GO Transit: Service thread (including extensions)

[EnviroTO]

Now I am just looking for the announcement for electrification of the Lakeshore corridor. This was one of the priorities in MoveOntario 2020 if I recall correctly, and one of the projects I am very interested in.

Don't hold your breath... it wasn't at the top of the priorities list.

 

[vegeta_skyline]

At some point, the gas line will have to be relocated to get that new track in as will line up with the PC station platform.

I hope this re-alignment will eliminate the 45mph PSO (Permanent Slow Order) on track 1 from mile 12.7 to 13.2, due to the existing curvature around Port Credit station. It’s the most restrictive PSO on the entire subdivision and absolutely kills the schedule for Express trains using that track. Express trains on track 2 of course do no better as they have to slow down to 45mph while crossing over at Port Credit to the north track.

A new track will have to be cut into Kerr St to connect to the exist 3 tracks to the west. There is an EA out to do a grade separation for Kerr now and too bad it wasn't done when the EA for the 3rd track came out.

Good to hear this crossing will be eliminated in the future. Agreed, its a shame the EA's weren't done together.
Burloak Drive & 4th Line should also be grade separated.

 

[DavidH]

Don't hold your breath... it wasn't at the top of the priorities list.

Actually, it was, considering that it is in the current batch of Metrolinx Business Case Analyses being conducted. We should see it next month.

 

[Voltz]

Actually, it was, considering that it is in the current batch of Metrolinx Business Case Analyses being conducted. We should see it next month.

You mean the Metrolinx board may see it next month, but the rest of us will have to wait until they can be bothered to post it on the website.

 

[DavidH]

You mean the Metrolinx board may see it next month, but the rest of us will have to wait until they can be bothered to post it on the website.

True, but I suspect it would be released soon thereafter. Just a guess of course.

 

[drum118]

GO Transit is having an event tomorrow morning at Lisgar GO Station to officially introduce our first wind turbine -- the first for a transit agency in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA).

As part of this event and just in time for Earth Day, we will be showcasing our environmental initiatives, such as our double decker and hybrid buses, bicycle shelters, and our bike rack program -- starting April 25, all GO Buses will have bike racks available for customers.

These great initiatives will be shared with the Honourable Jim Bradley, Minister of Transportation; Bob Delaney, Mississauga-Streetsville MPP; Peter Love, Ontario's Chief Energy Conservation Officer; and our own Gary McNeil and Greg Percy.

The read the media advisory and see a photo of the wind turbine, please visit the following link on CNW's website:

English - http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/April2009/20/c2891.html
French - http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/April2009/20/c2957.html

The media advisory is also copied below.

Best,

Vanessa


Vanessa Thomas
Media Relations & Issues Specialist
Government Relations & Strategic Communications Office
GO Transit
20 Bay Street, Suite 600
Toronto, Ontario
Canada M5J 2W3
Email: vanessa.thomas@gotransit.com
Tel. (416) 869-3600 ext. 5264
Cell. (416) 460-6813
Fax. (416) 869-3525

*********************************************************


MEDIA ADVISORY / PHOTO OPPORTUNITY



GO Transit gets greener with first wind turbine and new environmental initiatives



What: GO Transit along with Minister of Transportation Jim Bradley and other dignitaries, will officially launch the first wind turbine for a transit agency in the GTHA located at Lisgar GO Station as part of a showcase of green initiatives for Earth Day. This 31.1 metre high wind turbine can produce about 50 kilowatts of power and will be used to generate electricity for the station.



To highlight environmentally-friendly transportation options, GO will have two vehicles on display – a 78-seat double decker bus and a 45-foot hybrid highway bus – each outfitted with a bike rack.



GO is embarking on several green initiatives this spring, including adding bike racks to all GO Buses and building bicycle storage areas at many stations.



When: Tuesday, April 21, 2009

10:30 a.m.



Where: Lisgar GO Station

3250 Argentia Rd., Mississauga

(Enter from Winston Churchill Blvd. and Argentia Rd.)

- From East (Toronto) or West (Milton): Exit Hwy. 401 to Winston Churchill Blvd.; south to Argentia Rd; west to station

- Access by Mississauga Transit: Route 38 Creditview; Route 45 Winston Churchill, exit at Argentia Rd. and walk west toward Lisgar GO Station, route connects with Clarkson GO Station



Who: Remarks by:

Jim Bradley, Ontario Minister of Transportation

Bob Delaney, Mississauga-Streetsville MPP

Peter Love, Ontario’s Chief Energy Conservation Officer

Gary McNeil, GO Transit, Managing Director & CEO

Greg Percy, GO Transit, Vice President Operations

 

[khris]

All buses will have bicycle racks? Awesome!

 

[vic]

All buses will have bicycle racks? Awesome!

I've used them a few times already between Hamilton and Toronto. I'm pretty excited to have them on the entire GO system now!

http://www.ibiketo.ca/blog/2009/04/17/all-go-buses-now-have-bike-racks

 

[Voltz]

Hasn't GO always let riders load bikes into the lower luggage compartments on their highway buses? If so, then what is the point of installing racks on the highway buses, other than to look good?

 

[RedRocket191]

Hasn't GO always let riders load bikes into the lower luggage compartments on their highway buses? If so, then what is the point of installing racks on the highway buses, other than to look good?

Only folding bikes in their bags are allowed in the luggage compartment. Full sized bikes are not allowed.

 

[vic]

Hasn't GO always let riders load bikes into the lower luggage compartments on their highway buses? If so, then what is the point of installing racks on the highway buses, other than to look good?

Nope....with one exception:

Folding bicycles in proper carrying cases can be stored in the underfloor luggage compartment (not all buses have one).

 

[khris]

I've used them a few times already between Hamilton and Toronto. I'm pretty excited to have them on the entire GO system now!

http://www.ibiketo.ca/blog/2009/04/17/all-go-buses-now-have-bike-racks

How easy is it to use these racks, anyway? Does the passenger need a lock or anything at all?

 

[vic]

How easy is it to use these racks, anyway? Does the passenger need a lock or anything at all?

It's really simple. Pull the rack down, put your bike in, and turn a crank to tighten the wheel arm thing in place. You're not supposed to lock your bike to the rack.

Details in GO's flyer: http://www.gotransit.com/public/en/station/bicycles/Bus Bike Rack Brochure vFinalWeb.pdf

 

[RedRocket191]

Takes about 30 seconds. Don't believe anyone who says it will slow down the schedules

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDlP3YPiCik

This is the style of rack the TTC, Brampton, Oakville, Burlington and HSR use. Only the final step is different (raise locking handle vs rotate locking handle).

 

[DavidH]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDlP3YPiCik

GO should produce a video of this and make it available on their site.