Dan416
Senior Member
I think if the opportunity was there to use DMUs instead of EMUs, i.e. before electrification was completed, I say go for it. Start building up ridership now.
What are your thoughts on running a "rapid transit" all day two way frequent service on the GO corridors, like GO RER, but using DMUs rather than EMUs. So basically a non-electrified GO RER?
DMU trains would be like the UPX trains or O-Train in Ottawa. They wouldn't be as nice looking as EMUs, but they would work right? Wouldn't it be cheaper and possibly faster to implement?
It depends on if you're referring to a UPX-style FRA-compliant vehicle, or a non-compliant vehicle such as the O-Train. The FRA-compliant vehicle can be set up much quicker and easily, although your initial start-up costs would be higher. FRA-compliant vehicles would allow for the current peak-direction service to continue.
Of course, this also ignore the biggest issue with all of the lines save for the Kitchener and Lakeshore Lines - not enough track for additional services, and only one of the other lines having completed the EA (and no money yet being allocated to it). Frankly, the vehicle of choice makes not a lick of difference if there isn't the track to run it on.
Dan
Toronto, Ont.
As you mentioned, Lakeshore + Kitchener lines up to brampton have enough tracks. EA for additional track & service on Stouffville is done. Imagine we could get all way, two way, every 15 min service on those 3 lines relatively cheap and fast, using UPX style DMU trains but maybe larger. Maybe it could happen years earlier.
Why wait for DMUs though? Why not with the existing equipment?
Dan
Toronto, Ont.
Relax...your GO ride home from the Toronto Rock home opener is FREE! Toronto Rock and Metrolinx are partnering to get you to and from the game easily. Your January 23rd Toronto Rock game ticket stub (or e-ticket) will be accepted as your GO fare ..... after 7:30PM unti end of service.
Big mess on Lakeshore West tonight. Apparently a switch failed between Port Credit and Clarkson. Trains are delayed an hour at Port Credit.
Big mess on Lakeshore West tonight. Apparently a switch failed between Port Credit and Clarkson. Trains are delayed an hour at Port Credit.
The switch failure was west of Clarkson. Some trains were delayed up to an hour with trains backing up all the way to Port Credit.
I wonder how many people will remember to file their refund claims?
It may be a while before this is viable.By the time we complete electrification, we'll have this:
http://www.citylab.com/commute/2015/01/the-train-of-the-future-might-be-battery-powered/384522/
More importantly, the train’s current battery life is short—very short. It can run for only about one hour, before requiring two hours’ worth of recharging. Until more powerful batteries and/or a less power-thirsty train are devised, this technology won’t be taking over on long distances anytime soon.
By the time we complete electrification, we'll have this:
http://www.citylab.com/commute/2015/01/the-train-of-the-future-might-be-battery-powered/384522/
We'll need the train equivalent of the Tesla "SuperChargers" at the stations and at the layovers at the terminuses. And the electric supply to go with that, too!"It can run for only about one hour, before requiring two hours’ worth of recharging."