TheTigerMaster
Superstar
Why would they need to connect the suburban LRT system with the urban streetcar network?
I don't know. Make up a few hypothetical scenarios
Lets use the Waterfront LRT for example. Assuming Metrolinx that builds it, will they build it to TTC spec so that it can share existing TTC facilities? Or will they build the Waterfront line in total isolation from the rest of the TTC light rail network by using standard gauge, so that they can maintain compatibility with the rest of the ML LRV fleet? Either way we end up with a fragmented network. Go with the first option and we'll have a small set of Metrolinx LRVs that are different from the rest. Go with the latter option and then Toronto is stuck with an LRT line that is permanently and needlessly isolated from the rest of Toronto's light rail network.
Or lets say that the Jane LRT is built by Metrolinx one day. What if one day planners decide it would be a good idea to interline Jane (ML) and St. Clair (TTC) LRT lines. Can they do that? Nope. Not even an option.
Or if it's the City of Toronto were to build the Jane LRT it would presumably be to TTC spec. The good thing is that it would be compatible with the larger TTC network. The bad thing is that the Jane LRT will never be able to carry light rail vehicles from the Finch West LRT down to Eglinton LRT for maintenance or whatever the need be.
And of course if/when Metrolinx and TTC do combine into one agency, Metrolinx/TTC will need to spend additional cash to maintain and purchase two different sets of LRVs when it comes time to replace our Flexity vehicles rather than maintaing/replacing one unified fleet.
These potential problem could have been completely avoided if they had just went with the gauge that the far larger TTC network has been using forever instead of fragmenting Toronto into different gauge "territories".
Isn't it more likely that you'll see Waterloo LRVs in Toronto yards and Toronto LRVs in Waterloo yards? Or do you suggest that Waterloo use Toronto gauge as well!x
If Metrolinx went with TTC gauge in Toronto I don't see why they shouldn't in Waterloo as well if it's cheaper to maintain a unified fleet.
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