TTC: Other Items (catch all)

[Steve X]

Bringing this here so it's probably more relevant.

All of the standards are nationwide, so all of the cars are sourced from one of two companies, and they all have similar designs and builds. The stations are all designed the same so they have the same requirements on escalators, elevators, platform doors, etc. The one major thing that isn't national standard is the info boards and video boards inside of the cars which indicate next steps and provide safety messaging, and the platform video boards which all vary. For example:

Spoiler: China Metro Video Boards and Info

Some Shanghai Metro platforms and trains don't have video boards at all.
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Shanghai Metro platform video board, times are for next train and third train arriving. Most Chinese Metro headways are 5minutes rush and 7minutes off.
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Shanghai Metro has a ferry system which traverses the river in a number of places, providing connections mainly for moped drivers who cannot cross on large bridges or tunnels, or for tourists travelling between the Bund and Lujiazui. Because this is included in the Metro system the same charge is applied as a subway or bus (roughly $0.50-0.70, depending on the trip). Including this as it relates to Toronto for no reason whatsoever.
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Speaking of Lujiazui!
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I don't think i've ever seen so much greenspace in a "CBD" before. Something that both China and Japan do well, and something that we should definitely do more of, is raised pedestrian bridges to cross busy intersections and avenues. Where's my pedestrian bridge to cross Lakeshore?
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Hangzhou Metro, station exit info, indicating which car you're in and which stair/escalator you're closest to, and which is ideal for which exit.
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Hangzhou Metro indicates stations which are not open yet:
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Wuhan Metro platform video boards, like all others, indicate time for the next train and the train after that.
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Wuhan Metro in-car board is more busy and difficult to read at first glance.
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Most metro systems will indicate the level of air conditioning on subway cars. In Harbin, they provide an indication of how busy the cars are and time of arrival for next train, second train, and third train.
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Pointy trains at Beijing North Station. Don't think we have these.
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Also checked out the Wuhan hanging monorail, which at this point is just showing off for the sake of showing off.
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As with anything, I think we don't realize what we do or don't have until we see other systems and how they're doing things. In this regard I think TTC stacks up well against North American (and some European) systems, where the expectation for service seems to be the same. It's not a huge jump to go from TTC to NY, outside of the fact that the NY system is simply much larger, as the stations and trains and everything are fairly similar. It's when you go to Asia, at least from my impression this trip, that the quality and expectation raises substantially, and we really get a chance to see what we're lacking in our public infrastructure. Obviously there are going to be things that we cannot match on, like building large, widescale projects and lines, but on things like wayfinding, information, and general QOL I think we should strive to at least remain somewhat comparable. Last night I climbed the stairs out of King Station and had to slosh around through standing water as the drains on the stairs weren't draining, whereas in China they have staff putting out carpets and mats at station entrances on rainy days so people don't trail water inside...

Also, what happened to Barney Beaver? Every metro should have a cute mascot.

The problem with North America is everyone in school just aims to pass courses with just a C or even D. If they beat the average, they are happy. When schools try to set curriculums to higher standards, parents complain their is too much homework and it's too hard. They proclaim As for for Aliens and thus they being this to everyday life and society. This is how York University Station with a huge concrete patch on the wall on opening day passed the test and was deem acceptable.

In East Asia, everyone aims for As and thus all the designs and plans are reflected in this mentality. How can we expect better when half the class graduating in this society just wing it and do the same in the workplace?

 

[nfitz]

The problem with North America is everyone in school just aims to pass courses with just a C or even D. If they beat the average, they are happy. When schools try to set curriculums to higher standards, parents complain their is too much homework and it's too hard. They proclaim As for for Aliens and thus they being this to everyday life and society. This is how York University Station with a huge concrete patch on the wall on opening day passed the test and was deem acceptable.

In East Asia, everyone aims for As and thus all the designs and plans are reflected in this mentality. How can we expect better when half the class graduating in this society just wing it and do the same in the workplace?

That was not the experience when I was engineering in Ontario, or trying to get into engineering.

And as my eldest is just starting, I'm well aware that the competition to get into engineering is huge. No one is getting in with a C ... or even a B. And I certainly don't remember parents having any input over engineering curriculum - which are governed by PEO.

Where did you do engineering Steve?

 

[chrisw]

Yeah, I think there's been grade inflation and an average in the mid 80s is not as competitive anymore.

 

[Steve X]

That was not the experience when I was engineering in Ontario, or trying to get into engineering.

And as my eldest is just starting, I'm well aware that the competition to get into engineering is huge. No one is getting in with a C ... or even a B. And I certainly don't remember parents having any input over engineering curriculum - which are governed by PEO.

Where did you do engineering Steve?

I was talking about the general public and high school, not UofT Engineering.

As far as engineering goes, the workplace is different from school. Many large companies will do bare minimum to fulfill the contracts. Can we all agree that if everyone did their best, the Crosstown would be open by now?

