TTC: Other Items (catch all)

[Richard White]

It's really frustrating that the scheduled subway closures are put out at the start of the year then constantly changed on a regular basis. I went through the effort of loading all of the ones relevant to me (anything between Bloor-Yonge down across the U all the way up to VMC) into my calendar, there were a ton of Bloor-Union ones which have all disappeared and now there are Finch W - Lawrence W ones. It would be nice if they could make up their minds, or not publish the information until they're reasonably certain.

As the saying goes shit happens. Work schedules change, tunnels flood and Armenians try to blow up the subway system.

You have to work with the cards you are dealt.

 

[Leo_Chan]

Crazy alternative reality idea, but what if when the TTC constructed the University Line, they also built 4 streetcar tunnels connecting Queens Park, St. Patrick, Osgoode, and St. Andrew Stations with College, Dundas, Queen, and King Stations? There'd've been 8 streetcar portals and 24 streetcar platforms (University, Bay, Yonge x4). Could also include an "Express PATH" connecting all the Bay Stations.

How would this have affected the growth of the Downtown Core's growth, ridership patterns, walking patterns, and of course TTC ridership?

All I can see are streetcars lining up going into the portals, spilling out onto the streets, and of course Queens Quay incidents x100.

 

[drum118]

I believe if you look closely, the TTC has 'marked' Humber Loop, and some other sections, in white to indicate they are completed.

Sounds like ATC work in the crazy 'plant' switch area from Wilson Yard. Maybe this will rectify the issues they were having north of the open cut beside the yard, where they switch to/from ATC. IIRC some delays were happening there.

TTC May have areas mark completed in June 2017 according to the map, but my photos and seeing some of these areas in person say no they weren't. Humber was still not completed in Dec or Jan. The 508 loop was converted only in Dec.

 

[Leo_Chan]

I had hope, and now my hope is gone. I still need answers.

 

[drum118]

Surprise, surprise........................What......................no surprise to me.

Changes to TTC's 501/301 Queen route start Sunday

March 29, 2018

Starting this Sunday, April 1, through Sunday, June 24, minor adjustments to the TTC's 501/301 Queen service will change routing and transfer locations between streetcars and buses.

As of Sunday, streetcars will continue west of Roncesvalles Ave. as far as South Kingsway. Customers traveling further west can transfer to replacement buses at Windermere Ave. and The Queensway or at Ellis Ave. and The Queensway. See attached map.

Replacement buses will run as far west as Long Branch Loop.

The Humber Loop remains closed to customers while construction continues until June 24 when full streetcar service between Neville Park Loop and Long Branch Loop is scheduled to return.
=================================================================

Vintage and current TTC streetcars set to roll in Easter parade

March 29, 2018

TTC vehicles, vintage and modern, will once again join the annual Toronto Beaches Easter Parade this Sun., Apr. 1 at 2 p.m.

The parade runs along Queen St. E. from Munro Park Ave. to Woodbine Ave.

One of the TTC's new accessible streetcars will join a refurbished CLRV streetcar, along with the historic Peter Witt streetcar, which served Toronto residents from 1921 until 1963, and the classic PCC streetcar that was the backbone of the TTC's streetcar fleet for several decades starting in 1938. The final PCC was retired from service in 1995.

During the parade, the 501 Queen streetcar route will turn back at Kingston Rd. starting at 1 p.m. The 64 Main and 92 Woodbine South buses offer service nearest the parade route but will also be on diversion for the duration. Visit ttc.ca for more details.

Regular service resumes when the parade ends at approximately 5 p.m.

 

[aquateam]

Crazy alternative reality idea, but what if when the TTC constructed the University Line, they also built 4 streetcar tunnels connecting Queens Park, St. Patrick, Osgoode, and St. Andrew Stations with College, Dundas, Queen, and King Stations? There'd've been 8 streetcar portals and 24 streetcar platforms (University, Bay, Yonge x4). Could also include an "Express PATH" connecting all the Bay Stations.

How would this have affected the growth of the Downtown Core's growth, ridership patterns, walking patterns, and of course TTC ridership?

All I can see are streetcars lining up going into the portals, spilling out onto the streets, and of course Queens Quay incidents x100.

