Metrolinx: Other Items (catch all)

[crs1026]

I've heard suggestions that the current Board of appointees is more political (in that it bends to will of the province) than the old Board that had municipal political representation.

True enough. But the whole point of creating ML was that the previous coordinating forum, the GTTAA, was comprised of municipal politicians, and nothing got done because they would not rise above their own parochial viewpoints.

What is needed is not to change the ML format, but to build respect and accountability for politicians making decisions openly, based on fact-based input and analysis from objective, non-partisan, professional and expert staff. In the end, the pols make the decisions, and they are free to disregard the advice they are given, but the process must be transparent and the facts must be arrived at rigourously and without spin.

- Paul

 

[jcam]

True enough. But the whole point of creating ML was that the previous coordinating forum, the GTTAA, was comprised of municipal politicians, and nothing got done because they would not rise above their own parochial viewpoints.

What is needed is not to change the ML format, but to build respect and accountability for politicians making decisions openly, based on fact-based input and analysis from objective, non-partisan, professional and expert staff. In the end, the pols make the decisions, and they are free to disregard the advice they are given, but the process must be transparent and the facts must be arrived at rigourously and without spin.

- Paul

See item 13 on from the July TTC Board meeting. https://www.ttc.ca/About_the_TTC/Co...ission_meetings/2017/July_12/Agenda/index.jsp

 

[TheTigerMaster]

The "take politics out of transit planning" people want more elected officials on the Metrolinx board?

I've heard suggestions that the current Board of appointees is more political (in that it bends to will of the province) than the old Board that had municipal political representation.

True enough. But the whole point of creating ML was that the previous coordinating forum, the GTTAA, was comprised of municipal politicians, and nothing got done because they would not rise above their own parochial viewpoints.

What is needed is not to change the ML format, but to build respect and accountability for politicians making decisions openly, based on fact-based input and analysis from objective, non-partisan, professional and expert staff. In the end, the pols make the decisions, and they are free to disregard the advice they are given, but the process must be transparent and the facts must be arrived at rigourously and without spin.

- Paul

If Metrolinx is going to be filled with political hacks, I'd rather it be filled with political hacks that are open with their intentions, rather than political hacks that treat transit as if its some state secret.

 

[Northern Light]

The Minister of Announcements will be at Meadowvale GO tomorrow to say something....

https://news.ontario.ca/mto/en/2017/11/minister-of-transportation-to-make-an-announcement-20.html

 

[drum118]

‘Ask Metrolinx’ Town Hall an Opportunity to Engage with Senior Management


TORONTO: December 6, 2017 –Metrolinx CEO Phil Verster is hosting the first “Ask Metrolinx” town hall to give the public direct access to both him and his senior management team to answer questions about transit and transportation in the GTHA.

This is an opportunity for our neighbours, customers and community members to engage directly with leaders at Metrolinx as we move forward with planning, building and operating the region’s transportation system.

Here are the ways you can engage with us:

·Questions can be submitted online at metrolinxengage.com – or asked in real-time (online or in-person).

·Participants will have the opportunity to prioritize the questions submitted online by voting for their favourites at metrolinxengage.com the week leading up to the event.

·The town hall can be attended in person or via live webcast.

·A video of the town hall will be posted online after the event.


The team will be available to media following the questions from the public.

Date: Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Location: 97 Front Street West
Peter R. Smith Boardroom – 4th floor

 

[Streety McCarface]

I'm not sure this is the best place for this, but Hydrail...what are people's genuine opinions? I think it would actually be great for corridors like Richmond Hill, Bowmanville, Kitchener between Waterloo and Guelph (until a freight bypass is built), and Niagra Falls. I think it's a horrible alternative to every other corridor because of the sheer amount of energy it would have to produce. Thoughts?

 

[Voltz]

sure this is the best place for this, but Hydrail...what are people's genuine opinions? I think it would actually be great for corridors like Richmond Hill, Bowmanville, Kitchener between Waterloo and Guelph (until a freight bypass is built), and Niagra Falls. I think it's a horrible alternative to every other corridor because of the sheer amount of energy it would have to produce. Thoughts?

It's nothing more than a way for the consultants and lobbyists to make money, and a way to give ammo to the opponents of increased GO train service and electrification.

 

[Amare]

I'll bite on this one as well. Metrolinx likes to flirt with these lopsided ideas every 4-5 years each time a lobbyist approaches them about this. They come and tout how great an idea it is since it would reduce emissions and costs and they start to consider it seriously. An election comes around and the idea falls off a cliff, rinsed, and repeated over and over again.

The whole hydrogen rail scheme is betting on an unproven technology which has not matured, and has not been used on scale like Metrolinx is fantasizing about. Powering vehicles by electricity on the other hand, is being used across hundreds of cities around the world on a wider scale and in various situations. The choice is pretty obvious, but Metrolinx enjoys having their little fantasies every once in a while.

 

[steveintoronto]

The Hydrail scheme isn't being driven by Metrolinx. It's from Queen's Park, And it's to avoid the massive commitment they've promised for years to electrify GO lines.

And tolngljnhkjbnkje....Look! Squirrel, over there!

 

[rbt]

... I think it's a horrible alternative to every other corridor because of the sheer amount of energy it would have to produce.

What do you mean by this? Energy required by a Hydrail train isn't remarkably different than a diesel or straight electric one (+ time-shift infrastructure like battery bank) of similar capabilities ; they just presented it in GWh instead of liters of fuel.

Hydrail has a lot of issues which doesn't make it a good solution for Ontario today (maybe in 2035), but night-time energy consumption isn't really one of them.

In fact, increased night-time load might allow for fewer natural gas generators during the day in some seasons. Nuclear generation is adjusted for the minimum expected load (3am) as the Candu design doesn't load follow very quickly. Increase load at 3am and we can use that bit of base-load generation at 6pm too.