 

[nfitz]

Yeah, I think there's been grade inflation and an average in the mid 80s is not as competitive anymore.

That's certainly true - both for high school marks, and entrance requirements.

But there were big differences from school to school back when I did it. Coming from Quebec, I don't think I'd ever seen a 90 in Grade 12 or 13 (college). And I'd never heard of anyone getting a 90 a humanities course like English or Philosphy. Now (in Ontario at least), they are a dime a dozen.

 

[T3G]

The problem with North America is everyone in school just aims to pass courses with just a C or even D. If they beat the average, they are happy. When schools try to set curriculums to higher standards, parents complain their is too much homework and it's too hard. They proclaim As for for Aliens and thus they being this to everyday life and society. This is how York University Station with a huge concrete patch on the wall on opening day passed the test and was deem acceptable.

In East Asia, everyone aims for As and thus all the designs and plans are reflected in this mentality. How can we expect better when half the class graduating in this society just wing it and do the same in the workplace?

None of this sounds remotely familiar to me as someone who graduated high school only 10 years ago. But the fact of the matter is that not everyone is going to be good at everything, even if we went tyrannical with grades, and this is not a problem that can, or should, be stopped at the high school level, because if you expect everyone to be proficient at everything you'll never get another high school graduate ever again.

It is the role of the post secondary institution to not accept students into programs if their grades in specific subjects are deficient, to not issue degrees to those who do not fulfill the requirements, and the role of hiring managers to not hire those who do not fulfill the requirements. Are you alleging either of these things is occurring? That's a massive scandal if true, perhaps you should go to the media with it.

 

[stdavidsward]

None of this sounds remotely familiar to me as someone who graduated high school only 10 years ago. But the fact of the matter is that not everyone is going to be good at everything, even if we went tyrannical with grades, and this is not a problem that can, or should, be stopped at the high school level, because if you expect everyone to be proficient at everything you'll never get another high school graduate ever again.

It is the role of the post secondary institution to not accept students into programs if their grades in specific subjects are deficient, to not issue degrees to those who do not fulfill the requirements, and the role of hiring managers to not hire those who do not fulfill the requirements. Are you alleging either of these things is occurring? That's a massive scandal if true, perhaps you should go to the media with it.

University of Waterloo has an 'adjustment factor' in their admissions process for their Engineering programs:

Does Engineering rank schools or account for differences in obtaining high grades across schools? What is the adjustment factor?​

Waterloo Engineering does apply an adjustment factor based on historical performance from a given school (first-year university averages minus final high school averages) over the past 6+ years. This helps us select applicants with the highest likelihood of success.
This adjustment is only a small part of the overall admissions decision. The weight of academic performance, the Admission Information Form, and the online interview will have more of an impact on an applicant’s probability of receiving an offer.
Source: https://uwaterloo.ca/engineering/future-students/applying/admissions-frequently-asked-questions

 

[ARG1]

That was not the experience when I was engineering in Ontario, or trying to get into engineering.

And as my eldest is just starting, I'm well aware that the competition to get into engineering is huge. No one is getting in with a C ... or even a B. And I certainly don't remember parents having any input over engineering curriculum - which are governed by PEO.

Where did you do engineering Steve?

Maybe getting into school yes, but once you get into school it very much becomes a game of "Cs get degrees". Depending on the Stream or the Course, you can often find people simply focusing on not failing the course (Insert Fluid Mechanics PTSD).

 

[ShonTron]

This will mess up some getting around for Open Door Weekend using transit

Upcoming scheduled subway closures and service adjustments

May 22, 2025

This Sat., May 24 and Sun., May 25, there will be no subway service on the portion of Line 1 Yonge-University between Sheppard-Yonge and College stations to accommodate planned track and state-of-good repair work.

Work will include the replacement of a major track switch at York Mills Station, as well as essential rail repairs and geotechnical survey work along the route.

A frequent shuttle bus service will run, stopping at each station along the shuttle route. Customers who require Wheel-Trans service can speak with any TTC customer service staff member for assistance.

Lawrence and Summerhill stations will be closed during this time. All other subway stations will remain open during the closure for customers to purchase PRESTO fares, tickets and connect to surface routes.

Monday to Friday – Early nightly subway closure between Sheppard-Yonge and College stations

Mon., May 26 through Fri., May 30, subway service on the portion of Line 1 Yonge-University between Sheppard-Yonge and College stations will end nightly at 11 p.m. to accommodate planned track work.

A frequent shuttle bus service will run, stopping at each station along the route. Customers who require Wheel-Trans service can speak with any TTC customer service staff member for assistance.

Lawrence and Summerhill stations will be closed. All other subway stations will remain open for customers to purchase PRESTO fares, tickets and connect to surface routes.

Monday to Thursday – Limited nightly service between Finch West and Pioneer Village Stations

Beginning at 11 p.m. nightly from Mon., May 26 to Thurs., May 29, there will be limited subway service on the portion of Line 1 between Finch West and Pioneer Village stations for planned tunnel work.