That would have been amazing, given how construction costs back then were so much cheaper. And it's much easier to build the streetcar tunnels when you don't have to mine under an active subway line. But what you are asking for is more expensive and complicated than just building the Queen line at the same time. Consider that, to go underneath the YUS line, it would have to be very deep. So the portals would be far from Yonge/University. Basically you're asking for at least an extra 10 km of subway and 8 interchanges. The university line was bored, not cut and cover, to avoid that kind of disruption.

And consider how they built room for a Queen streetcar tunnel under Osgoode station, but still hasn't been used 50 years later (and will not be a significant portion of the DRL)!

The problem is also that the central stretch isn't necessarily the most problematic for streetcars. They get more bogged down at the fringes of downtown than they do within downtown. Consider how, this was the proposed length of the Queen streetcar tunnel (all the way from Carlaw to Ossington):

But I think that if they did build your proposal:
1) You would have much better connectivity with the PATH system, since there would be underground stations for new developments
2) Because the most technically difficult parts are already achieved, there would be pressure to extend the streetcar tunnels further west and east on the busiest lines
3) Downtown would have amazing connectivity and we wouldn't be talking about a DRL
4) The surface portions of the streetcars would be the primary cause of reliability issues (given that there isn't much room for a streetcar lane in the old city), and we would be looking at ways of improving them.

 

[DSC]

Crazy alternative reality idea, but what if when the TTC constructed the University Line, they also built 4 streetcar tunnels connecting Queens Park, St. Patrick, Osgoode, and St. Andrew Stations with College, Dundas, Queen, and King Stations? There'd've been 8 streetcar portals and 24 streetcar platforms (University, Bay, Yonge x4). Could also include an "Express PATH" connecting all the Bay Stations.

How would this have affected the growth of the Downtown Core's growth, ridership patterns, walking patterns, and of course TTC ridership?

All I can see are streetcars lining up going into the portals, spilling out onto the streets, and of course Queens Quay incidents x100.

This REALLY belongs in the Fantasy TTC threads.

 

[amnesiajune]

As of Sunday, streetcars will continue west of Roncesvalles Ave. as far as South Kingsway.

Where would they turn around if Humber Loop is closed?

 

[Amare]

Where would they turn around if Humber Loop is closed?

They will continue on to Humber Loop since the Neville turnback loop is ready, but there are still quite a few things that are in various states of construction that aren't completed there.

To be honest this whole thing is just plain bad optics for the TTC, I don't know who came up with this bright idea but it's poorly thought out. Customers will be wondering why they aren't going all the way to Humber when the streetcars continue to travel westbound. Additionally, the transfers to and from the bus and streetcars at Windermere will be a pure nightmare. Evidently the TTC's service and planning team doesn't think this way, and they come up with some half-baked, poorly thought out plan.

 

[amnesiajune]

They will continue on to Humber Loop since the Neville turnback loop is ready, but there are still quite a few things that are in various states of construction that aren't completed there.

To be honest this whole thing is just plain bad optics for the TTC, I don't know who came up with this bright idea but it's poorly thought out. Customers will be wondering why they aren't going all the way to Humber when the streetcars continue to travel westbound. Additionally, the transfers to and from the bus and streetcars at Windermere will be a pure nightmare. Evidently the TTC's service and planning team doesn't think this way, and they come up with some half-baked, poorly thought out plan.

That makes sense. I guess they want to reduce the number of buses they're using on the 501 so they can be moved to somewhere else.

 

[W. K. Lis]

From link:

Starting this Sunday, April 1, through Sunday, June 24, minor adjustments to the TTC’s 501/301 Queen service will change routing and transfer locations between streetcars and buses.

As of Sunday, streetcars will continue west of Roncesvalles Ave. as far as South Kingsway. Customers travelling further west can transfer to replacement buses at Windermere Ave. and The Queensway or at Ellis Ave. and The Queensway. See attached map.

Replacement buses will run as far west as Long Branch Loop.

The Humber Loop remains closed to customers while construction continues until June 24 when full streetcar service between Neville Park Loop and Long Branch Loop is scheduled to return.


​

The Queensway is Now with a “new and improved” streetcar right-of-way. Fortified with long-lasting “concrete”.

From link–

Disclaimer
Do not remove this disclaimer under penalty of law.
For optimum performance and safety, please read these instructions carefully.

