Metrolinx: Finch West LRT

[TheTigerMaster]

It's happening! I want to celebrate, but I'll wait until a bid is selected. Any idea how long that will take?

 

[salsa]

It's happening! I want to celebrate, but I'll wait until a bid is selected. Any idea how long that will take?

Recall that at one point Sheppard was under construction and it still got cancelled. I would save the champagne for another day.

 

[Markster]

Recall that at one point Sheppard was under construction and it still got cancelled. I would save the champagne for another day.

I recall that a GO Transit grade separation (with minor provisions for LRT) was under construction, and finished.
I don't recall anything that was LRT specific.

 

[ehlow]

Recall that at one point Sheppard was under construction and it still got cancelled. I would save the champagne for another day.

Only the Agincourt GO grade separation.

This thing should start construction 2016-2017, so it seems likely it will be well under construction by the time the next elections happen (2018).

 

[nfitz]

I don't recall anything that was LRT specific.

Not only did the RFQ for the Sheppard East LRT Maintenance facility go out (over 5 years ago), they had even short-listed 3 bidders (in September 2010).

 

[Markster]

Not only did the RFQ for the Sheppard East LRT Maintenance facility go out (over 5 years ago), they had even short-listed 3 bidders (in September 2010).

If only RFQs were shovels-in-the-ground construction.

 

[nfitz]

We did have shovels in the ground on Sheppard East according to the Ministry of Transportation. The grade-separation was primarily about the LRT and secondarily about GO.

If it was about either the road or GO, it would have not been led by TTC rather than Metrolinx or City of Toronto.

Here's the almost 6-year old press release.

http://news.ontario.ca/mto/en/2009/...-on-the-sheppard-east-light-rail-project.html

Construction Starts On The Sheppard East Light Rail Project
Construction on the Sheppard East Light Rail Transit (LRT) is underway. This new transit line will create jobs, help increase ridership, improve air quality, reduce travel time and increase access to other transit systems in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.

The Honourable Peter Kent, Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas) and Member of Parliament (Thornhill); the Honourable Jim Bradley,Ontario Transportation Minister; His Worship David Miller, Mayor of Toronto; Rob MacIsaac, Chair of Metrolinx; and Adam Giambrone, Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) Chair, celebrated the groundbreaking today at the Agincourt GO Station.

"Our government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, is pleased to invest in this project that will contribute to economic growth in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, and keep Ontarians working," said Minister Kent. "This transit line will provide residents, students and commuters with an additional transportation choice, improving their ability to travel quickly and efficiently."

"The McGuinty government is moving quickly to build a comprehensive public transit network for commuters in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area," said Minister Bradley. "By providing more convenient, affordable, faster rides on public transit, we are tackling congestion, creating jobs, stimulating the economy and improving the air we breathe."

"The Sheppard East LRT has become a reality through the cooperation of the Government of Canada, Province of Ontario and City of Toronto. All levels of government have shown a commitment to making public transit in Toronto a priority," said Mayor Miller. "This transit route will support the City of Toronto's Official Plan and contribute to city building initiatives in the Sheppard corridor."

"The Sheppard East LRT is one of many projects that Metrolinx is now implementing from its regional transportation plan, The Big Move," said Metrolinx President and CEO Rob Pritchard. "Metrolinx is proud to facilitate this project that will provide more reliable and increased service along this key transit corridor and will allow customers to easily travel across the region."

"The Sheppard East LRT will bring quick, reliable public transit to Sheppard Avenue as part of Transit City, a network of rapid rail transit that will connect residents, businesses and communities across Toronto," said TTC chair Giambrone. "Sheppard is the first Transit City line to promote local economic development and create attractive neighbourhoods with greater access to amenities, jobs and schools."

Metrolinx will oversee the implementation of the project by the TTC and own the new light rail line, which will be fully integrated into the current Toronto transit system. The 14-kilometre light rail line will be built on Sheppard Avenue East in a dedicated right of way running from the Don Mills Subway Station to Meadowvale Road.

The Sheppard East LRT is part of the Transit City initiative to expand rapid transit to all neighbourhoods throughout Toronto. The new line will replace the Scarborough East bus line and connect to the Sheppard Subway Line, the York Region Transit / VIVA bus service and GO Transit's rail service at the Agincourt GO Station, as well as to future planned transit expansions.

