Toronto Ontario Line 3 | ?m | ?s | Metrolinx

[Coolstar]

It is funny to see some people bitching about Scarborough and SSE in every thread, despite the fact that there exists a thread dedicated to SSE.

Same goes for the Ontario Line occasionally.

 

[Deadpool X]

"I hope Ford tells people in Scarborough to go to hell. I can't stand it when people bitch about suburban transit service when they choose to live in the suburbs."

By your logic, Yonge line should have ended at Eglinton.

 

[officedweller]

It just takes political will to rezone single family areas for higher density development.

Here's a link to a highrise development site (a land assembly of single family houses)
under new zoning in suburban Coquitlam, BC near SkyTrain.
It's in a former single family area of curvey streets.

Here's a link to pics of single family neighbourhoods that have been rezoned and being redeveloped in the same neighbourhood near the SkyTrain Evergreen Line's Lougheed Town Centre and Burquitlam stations (line opened in 2016).
It shows the fast rate of change.

SkyscraperPage Forum - View Single Post - Suburban Updates

skyscraperpage.com

TOD potential? Nevermind the placement of the station - that SSE corridor along McCowan is practically mostly single detached housing - what redevelopable space there is is few and far in between until you hit STC and Sheppard. You can't possibly compare the redevelopment potential of this:

View attachment 271955

to anything offered by the McGowan corridor - like this TOD of what?

View attachment 271956

As to the urban design aspects - you are spending how many Bs on tunneling? You think that a miniscule proportion of that wouldn't have resolved these UD issues?

AoD

 

[syn]

By your logic, Yonge line should have ended at Eglinton.

The Yonge Line was extended along one of Toronto's major streets with a direct connection to the downtown core. It made a lot of sense at the time, given the kind of growth they expected.

In any case, that wasn't my point, and it's certainly not my 'logic'.

I was simply demonstrating how silly it is to call these people out for what are legitimate concerns, especially when their Premier grants transit projects to citizens based on who 'deserves' it. If Scarborough 'deserves' full, underground transit that doesn't interfere with their life on the surface, why don't people in Leslieville 'deserve' less noise?

Yet another reason they should've just stuck with the DRL plan that was put together in cooperation with local constituents, instead of just forcing it on them.

 

[syn]

Except no not really. Yes they will have trains every minute and a half, but that will happen with or without the Ontario Line. With GO Expansion, Metrolinx is planning to run 8 Stouffville Line trains every hour per direction off peak, as well as 4 trains per hour per direction on LSE. Already that's a total of 24 trains per hour in that stretch, or about a train every 2.5 minutes. On top of that, Metrolinx is planning to run an additional 5 trains per hour on LSE, and 3 trains per hour on Stoufville during rush hours, bringing the total to 32 trains per hour, or a train every minute and 50 seconds. ON TOP OF THAT, Via is currently working on HFR, which will see a train run every 20 mins per direction, bringing the total to 38 trains per hour excluding the Ontario Line, which is approximately a train every 90 seconds. All of these trains are also heavy rail trains that will be SIGNIFICANTLY noisier, and will have significantly more impact on the surrounding community than a tiny OL train. When up against all of this, a tiny electric light train running every 45 seconds is practically insignificant, and if the neighborhood of Leslieville is legitimately concerned about the sound levels in their area, they're seriously barking up the wrong tree.

Really? It's just a tiny electric train?

Did Metrolinx put out a new blog touting their tiny, noise free electric trains, guaranteed to not be noticed?

You actually did a great job of pointing out exactly why they're concerned. Adding another train every 90 seconds to what you already listed is going to make the situation worse.

Why wouldn't they question it when there was already time and money invested in another plan that didn't contribute additional noise to their neighbourhood?

Why wouldnt' they question it when the province is spending billions to fast track and bury a line on Eglinton?

 

[ARG1]

Really? It's just a tiny electric train?

Did Metrolinx put out a new blog touting their tiny, noise free electric trains, guaranteed to not be noticed?