Void where prohibited. No representation or warranty, express or implied, with respect to the completeness, accuracy, fitness for a particular purpose, or utility of these materials or any information or opinion contained herein. Actual mileage may vary. Prices slightly higher west of the Mississippi. All models over 18 years of age. No animals were harmed during the production of this product. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, or events, past, present or future, is purely coincidental. This product not to be construed as an endorsement of any product or company, nor as the adoption or promulgation of any guidelines, standards or recommendations. Some names have been changed to protect the innocent. This product is meant for educational purposes only. Some assembly required. Batteries not included. Package sold by weight, not volume. Contents may settle during shipment. No user-serviceable parts inside. Use only as directed.

Do not eat. Not a toy.

Postage will be paid by addressee. If condition persists, consult your physician. Subject to change without notice. Times approximate. One size fits all. Colors may, in time, fade. For office use only. Edited for television. List was current at time of printing. At participating locations only. Keep away from fire or flame. Avoid contact with skin. Sanitised for your protection. Employees and their families are not eligible. Beware of the dog. Limited time offer. No purchase necessary. Not recommended for children under 12. Prerecorded for this time zone. Some of the trademarks mentioned in this product appear for identification purposes only. Freshest if eaten before date on carton. Subject to change without notice. Please allow 4 to 6 weeks for delivery. Not responsible for direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages resulting from any defect, error or failure to perform. Slippery when wet. Substantial penalty for early withdrawal. For recreational use only. No Canadian coins. List each check separately by bank number. This is not an offer to sell securities.

Read at your own risk. Ask your doctor or pharmacist. Parental guidance advised. Always read the label. Do not use while operating a motor vehicle or heavy equipment. Do not stamp. Breaking seal constitutes acceptance of agreement. Contains non-milk fat. Date as postmark. Lost ticket pays maximum rate. Use only in well-ventilated area. Price does not include taxes. Not for resale. Hand wash only. Keep away from sunlight. For a limited time only. No preservatives or additives. Keep away from pets and small children. Safety goggles required during use. If rash, irritation, redness, or swelling develops, discontinue use. Do not fold, spindle or mutilate. Please remain seated until the web page has come to a complete stop. Refrigerate after opening. Flammable. Must be 18 years or older. Seat backs and tray tables must be in the upright position. Repeat as necessary. Do not look directly into light. Avoid extreme temperatures and store in a cool dry place. No salt, MSG, artificial colouring or flavoring added. Reproduction strictly prohibited. Pregnant women, the elderly, and children should avoid prolonged exposure to this product. If ingested, do not induce vomiting. May contain nuts. Objects in mirror may be closer than they appear. Do not use if safety seal is broken.

Apply only to affected area. Do not use this product if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, thyroid disease, asthma, glaucoma, or difficulty in urination. May be too intense for some viewers. In case of accidental ingestion, seek professional assistance or contact a poison control center immediately. Many suitcases look alike. Post office will not deliver without postage. Not the Beatles. Products are not authorized for use as critical components in life support devices or systems. Driver does not carry cash. Do not puncture or incinerate. Do not play your headset at high volume. Discontinue use of this product if any of the following occurs: itching, aching, vertigo, dizziness, ringing in your ears, vomiting, giddiness, aural or visual hallucinations, tingling in extremities, loss of balance or coordination, slurred speech, temporary blindness, drowsiness, insomnia, profuse sweating, shivering, or heart palpitations. Video+ and Video- are at ECL voltage levels, HSYNC and VSYNC are at TTL voltage levels. It is a violation of federal law to use this product in a manner inconsistent with its labeling. Intentional misuse by deliberately concentrating and inhaling the contents can be harmful or fatal. This product has been shown to cause cancer in laboratory rats. Do not use the AC adaptor provided with this player for other products.

DO NOT DELETE THIS LINE -- make depend depends on it.

Warranty does not cover normal wear and tear, misuse, accident, lightning, flood, hail storm, tornado, tsunami, volcanic eruption, avalanche, earthquake or tremor, hurricane, solar activity, meteorite strike, nearby supernova and other Acts of God, neglect, damage from improper or unauthorised use, incorrect line voltage, unauthorised use, unauthorised repair, improper installation, typographical errors, broken antenna or marred cabinet, missing or altered serial numbers, electromagnetic radiation from nuclear blasts, microwave ovens or mobile phones, sonic boom vibrations, ionising radiation, customer adjustments that are not covered in this list, and incidents owing to an airplane crash, ship sinking or taking on water, motor vehicle crashing, dropping the item, falling rocks, leaky roof, broken glass, disk failure, accidental file deletions, mud slides, forest fire, riots or other civil unrest, acts of terrorism or war, whether declared or not, explosive devices or projectiles (which can include, but may not be limited to, arrows, crossbow bolts, air gun pellets, bullets, shot, cannon balls, BBs, shrapnel, lasers, napalm, torpedoes, ICBMs, or emissions of electromagnetic radiation such as radio waves, microwaves, infra-red radiation, visible light, UV, X-rays, alpha, beta and gamma rays, neutrons, neutrinos, positrons, N-rays, knives, stones, bricks, spit-wads, spears, javelins etc.).

