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TTC: Other Items (catch all)

My son saw a 508 the other day and was over the moon. We've never seen one on the street before, just on the map. I guess it was on its way to the Lakeshore facility.
The 508 currently runs on King S and (though I am far from a toddler) I too was quite happy to see one (and actually ride on it) the other day. It only runs (Long Branch to Parliament) in weekday peak periods.
 
In regards to St Clair W and the way they are slowly replacing the overhead working a few hours a day on certain days makes me wonder who tendered these jobs? Like come on shutting down a line for almost a year so you could take your time to replace the overhead is such a joke. If you really wanted to you could get it done in two months.
St. Clair has more than just overhead work going on. Lots of other projects being worked on concurrently. The biggest probably being the rehabilitation of St. Clair West station.

 
Steve Munro has just reported ( https://stevemunro.ca/ ) that the re-opening of Broadview Station is postponed:

"The construction work on Broadview north of Danforth has not run particularly quickly with a few intervals where nothing happened at all for over a week. This appeared to be not the TTC’s problem, but rather the contractor, Sanscon, who simply did not have anyone working on site at times." SANSCON strikes again!!!
 
Steve Munro has just reported ( https://stevemunro.ca/ ) that the re-opening of Broadview Station is postponed:

"The construction work on Broadview north of Danforth has not run particularly quickly with a few intervals where nothing happened at all for over a week. This appeared to be not the TTC’s problem, but rather the contractor, Sanscon, who simply did not have anyone working on site at times." SANSCON strikes again!!!
At this point Sanscon just need to be banned from city projects, because it's clear they just dont care.
 
Report on the 2024 Service Plan is on the agenda for the TTC meeting next week.

Off the top, the proposal would add back 2% of pre-pandemic service, or roughly 2.1% more service hours than operate today. (For the record, that is wholly inadequate)

* its also misleading, It is my understanding that the TTC is counting the SRT replacement bus hours in these numbers, which consumer far more service hours than the SRT did)


There's a lot to read/take in, so I may edit this post to add info or make additional posts.

A couple of things I find interesting though:

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Who knew the benefits that could be derived from the TTC being unable to deliver capital projects on time!

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*****
 
Steve Munro has just reported ( https://stevemunro.ca/ ) that the re-opening of Broadview Station is postponed:

"The construction work on Broadview north of Danforth has not run particularly quickly with a few intervals where nothing happened at all for over a week. This appeared to be not the TTC’s problem, but rather the contractor, Sanscon, who simply did not have anyone working on site at times." SANSCON strikes again!!!
I’m not surprised seeing the intersection is just a construction zone. There is no way it would be done this month in that state.
 
Thee have been frequent comments here about the poor maintenance of TTC streetcar switches. The Board will be discussing an Auditor General Report on this next week and from a quick scan it is a rather poor (though likely accurate) report on TTC policies and practices. See Item 17 on Agenda at https://www.ttc.ca/All-public-meetings/board/2023/Board-Meeting-Nov-22?tab=0
I'm not finished reading the entire report yet; but I'm already peeved and then some..........

Ok....kid gloves off...........

Follow the link below, go to page 16.


Read this crap. In fairness to the Auditor General, their work is not crap, but what they are discussing is..........

I'm not certain, immediately, whether the TTC's current director of Streetcar operations has been there long enough that they ought to be accountable, but if so, they should be exiting. If not, deadline to fix, 180 days.
 
How can it possibly take 2 years to replace an escalator?
View attachment 516648

Starting as early as October 31, 2023 – mid 2025*
What we are doing and why:
As part of TTC’s Escalator Modernization project, the existing escalator located on the northbound platform going up to the concourse level must be completely replaced with a new escalator. The modernization work includes major improvements to the wall finishes, ceiling and lights.
What to expect:
 Protective hoarding will be in place to ensure public safety by separating the work zone from the public during demolition of the existing escalator and installation of a new one.
 Work will take place behind the protective hoarding.
 The other escalators from platform level to concourse level will remain in service.
 Customers who require the assistance of an escalator/elevator on Line 1 may travel to Queen station.