You actually did a great job of pointing out exactly why they're concerned. Adding another train every 90 seconds to what you already listed is going to make the situation worse.

Its called facts. Smaller Light Metro style trains produce SIGNIFICANTLY less noise than heavy rail trains. Don't believe me? Take a trip to Vancouver and stand directly underneath a SkyTrain elevated guideway, and talk to me about how many decibels are emitted that allegedly burst your eardrums and make it so you can't sleep at night. Want something more local? Go to Ottawa and tell me how much 'noise' the Confederation Line produces. As someone who lived for a bit quite literally right next to the Confederation Line, you can hear it maybe if you have your windows wide open and there is absolute silence in your room. Even then your brain will learn how to tune it out in days. Light Metros being quieter isn't miracle technology, its basically standard, and compared to the noise produced by GO, the OL will basically be drowned out.

Why wouldn't they question it when there was already time and money invested in another plan that didn't contribute additional noise to their neighbourhood?

Because they can get a plan that basically costs the same, but has a route that isn't complete ass, and can reach farther and serve far more communities, as well as key locations of interest.

Why wouldnt' they question it when the province is spending billions to fast track and bury a line on Eglinton?

Good Question.

 

[syn]

Its called facts. Smaller Light Metro style trains produce SIGNIFICANTLY less noise than heavy rail trains. Don't believe me? Take a trip to Vancouver and stand directly underneath a SkyTrain elevated guideway, and talk to me about how many decibels are emitted that allegedly burst your eardrums and make it so you can't sleep at night. Want something more local? Go to Ottawa and tell me how much 'noise' the Confederation Line produces. As someone who lived for a bit quite literally right next to the Confederation Line, you can hear it maybe if you have your windows wide open and there is absolute silence in your room. Even then your brain will learn how to tune it out in days. Light Metros being quieter isn't miracle technology, its basically standard, and compared to the noise produced by GO, the OL will basically be drowned out.

Yes, they produce less noise than larger trains. Why would they prefer that to a plan that offered no additional noise?

Because they can get a plan that basically costs the same, but has a route that isn't complete ass, and can reach farther and serve far more communities, as well as key locations of interest.

It doesn't cost the same. They could've simply expanded the previous, higher capacity plan to add a western portion and continue progressing on the DRL North.

Good Question.

Exactly.

 

[syn]

This is the only valid criticism here because as others have pointed out, the rail corridor is already being planned for far greater noise additions from the convergence of two GO RER lines. But unfortunately, this observation works in the direction that is opposite to what you prefer. Both the Ontario Line and Eglinton West should be not be buried.

Disagreed. The OL should be buried, using the same high capacity vehicles they currently use on the subway.

There is also the question of how much future GO capacity is removed due to the OL.

 

[Deadpool X]

The Yonge Line was extended along one of Toronto's major streets with a direct connection to the downtown core. It made a lot of sense at the time, given the kind of growth they expected.

In any case, that wasn't my point, and it's certainly not my 'logic'.

I was simply demonstrating how silly it is to call these people out for what are legitimate concerns, especially when their Premier grants transit projects to citizens based on who 'deserves' it. If Scarborough 'deserves' full, underground transit that doesn't interfere with their life on the surface, why don't people in Leslieville 'deserve' less noise?

Yet another reason they should've just stuck with the DRL plan that was put together in cooperation with local constituents, instead of just forcing it on them.

Can SSE run along rail lines and still provide same level of connectivity? No, it can't. It has already been discussed how useless SRT's route is.

Are we compromising on connectivity by running OL on ground for a short segment? I doubt that. It is still running under Queen St. It is still connecting downtown with eastern parts of the city. It is still running on Don Mills and Pape/Carlaw.

Modern subway trains make a fraction of noise compared to diesel locomotives of GO trains. I live on 30th floor near Oriole GO station. I can hear the locomotive inside my unit with all doors and windows closed. People won't be able to hear OL trains if they are inside their home. If they are used to GO trains, then they will be alright.

