GO Transit: Service thread (including extensions)

[Allandale25]

As seen here on r/gotransit

Union Station Departure Summary

So I’m working on creating a website which tracks which platform is used by every train that departs Union Station. Partly just because I’m interested in how often trains switch from their usual assigned platform, and partly because it will help predict which platform to wait on before it’s announced. Just thought I’d share in case others are interested.

Union Station Departure Summary

 

[reaperexpress]

That's not a realistic answer, either.

Dan

Reducing from 2 people in the cab to 1 absolutely is a realistic answer because Metrolinx is installing ETCS on the lines it's electrifying. I'm not aware of any railway system with ETCS that has more than one person in the cab. This is a discussion we need to have if we want to be able to affordably run frequent GO service. It also affects procurement of any new EMUs, since European off-the-shelf models are designed for one operator, not two. If we insist on having two operators, we may need custom-designed trains, which would significantly increase the cost compared to just buying existing European models.

 

[Bojaxs]

Reducing from 2 people in the cab to 1 absolutely is a realistic answer because Metrolinx is installing ETCS on the lines it's electrifying. I'm not aware of any railway system with ETCS that has more than one person in the cab. This is a discussion we need to have if we want to be able to affordably run frequent GO service. It also affects procurement of any new EMUs, since European off-the-shelf models are designed for one operator, not two. If we insist on having two operators, we may need custom-designed trains, which would significantly increase the cost compared to just buying existing European models.

Not that I want GO to continue their practice of 3 member crews per train, but does the Stadler Kiss's not allow for two crew members at the front?

 

[smallspy]

Reducing from 2 people in the cab to 1 absolutely is a realistic answer because Metrolinx is installing ETCS on the lines it's electrifying. I'm not aware of any railway system with ETCS that has more than one person in the cab. This is a discussion we need to have if we want to be able to affordably run frequent GO service. It also affects procurement of any new EMUs, since European off-the-shelf models are designed for one operator, not two. If we insist on having two operators, we may need custom-designed trains, which would significantly increase the cost compared to just buying existing European models.

Sure. When ETCS / whatever trackside signalling system they use ends up being installed. And assuming that Transport Canada okays it all, too.

We're 10 or more years away from that, however. And in the meantime, they have to operate within the constraints and regulations that are required to follow. Simply wishing those away isn't realistic.

So rather than wishing for things that aren't happening tomorrow, perhaps we should plan for things to work today?

Dan

 

[lastcommodore]

Sure. When ETCS / whatever trackside signalling system they use ends up being installed. And assuming that Transport Canada okays it all, too.

We're 10 or more years away from that, however. And in the meantime, they have to operate within the constraints and regulations that are required to follow. Simply wishing those away isn't realistic.

So rather than wishing for things that aren't happening tomorrow, perhaps we should plan for things to work today?

Dan

If we isolate ourselves to realistic things that can work today, the answer is nothing, as basically nothing good or smart will get past MX upper management.

 

[reaperexpress]

Sure. When ETCS / whatever trackside signalling system they use ends up being installed. And assuming that Transport Canada okays it all, too.

We're 10 or more years away from that, however. And in the meantime, they have to operate within the constraints and regulations that are required to follow. Simply wishing those away isn't realistic.

So rather than wishing for things that aren't happening tomorrow, perhaps we should plan for things to work today?

Dan

Well yeah we need to do both. But changing institutional requirements is something that needs to be done at the beginning of the planning process for resignalling, equipment procurement, track layouts etc. Which is happening right now.

If we don't start pushing Transport Canada and GO Rail Ops to update policies to enable an uncompromised ETCS rollout, Metrolinx will need to modify a proven signalling system and modify standard train designs. All of which involves wasting money that could otherwise have been spent paying people to operate trains.

I'm not saying ETCS is a solution for the immediate crisis, I'm saying we need to make noise about it so the immediate crisis doesn't continue indefinitely.

 

[smallspy]

Well yeah we need to do both. But changing institutional requirements is something that needs to be done at the beginning of the planning process for resignalling, equipment procurement, track layouts etc. Which is happening right now.

If we don't start pushing Transport Canada and GO Rail Ops to update policies to enable an uncompromised ETCS rollout, Metrolinx will need to modify a proven signalling system and modify standard train designs. All of which involves wasting money that could otherwise have been spent paying people to operate trains.

I'm not saying ETCS is a solution for the immediate crisis, I'm saying we need to make noise about it so the immediate crisis doesn't continue indefinitely.

Can I point out one thing about ETCS.....

It was the best system 10 years ago. It may not be the best system tomorrow.

Let's not focus on one sole technology for technology's sake. They reason why they are going to test on the Richmond Hill Line is because it is isolated, and will help guide the installation on future corridors - but it may also show that it can not work in the North American environment. Metroilnx may have settled on ETCS for now, but that is certainly not the only option that they have looked at, , going all the way to full-blown CBTC setups as well.

Dan