 

[muller877]

What do you mean by this? Energy required by a Hydrail train isn't remarkably different than a diesel or straight electric one (+ time-shift infrastructure like battery bank) of similar capabilities ; they just presented it in GWh instead of liters of fuel.

Hydrail has a lot of issues which doesn't make it a good solution for Ontario today (maybe in 2035), but night-time energy consumption isn't really one of them.

In fact, increased night-time load might allow for fewer natural gas generators during the day in some seasons. Nuclear generation is adjusted for the minimum expected load (3am) as the Candu design doesn't load follow very quickly. Increase load at 3am and we can use that bit of base-load generation at 6pm too.

There are lots of pro's vs cons. Ignore Elton Musk's comments when you research. He of course is very biased.

Right now Hydrogen takes about 3x the amount of power as electricity for cars. But that excludes the loss of power on the distribution system for electric trains. I don't have the numbers but I expect that would decrease to about 2.5x. And Hydrogen production is expected to become more efficient so the gap will decrease.

Hydrogen becomes more efficient when there are larger vehicles (i.e. trains) and where the manufacturing and distribution are concentrated together (a train yard).

It does make sense to look at it. However, is there an economic benefit to be the leader? Will Ontario own the IP and can monetize it? If not we should be a fast follower, not the leader.

 

[steveintoronto]

But that excludes the loss of power on the distribution system for electric trains.

Which is in the order of a few %. This is modern 60Hz 25kVAC, lower voltage AC and low voltage DC are less efficient. Ontario is planning on the recognized Int'l Standard of 25kV 50/60 Hz.

Anyone wish to enter into a technical debate on this? I'll gladly do so, but why not just Google to find the answer? There's good reason that modern catenary is not only used widely, but will continue to do so. Hydrail has its uses, out in the boondocks where trains rarely tread. Certainly not on mainlines.

 

[Allandale25]

The top 10 questions that Metrolinx will be responded to at their townhall based on votes received are below. In a tweet they've also said they'll take questions from people there and the livestream.

1. USRC East Noise Mitigation
Sabina Dec 8, 2017 - 15:58
USRC East, south of Longboat Avenue, has train operations noise levels far above max recommended levels. Constant train yard and 6-9 tracks maintenance + construction work, overnight during the work week, and on weekends, on top of regular traffic, make it unbearable for residents. This construction will last 8-10 years. Metrolinx is adding a new track, just 15m from our bedrooms. When will Metrolinx finally construct a noise wall and/or provide noise-proofing of the adjacent residences?

Vote[d] for this question: 29
Down vote[d] this question: 1

[An issue that the local neigbourhood association has been raising]

2. Limiting Track Maintenance Noise
captainbully_1379 Dec 8, 2017 - 16:46
What will Metrolinx do to mitigate track maintenance noise levels along the USRC East so that they fall within published regulations/guidelines?

Vote[d] for this question: 24
Down vote[d] this question: 1

[see No. 1]

3. Can we get a breakdown of where our fare dollars go?
ThisCrazyTrain Dec 6, 2017 - 14:25
More transparency is needed to understand just what we are paying for. Thank you.

Vote[d] for this question: 25
Down vote[d] this question: 5

4. Why is Burlington GO Station renovation entering its 6th year?
ThisCrazyTrain Dec 7, 2017 - 20:16
Renovation has stalled. No communication. Timelines not posted in timely manner. Massive station with little seating. Customers fed up with delays.

Vote for this question: 18
Down vote[d] this question: 3

5. What is Metrolinx doing to limit government interference?
rhanna_5551 Dec 6, 2017 - 14:05
Just this year it was discovered that Metrolinx had approved building Kirby GO Station, even though it had initially recommended against building it for at least another 10 years. What is Metrolinx doing to prohibit/limit government and politicians from interfering in, and rigging decisions in their favour?

Vote[d] for this question: 16
Down voted[d] this question:3

6. Promised money for local transit agencies. No longer promised.
nciv_99 Dec 7, 2017 - 09:28
The previous "The Big Move" had promised many millions of dollars to local transit agencies. Now, up to $1.3 Billion go to parking garages! Seems like Metrolinx is only interested in having its passengers drive the first or last km to/from their GO Stations/Bus Terminals. Why is this the case as there's a stronger case toward using those funds to fund local transit?

Vote[d] for this question: 11
Down vote[d] this question: 0

7. Park Lawn Station
John Dec 7, 2017 - 10:48
Given the huge condo population at Lakeshore and Park Lawn, a GO station at Park Lawn would be profitable

Vote for this question: 12
Downvote this question: 3

8. Express Tains [sic]
Young Toronto P...
Dec 7, 2017 - 17:29
Thanks to urban sprawl/pricey GTA housing, many of us are faced with lengthy commutes. What are the plans (if any) to introduce more express trains in order to get people to and from work at a faster pace?

Vote[d] for this question: 11
Down vote[d] this question: 2

9. When will Presto funds loaded online be immediately accessible?
gilbertr71_5554 Dec 6, 2017 - 15:05
Totally unacceptable that we have to wait up to 24 hours to access funds.

Vote[d] for this question: 12
Down vote[d] this question: 3

10. When will the Ontario Northlander Train be reinstated?
Andrew MacLeod Dec 7, 2017 - 09:31
Vote for this question: 12
Down vote[d] this question: 4

 

[Fritter]

10. When will the Ontario Northlander Train be reinstated?
Andrew MacLeod Dec 7, 2017 - 09:31

Interesting question for Metrolinx, as Ontario Northland is outside Metrolinx's mandate.

 

[Allandale25]

^ Should be a quick response. I'll cross post this to the Ontario Northland thread.