 

[syn]

The capacity argument is being used to justify an ideological stance on underground versus above-ground. It is more than technically feasible for an overground automated light metro to be high capacity. The argument about future GO capacity definitely deserves some looking into though.

Can SSE run along rail lines and still provide same level of connectivity? No, it can't. It has already been discussed how useless SRT's route is.

Are we compromising on connectivity by running OL on ground for a short segment? I doubt that. It is still running under Queen St. It is still connecting downtown with eastern parts of the city. It is still running on Don Mills and Pape/Carlaw.

Modern subway trains make a fraction of noise compared to diesel locomotives of GO trains. I live on 30th floor near Oriole GO station. I can hear the locomotive inside my unit with all doors and windows closed. People won't be able to hear OL trains if they are inside their home. If they are used to GO trains, then they will be alright.

We are compromising on capacity, which is the #1 reason this line is needed. Additional capacity. The Yonge Line is already over capacity. It has nothing to do with ideology.

There is absolutely no reason they couldn't have found a better, more affordable solution for the SSE. They already had it in the planned LRT that was cancelled.

 

[Deadpool X]

I am not debating about capacity of OL line. I am talking about some NIMBY's reaction towards almost silent subway trains passing in their neighbourhood. I don't remember people in Scarborough making noise about SRT's surface route passing in their backyards. I am not sure if you have heard SRT in between the stations. It is a lot louder than Stouffville GO line that runs along it.

What is your solution to have a more affordable solution to SSE that is also convenient and has as good catchment. If people from places as far as Vaughan, and in a few years, Richmond Hill can have direct access to downtown without changing trains, then what's the issue with Scarborough. Scarborough has the same population as Vaughan, Markham and Richmond Hill combined.

 

[ARG1]

Yes, they produce less noise than larger trains. Why would they prefer that to a plan that offered no additional noise?

They can prefer whichever plan they want, but if they weren't so self centered, maybe they'd consider the needs of people travelling to downtown Toronto instead of feeling entitled to fully underground transit, when an alternative solution exists and its just as good if not better than the underground alignment. This is completely unlike say the Scarborough LRT where the rail alignment is significantly worse and more pointless than the McCowan allignment.

It doesn't cost the same. They could've simply expanded the previous, higher capacity plan to add a western portion and continue progressing on the DRL North.

12B vs 11B. Sure 1B is a lot of money, but considering how much farther it goes, and how much the route is simply better, its significantly more worth it. The same route using the original DRL plan and heavy rail technology would be far more expensive, and for what? A significantly worse route, far longer interchanges, and the only benefit being a smidge of higher capacity? Give me a break.
[/QUOTE]

Exactly.

Glad we agree, although I'm still trying to understand how stupidity in relation to another project somehow affects this one? They're making a smart move with OL and are being stupid with EW, so what? Also make up your mind, is """"high"""" noise level a bad thing or not? Why is it a bad thing if Leslieville doesn't have "perfect" soundproofing, while Scarborough and Etobicoke don't? Is it because the latter are less dense than the former therefore are somehow not qualified to supreme amenities that should be bestowed on the royalty that live in Leslieville? Give me a break, and just decide whether noise is ok or unacceptable. You can't have your cake and eat it to.

 

[syn]

I am not debating about capacity of OL line. I am talking about some NIMBY's reaction towards almost silent subway trains passing in their neighbourhood. I don't remember people in Scarborough making noise about SRT's surface route passing in their backyards. I am not sure if you have heard SRT in between the stations. It is a lot louder than Stouffville GO line that runs along it.

What is your solution to have a more affordable solution to SSE that is also convenient and has as good catchment. If people from places as far as Vaughan, and in a few years, Richmond Hill can have direct access to downtown without changing trains, then what's the issue with Scarborough. Scarborough has the same population as Vaughan, Markham and Richmond Hill combined.

"Almost silent"?

I think that's a huge stretch.