@DSC @Northern Light I found something on Reddit this morning that MAY shed some light on this situation.

Apparently, the issue with the escalators may be that they are done by two different unions that are not playing nice together. Take the below comment with a grain of salt but there are TTC staff lurking on that subreddit so this could very well be true.

 
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@DSC @Northern Light I found something on Reddit this morning that MAY shed some light on this situation.

Apparently, the issue with the escalators may be that they are done by two different unions that are not playing nice together. Take the below comment with a grain of salt but there are TTC staff lurking on that subreddit so this could very well be true.


Interesting find Richard...........Let me bring that forward for people:

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😩
 
TTC recommends joining Ontario’s One-Fare program and eliminating double fares in 2024

November 17, 2023

A new report going to the TTC’s Nov. 22 Board recommends the TTC enter Ontario’s One-Fare program that would eliminate double fares for customers transferring between the TTC, GO Transit and other GTA transit agencies by early 2024.

Today, customers pay a double fare when taking the TTC and GO Transit or another transit agency in the same trip. Under the One-Fare program, customers transferring between TTC and GO Transit will be reimbursed for their single ride TTC fare, while those transferring between the TTC and a municipal transit agency will be able to use their 2-hour transfer without paying a second fare.

For example, adult fare customers transferring between the TTC and GO Transit will save $3.30 on a single trip. Customers who use the TTC and YRT would save up to $3.88* on a single adult trip taken between the two agencies within the 2-hour free transfer period.

Under the One-Fare program, the Province of Ontario, through Metrolinx, would reimburse 100 per cent of eligible trips to transit agencies for foregone fare box revenue. Eligible trips would include those made within the 2-hour free transfer period using a PRESTO fare card, PRESTO in Mobile Wallet, debit or credit card. It would not apply to customers paying with cash, or with a TTC ticket or token.

If adopted by the TTC, the One-Fare program would begin in early 2024.

Quotes:

“Under the leadership of Premier Doug Ford, our government’s One-Fare program is fully funding the removal of double fares when commuters connect between the TTC and neighbouring municipalities. We’re putting money back in the pockets of transit riders, where it belongs. For an adult who commutes back and forth five days a week, this will save them an average of $1,600 annually.”
– Vijay Thanigasalam, Associate Minister of Transportation

“It is essential that we make transit more affordable. For so many people who are struggling to make ends meet, paying a second fare for one trip is a barrier against taking transit to work, medical appointments or visiting family and friends outside the city. Eliminating the double fare would go a long way to making life more affordable for many Torontonians.”
– Mayor Olivia Chow

“About 13 per cent of TTC customers start or end their trip outside Toronto which includes customers who walk up to a kilometre to cross the municipal boundary or drive to a TTC station to avoid the double fare. Fare integration would directly benefit these customers by reducing their transit costs and giving drivers a reason to leave the car at home. Eliminating the double fare is a win-win for our customers and the environment.”
– TTC Chair Jamaal Myers

“Fare integration will improve equity and accessibility for customers by providing a co-fare when transferring between TTC, GO Transit and surrounding GTA transit agencies. This is a key step toward our vision of an affordable public transit system in Toronto and the region.”
– TTC CEO Rick Leary
 
I find this odd as both cars are in the service bay at this time with 4604 going in last night after a week on the service track
<https://www.transsee.ca/fleetfind?a=ttc&q=4604&Go=Go>
Must have used an existing car and replace the number of it for 4604

TTC launches brand new streetcars
Sixty new streetcars will be delivered by 2025

Nov. 17, 2023

The first of 60 new Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) streetcars officially entered service today, Fri., Nov. 17, with an inaugural run on the 504 King route. The new streetcars are jointly funded by $568 million in contributions from the federal government, Ontario government, and City of Toronto.

The new vehicles are being produced by Alstom at their Thunder Bay facility. The remaining streetcars will be delivered throughout 2023, 2024 and 2025.