Other restrictions may apply. Breach of these conditions is likely to cause unquantifiable loss that may not be capable of remedy by the payment of damages.

This supersedes all previous disclaimers

 

[drum118]

Based on my site tour today, can't see why the loop will remain close to TTC riders until June 24. The worse can be the end of April or early May.

The work that remains is building the sidewalk in the underpass, landscaping, concrete around the outside of the rebuilt concrete loop for 508, handrails on the new east/west bound platforms, concrete between the new east/west bound platform and the shelter, as well the new 508 platform and the bus platform.

3 TTC crews were working on the overhead east of under the overpass of Queensway to make sure if everything was in the correct location.

Even though Windermere Ave will be the final drop off and pickup point, there is an indentation that Kingsway stop could see service as well. Got to walk 2,000 feet to catch the westbound 501 bus on Windermere, south of the Queensway thank to traffic to have it moved there than just south of Queensway.

Still no idea where over a dozen 300' rails are to go that are store east of underpass.

Asphalt should be done this week between the rebuilt tracks on the Lake Shore and the existing road.

This will allow traffic to use the tracks. The westbound platform at the underpass has been rebuilt wider.

The Overhead between Park Lawn and the Loop has been rebuilt to new standards.

 

[Streety McCarface]

Based on my site tour today, can't see why the loop will remain close to TTC riders until June 24. The worse can be the end of April or early May.

The work that remains is building the sidewalk in the underpass, landscaping, concrete around the outside of the rebuilt concrete loop for 508, handrails on the new east/west bound platforms, concrete between the new east/west bound platform and the shelter, as well the new 508 platform and the bus platform.

3 TTC crews were working on the overhead east of under the overpass of Queensway to make sure if everything was in the correct location.

Even though Windermere Ave will be the final drop off and pickup point, there is an indentation that Kingsway stop could see service as well. Got to walk 2,000 feet to catch the westbound 501 bus on Windermere, south of the Queensway thank to traffic to have it moved there than just south of Queensway.

Still no idea where over a dozen 300' rails are to go that are store east of underpass.

Asphalt should be done this week between the rebuilt tracks on the Lake Shore and the existing road.

This will allow traffic to use the tracks. The westbound platform at the underpass has been rebuilt wider.

The Overhead between Park Lawn and the Loop has been rebuilt to new standards.

Wait, the 508 is returning?

 

[SaugeenJunction]

Any update to this, @drum118?

Also, for fun reading.

Haven't seen or heard anything new for this. Based on this map, the earliest pans can be use from the Barns by King St is 2019. Need to check Queen and Parliament, but otherwise could be use for pans once this year work is done to get cars to routes that are pan ready.

There are a few spots not mark and need to be replace. Humber Loop is one of them and should be done for April.

There are sections of straight track where the OS needs to be replace on 504, 501, 505, 506 and short turn routes.

If this maps remain as is, the OS will be 3 years late being done than plan for.

Update on pantograph deployment from Brad Ross from March 27th:

"We are sending test cars out on panto tmw for Spadina. We will test thru April for May Board Pd. Crews working on St Clair station to test cars mid-July and conversion by Sept. Bathurst will follow St Clair if all goes well." Link to Tweet.

 

[drum118]

Update on pantograph deployment from Brad Ross from March 27th:

"We are sending test cars out on panto tmw for Spadina. We will test thru April for May Board Pd. Crews working on St Clair station to test cars mid-July and conversion by Sept. Bathurst will follow St Clair if all goes well." Link to Tweet.

I already post that info, but not from Brad.

What is not being said or stated, will the cars have their pan up leaving/arriving the Barns or will they do at loop location like the 509?

St Clair W loop is supposed to be rebuilt starting this month at night.

Eastbound St Clair Cars are to wait for a westbound to turn when both arrive at the same time.