The vast majority of the SRT runs through commercial/industrial areas, and it certainly doesn't run every 90 seconds.

To be fair, Vaughan has one subway station. Scarborough already has three. Technically speaking they already have direct subway access.

Vaughan's line goes straight downtown because it happens to be north of Toronto.

Personally I don't think the TYSSE, and proposed Yonge extension should not happen/have happened anytime soon.

For Scarborough, I think the LRT replacement, for the RT, along with a Sheppard extension east (with a stop at STC), and a DRL to Don Mills would've made a lot more sense.

 

[syn]

They can prefer whichever plan they want, but if they weren't so self centered, maybe they'd consider the needs of people travelling to downtown Toronto instead of feeling entitled to fully underground transit, when an alternative solution exists and its just as good if not better than the underground alignment. This is completely unlike say the Scarborough LRT where the rail alignment is significantly worse and more pointless than the McCowan allignment.

People travelling downtown, along with the rest of the city, would be much better served with a higher capacity line.

It has nothing to do with entitlement.

12B vs 11B. Sure 1B is a lot of money, but considering how much farther it goes, and how much the route is simply better, its significantly more worth it. The same route using the original DRL plan and heavy rail technology would be far more expensive, and for what? A significantly worse route, far longer interchanges, and the only benefit being a smidge of higher capacity? Give me a break.

The DRL South was estimated to be $8 billion on the low end, not $11 billion. The OL is almost guaranteed to rise in cost.

Ultimately, the cost to do it properly would probably be just a few billion more when factoring in a DRL North. About the cost of burying Eglinton West.

This is the Premier who told us uploading subway construction would allow for economies of scale, building proper subways faster and cheaper than before.

It seems that only applies to projects in areas that are politically advantageous to him...without the cost savings.

Glad we agree, although I'm still trying to understand how stupidity in relation to another project somehow affects this one? They're making a smart move with OL and are being stupid with EW, so what? Also make up your mind, is """"high"""" noise level a bad thing or not? Why is it a bad thing if Leslieville doesn't have "perfect" soundproofing, while Scarborough and Etobicoke don't? Is it because the latter are less dense than the former therefore are somehow not qualified to supreme amenities that should be bestowed on the royalty that live in Leslieville? Give me a break, and just decide whether noise is ok or unacceptable. You can't have your cake and eat it to.

Seems like you've bought into Ford's 'Downtown Elites' rhetoric.

They aren't just concerned about the noise.

 

[ARG1]

People travelling downtown, along with the rest of the city, would be much better served with a higher capacity line.

It has nothing to do with entitlement.



The DRL South was estimated to be $8 billion on the low end, not $11 billion. The OL is almost guaranteed to rise in cost.

Ultimately, the cost to do it properly would probably be just a few billion more when factoring in a DRL North. About the cost of burying Eglinton West.

This is the Premier who told us uploading subway construction would allow for economies of scale, building proper subways faster and cheaper than before.

It seems that only applies to projects in areas that are politically advantageous to him...without the cost savings.

Even if you were to take the lowest estimate for the DRL, and compare it to the highest estimate for the Ontario Line, it is still 1.08 Billion Dollars per kilometre of track against 770 million, which is huge. A DRL spanning the same length as the Ontario Line would cost 16.76 Billion on the low end, and over 19 Billion Dollars on the high end, assuming similar costs per kilometre. Not to mention, by the time they would've gotten around to building RLN, the price would've gone up even further due to inflation. And again may I ask you, what do these extra billions of dollars grant you? Slightly better capacity? Noise reduction in Leslieville by, if we're being generous, 5%? That money can be spent literally anywhere else and a lot more effectively. Platform Screen doors on LIne 1? Sure. Pooled for another Relief Line that serves other locations in Toronto? Even better.

Seems like you've bought into Ford's 'Downtown Elites' rhetoric.

I haven't bought into anything, I'm just pointing out the stupidity in your crusade against what you consider to be too much sound. Also nice that you didn't actually argue any of my points.