The Metrolinx folk are busy working on a plan to move the Dundas Street bus station to Harbour Street but, according to the Chairman;s Report at January meeting they now think it would be even better if they also did work on the new GO Bus station behind the Dominion Building AND connect it all to the new GO HQ. Here is the reportfrom the Metrolinx site. (Go to January 25 meeting and get a pdf of Chair's Report.
http://www.metrolinx.com/NonTabPages/1/The Board/boardMeeting.aspx
Interregional Bus Terminal in the Toronto Union Station Precinct
Following the Board’s August 24, 2007 direction for a report-back on the viability of a proposed inter-regional bus terminal at 90 Harbour Street in the Toronto Union Station precinct, Metrolinx and its consultant have been in the process of identifying concepts for evaluation so that a best course of action recommendation can be made to the Board in February, 2008.
The retained consultant, along with Metrolinx staff, have been actively engaging key stakeholders including private-sector motor coach carriers, GO Transit, City of Toronto staff (including Planning, Transportation, and TTC), the Province of Ontario, Transport Canada, and Waterfront Toronto.
Opportunity for a Bus Terminal Adjacent to Toronto Union Station and Expanded Project Scope:
As the analysis of the transportation market and policy environment proceeded with respect to the Toronto Coach Terminal (Bay & Dundas) and 90 Harbour Street sites, it became evident there was an opportunity for an integrated bus terminal as part of a larger mixed-use development at the current GO Transit bus terminal site. As a result the consultant and Metrolinx staff expanded their scope of work to pursue a joint-venture concept that would involve the construction of a mixed-use office and two-level bus terminal in conjunction with Public Works Canada, and their heritage Federal Customs Building at 1 Front Street West.
The concept for 1 Front Street West currently being developed would protect and celebrate the rear façade of the heritage building with an atrium constructed above a two-level bus terminal that will improve upon GO Transit’s current accommodations and integrate private-carrier coaches on this site immediately adjacent to Union Station. The concept also includes significant office space to achieve highest and best use at the site. As the concept evolves it will integrate fully with the PATH network and Union Station.
Status:
The consultant and Metrolinx staff are currently working with architects and engineers to develop basic design concepts for both the 90 Harbour and 1 Front Street West sites which will be satisfactory from the both the perspectives of planning, policy and coach-operator stakeholders. These concepts will then be roughly costed, and the consultant’s report will analyze how Metrolinx should proceed, taking into account both a business case and transportation policy analysis.
Metrolinx staff and its consultant will be presenting a report to the Board in a February meeting with recommendations for a preferred site and concept for a bus terminal in the Union Station precinct and an appropriate course of action.