On May 15, 2009, Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty announced a federal-provincial funding partnership to build the Sheppard East LRT. The Government of Canada will contribute one-third of the total cost, to a maximum of $333 million, with the Province of Ontario providing two-thirds, or more than $633 million.

 

[andrewpmk]

Recall that at one point Sheppard was under construction and it still got cancelled. I would save the champagne for another day.

Because putting both subway and LRT on the same route makes absolutely no sense. You have to build either one or the other along the whole length of Sheppard. Dumb political Miller transit proposals justified by rigged studies claiming that almost 0 population growth will happen along any of the "Transit City" lines should never ever be given funding.

 

[drum118]

Because putting both subway and LRT on the same route makes absolutely no sense. You have to build either one or the other along the whole length of Sheppard. Dumb political Miller transit proposals justified by rigged studies claiming that almost 0 population growth will happen along any of the "Transit City" lines should never ever be given funding.

Yes it does since at some point the subway makes no senses going past X point due to poor ridership. It should never been built in the first place as numbers didn't support it in the first place. Since Toronto/TTC only know Buses and Subway, they couldn't see Streetcar was the way to go considering Streetcar built the city in the first place. Then this is a Mel thing.

Yes ridership will jump along an LRT/Streetcar line, but not the numbers subway supports saw or think would happen.

Since the politicians will not support the conversion of subway to LRT like it should, you kill it at Don Mills like today and take the LRT east as plan. If the conversion had happen, then the line could go West to Downsview, tiering both lines together and then go west to Weston Rd before going on to the airport.

 

[andrewpmk]

Have you been on Sheppard lately?

It is almost certainly the densest part of Toronto outside downtown, and the densest area of Canada outside a downtown core. There are dozens and dozens of condos everywhere along there.

I have a hard time believing that Sheppard cannot justify a subway.

 

[pstogios]

Have you been on Sheppard lately?

It is almost certainly the densest part of Toronto outside downtown, and the densest area of Canada outside a downtown core. There are dozens and dozens of condos everywhere along there.

I have a hard time believing that Sheppard cannot justify a subway.

Consider that Sheppard and those condos are right beside the 401. Many of those residents drive, rather than take the subway.

 

[DonValleyRainbow]

Consider that Sheppard and those condos are right beside the 401. Many of those residents drive, rather than take the subway.

The Yonge subway operates at least 11% over capacity during rush hour. Definitely a disincentive. And if you can't reach your destination by subway? Further disincentive.

Having density in proximity to a subway is only one part of the equation. You have to have a reliable and comprehensive rapid transit network that will get you to a destination too.

 

[drum118]

Have you been on Sheppard lately?

It is almost certainly the densest part of Toronto outside downtown, and the densest area of Canada outside a downtown core. There are dozens and dozens of condos everywhere along there.

I have a hard time believing that Sheppard cannot justify a subway.

DO You Ride the Sheppard Line??? DO You Ride 85 & 192, especially east of Kennedy????

If Yes, Please explain how it can support a subway when Finch has more riders than here.

If you want a subway, are you prepare for 20 minute service for a 6 car train. The current subway cost $17 per rider to use it or $680 per 40 riders compare to $150 for a bus.

I am always up on Sheppard.

 

[APTA-2048]

Consider that Sheppard and those condos are right beside the 401. Many of those residents drive, rather than take the subway.

Ah yes, the people who slow down my commute and that of the 50 others on my GO bus every morning.

 

[jcam]

Being about the Hamilton LRT, I didn't include the link. However, the links on the Finch West LRT website (project update section), at this link. Click on the "Public open house summary report".

Metrolinx has completed an Environmental Project Report (EPR) in accordance with Ontario Regulation 231/08 for the Finch West Maintenance and Storage Facility (MSF). Metrolinx intends to proceed with the project in accordance with the EPR.

Notice of completion
Environmental Project Report | Appendices
Public open house summary report​

Post on the Hamilton LRT thread had some links about Finch. Interestingly, on slide 4 of the presentation in the Appendix, it notes that the MSF will service Finch and "the future Jane LRT". Looks like it's still on the radar.