“A thriving Toronto—with reliable and sustainable public transit—is very much a part of our economic plan. Just as creating good-paying, middle-class jobs in Canada and in this city is central to our economic plan,” said Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. “We are investing in Toronto, and in Toronto’s transit infrastructure. These new made-in-Canada streetcars for the TTC are yet another example of how the people of Toronto have no greater partner than our federal government.”

“Supporting modern, safe, and reliable public transit for Canadians across the country helps build more connected communities, a stronger economy, and a cleaner environment,” said the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. “The arrival of these new vehicles ensures that taking a streetcar in Toronto remains comfortable, convenient, and efficient.”

“Expanding reliable public transit options are a key part of the Ontario government's plan to make life easier for people, while supporting good home-grown jobs," said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Ontario Minister of Transportation. “As the new streetcars enter service, it will be faster and easier for commuters in the city to get where they need to go, with more cars and shorter wait times. This is a testament to the strong communities we can build when all three levels of government work together to deliver the critical infrastructure we need for today and our future.”

The TTC’s 2023-2032 Capital Budget and Plan includes a $568 million streetcar program, consisting of 60 additional low-floor streetcars and the reconfiguring of Hillcrest Complex to accommodate the storage of at least 25 streetcars. This program is essential to ensuring the TTC can meet future ridership growth and demand over the coming years.

In May 2021, the federal and Ontario governments each announced up to $180 million toward the TTC Streetcar Program. The remaining $208 million is coming from the City of Toronto.

“Transit has been a priority for me since day one. Increasing the number of streetcars on our roads means shorter wait times, more capacity, and more reliable service for transit users,” said Mayor Olivia Chow. “As Toronto continues to grow and we look for ways to improve peoples’ commutes, we need to continue to work with all levels of government to make more transit options available.”

“Streetcars are a vital part of the TTC and the city, and I am pleased that we are continuing to expand our fleet and plan for ridership growth and increased demand,” said TTC Chair Jamaal Myers. “Our goal is to run a sustainable transit system that our customers can continue to rely on and be proud of. This is a big step in that direction.”

In 2022, the TTC operated nine streetcar routes spanning approximately 355 km, carrying more than 26 million people.

“The TTC is grateful for the continued support of all orders of government as we plan for the future growth and ridership of the city,” said TTC CEO Rick Leary. “I want to thank the many TTC employees who keep Toronto moving and dedicate themselves to getting our customers to and from their destinations safely. I know how excited they will be to have more new vehicles in the fleet.”

Since 2020, the TTC has operated only low-floor, high-capacity, fully accessible streetcars on its network. Buses also operate on the streetcar network in the short term to support ongoing construction projects in the city. The capacity of one streetcar is equal to two and a half buses.
 
From the 2024 Annual Service Plan...

Increase overnight streetcar service to mitigate storage constraints

Starting in 2024, there will be the need to temporarily increase overnight streetcar service. As TTC receives the delivery of new streetcars in 2024, there will be temporary overnight storage constraints as the modernization of Russell Carhouse and construction of a new streetcar storage facility at Hillcrest Yard will not be complete. To mitigate these storage constraints, the TTC will take the opportunity to trial increased and expanded overnight service on the streetcar network (Figure 15), including:
  • increasing frequency of service from every 30 minutes to approximately every 20 minutes on existing overnight streetcar routes – 301 Queen, 304 King, 306 Carlton, and 310 Spadina
  • replacing overnight bus service operating on streetcar routes, such as on St Clair Ave West, on Bathurst St south of Bloor St, and on Kingston Rd from Queen St to Bingham Loop
  • introducing new overnight streetcar service on 505 Dundas, which will improve overnight service coverage on a corridor with multiple night-time activity generators and proximity to places of shift work such as Toronto Western Hospital
Recognizing that there may be community impacts and the need to coordinate with infrastructure renewal and ongoing maintenance, implementation of overnight streetcar service on new parts of the network will be subject to engagement prior to implementation.
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