Customers can expect delays of up to 20 minutes if travelling through this area. Trains operating between Finch West and Pioneer Village will operate on a single track in both directions. Customers will need to change trains at Finch West Station to continue their journey northbound or southbound. Regular service will resume the following morning at 6 a.m.

While the TTC does most subway maintenance after service each night, it continues to require weekend and early weeknight closures to complete critical infrastructure and state-of-good-repair work.

Construction

From 11 p.m. on Sat., May 24 until 11 a.m. on Sun., May 25, the 66B Prince Edward will divert during bridge rehabilitation work at Park Lawn Rd. and Gardiner Expressway.

Events

On Sun., May 25 the following bus routes will divert during the Walk with Israel taking place along Wilson Ave. and Bathurst St.:

• 7 Bathurst (6 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.)
• 96 Wilson (6 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)
• 160 Bathurst North (6 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.)
• 165 Weston Road North (6 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)

Also on Sun., May 25 from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., the Santo Cristo Festival will be taking place along Bathurst St. between Queen St. and King St. The TTC is advising customers there may be delays on the 511 Bathurst route as a result of the procession.

Road Closures

From 7 p.m. on Fri., May 23 until 7 a.m. on Sat., May 24, the following routes will divert to accommodate film crews working at Queens Quay and Dockside Dr.:

• 65 Parliament
• 75 Sherbourne
• 114 Queens Quay
• 202 Cherry Beach
• 365 Parliament

On Sun., May 25 from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., the following routes will divert to accommodate film crews on Wellington St. between Simcoe and Yonge St.:

• 114 Queens Quay East
• 121 Esplanade-River
• 202 Cherry Beach
• 320 Yonge Night

The TTC is committed to keeping customers informed about work and events that impact service, as well as alternate route options. For the most up-to-date information, follow @TTCNotices on X or sign up for eAlerts.

There's going to be a walk on Bathurst this year? That's really saying something.

 

[picard102]

There's going to be a walk on Bathurst this year? That's really saying something.

They had one last year.

 

[Undead]

None of this sounds remotely familiar to me as someone who graduated high school only 10 years ago.

It sounds extremely familiar to me and I'm about the same age as you.

 

[nfitz]

It sounds extremely familiar to me and I'm about the same age as you.

Which engineering program were you in?

 

[Steve X]

None of this sounds remotely familiar to me as someone who graduated high school only 10 years ago. But the fact of the matter is that not everyone is going to be good at everything, even if we went tyrannical with grades, and this is not a problem that can, or should, be stopped at the high school level, because if you expect everyone to be proficient at everything you'll never get another high school graduate ever again.

It is the role of the post secondary institution to not accept students into programs if their grades in specific subjects are deficient, to not issue degrees to those who do not fulfill the requirements, and the role of hiring managers to not hire those who do not fulfill the requirements. Are you alleging either of these things is occurring? That's a massive scandal if true, perhaps you should go to the media with it.

There are strict high schools that makes it hard to get an A. Then there are schools that give out grades. They enter university with super prepared or not prepared at all. Grades really means nothing.

In the workplace, some companies are definitely cutting corners and faking reports. I’m looking right at you Boeing. What would even approve the 737 max with just one sensor? Bombardier and their c-series? Sold after a whole bunch of mismanagement.

 

[T3G]

It sounds extremely familiar to me and I'm about the same age as you.

I definitely don't remember anywhere close to the majority of people just trying to coast by... more so the opposite, competing to get the highest grades and grubbing every last point was a pretty common phenomenon.

There are strict high schools that makes it hard to get an A. Then there are schools that give out grades. They enter university with super prepared or not prepared at all. Grades really means nothing.

In the workplace, some companies are definitely cutting corners and faking reports. I’m looking right at you Boeing. What would even approve the 737 max with just one sensor? Bombardier and their c-series? Sold after a whole bunch of mismanagement.

A lot of the blame for things going wrong can be laid at the door of management. Ultimately, they are the ones responsible for the running of the company, and the buck stops with them. If their employees are not doing their work properly, then it means the manager is not doing their job properly. This is unsurprising, as about the only real lesson I have learned in my years in the work place has been that those who can't, manage.

 

[turbanplanner]

The problem with North America is everyone in school just aims to pass courses with just a C or even D. If they beat the average, they are happy. When schools try to set curriculums to higher standards, parents complain their is too much homework and it's too hard. They proclaim As for for Aliens and thus they being this to everyday life and society. This is how York University Station with a huge concrete patch on the wall on opening day passed the test and was deem acceptable.

In East Asia, everyone aims for As and thus all the designs and plans are reflected in this mentality. How can we expect better when half the class graduating in this society just wing it and do the same in the workplace?

I wouldn't say I agree? I think it's more our work culture than anything. "Good enough" is something I hear a lot from the lower management folks, there is an emphasis on fixing things now, not right. I know this isn't every work environment but people who WANT to make things better often get push back or told not to bother.