington) and a new layover facility.

The approach has changed, explained Bissonauth. A new market-based approach means that Metrolinx is looking to partner with developers to create new transit infrastructure; the rationale is it could mean better designed stations at a much lower expense for taxpayers.

“The approach means that the delivery process for new GO stations has changed and we will work with Durham Region, municipalities and development partners to determine where there are opportunities for third party investment to deliver them,” said Bissonauth.

However it does raise questions about whether it’s still possible to meet the previously-promised 2024 date for service to start in Bowmanville; Metrolinx explained that timelines will vary when the projects include a third party.

“We understand the provincial government is reviewing the whole process, we understand they’re looking at a different business model, we don’t have a problem with that,” said Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter. “What we’re saying is money has been allocated with regards to starting this project, [so] let’s get the project going, let’s move this project forward. We understand you’re looking for third-party with regards to intensification around GO stations and we’re OK with that, we want to enjoy that aspect of it and really encourage that, but let’s get this project moving forward, it’s too important to the community.”

Since the review was announced, the Region of Durham, Clarington, Oshawa and Whitby have been looking for some indication that there is still a commitment to extend the GO train service east to Oshawa and Bowmanville. Local municipal governments have been waiting for almost 30 years for a Lakeshore East extension — in 2016 they got tired of waiting, and undertook an independent study to develop a business case for the expansion. Highlights of the economic analysis indicate that the GO rail expansion would generate $1.1 billion in transit-oriented development in the area and create a projected 21,000 jobs.

“We want to reiterate how important this project is for Durham Region, our residents, the economy and way of life. We are committed to working with the provincial government and Metrolinx on this project,” Durham Regional Chair John Henry said in a letter to the minister of transportation, signed by the mayors of Clarington, Oshawa and Whitby. “We are confident that we have a strong business case that demonstrates the monumental impact this extension will have on this part of Ontario.”

Transportation Minister Jeff Yurek told This Week via email that the government is expanding GO service and making it easier for commuters and transit users to move around the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area — when asked about a rumour that plans had been cancelled to build a new rail bridge over Hwy. 401, he said no decision has been made. Yurek added that local members of provincial parliament Lindsey Park and Lorne Coe are strong proponents for transit expansion in the area.

“During the election campaign we, as Progressive Conservatives, made a promise to the people of Durham in our Plan for the People. We promised that a Doug Ford-led Ontario PC Government would deliver two-way, all-day GO service expansion to Bowmanville,” said Park in a letter to Yurek. “As the Durham MPP, I feel it is incumbent on me to ensure I do everything I can to keep this promise top-of-mind for our government and help ensure our Government for the People honour this promise.”

Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster said that it would be nice if there was a clearer dialogue on the future of the local GO train expansion for Durham municipalities and residents. He said that he’s getting conflicting signals — not all of them positive — and some clarity on the timeline for expanded service would be deeply appreciated.

“As you build stations, you get density around them … The business community continues to be exceptionally supportive [of expansion],” said Foster. “There’s huge excitement with the train coming.”

The Bowmanville extension, new GO stations and any new transit infrastructure are subject to a business case and benefits analysis, explained Bissonauth. He added that once the business case has gone through government approval, Metrolinx looks forward to providing their partners in the Durham Region with a technical briefing to review the findings; no time frame was provided.
Click to expand...
https://www.durhamregion.com/news-s...iew-for-go-train-eastern-expansion-in-durham/

See also:
http://www.durhamradionews.com/archives/116025
https://oshawaexpress.ca/metrolinx-providing-updates-at-durham-town-hall-meeting/
https://www.durhamregion.com/news-story/9302083-poll-clarington-go-ing-to-speak-up-for-go-train/

We have another winner with Metrolinx ©Bafflegab! The game where every winner is a loser...hilarious fun where Con MPPs promise the world, and the world is kicked down the road.
 
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^ Some stories from the "Oshawa Times" aren't loading but seem to have mentioned the former construction timeline.

184161

Link.

184162

Link.

And then there's this story:
www.durhamregion.com

Choo-choo review for GO train eastern expansion in Durham

The Issue: A new market-based review of the Oshawa to Bowmanville GO rail extension The Impact: A potential delay to the previously-promised 2024 date for service to start in Bowmanville.
www.durhamregion.com www.durhamregion.com
 
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Allandale25 said:
^ So it's not "buyer beware" where the bidders are responsible for their own costs, win or lose?
Click to expand...

One of the articles that @steve cited recently spoke to the practice of ML/IO making partial or full subsidy to bidders, both winners and losers, given the complexity of RFP’s and the work involved in making a bid.

- Paul
 
Allandale25 said:
In further watching of the townhall, apparently they've cancelled adding a third track between Galloway Road and Pickering Junction?
Click to expand...

Sure sounds that way. Re the statement that they could manage the flow of trains in another manner - As it happens, I spent some time at Pickering a couple weeks back, and watched as a couple of westbound VIA trains were routed behind (stopping) GO trains. VIA must be fuming at the delays it must be incurring.

At one point around the 35 minute mark, it was suggested that people who have an interest in the status of tenders keep an eye on the ML web site. Which is interesting because there is no update available on these for projects managed by Infrastructure Ontario,

Likewise - I tweeted AMA regarding the seatmile graph from Verster's Empire Club meeting, and she referred me back to a page on the ML web site that says little or nothing specific about additions to service.

It's a bit galling for them to declare that they communicate extensively when they can't be pinned down to a detail on anything coming, just on what' has been cancelled or deferred.

On a positive note, during the meeting Verster spoke at length (around 20:00, and again around 1:16) about the need for first mile-last mile solutions, definitely a different tone than "we need more parking garages". He also alluded (17:42) to progress in working with CN and CP.

- Paul
 
ShonTron said:
The closest thing there is at the moment is Wroute.

It's a private company that operates two scheduled car service between Fairview Park Mall in Kitchener, University of Guelph, and Downtown Guelph, and between Guelph and Burlington (Aldershot GO). But it's not at all subsidized, and has no transfer privileges with GO, GRT, or Guelph Transit. It's more expensive too. Really, this should be the territory of GO Transit. .
Click to expand...

Wroute didn't last long :(

https://twitter.com/x/status/1124373137561231360
 
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