[seanlucat]

It's dumb until you recognize that Metrolinx has serious challenges electrifying the stretch around Union, which would make battery operation quite useful. They have been suggesting in their recent rumblings that this might be the plan.

The platforms/tracks on the south side of union are being rebuilt right now and have provisions to allow for catenary/electrification. So simply electrify those tracks and run the Lakeshore Line along them. But yeah metrolinx is dragging their feet and making things harder than they should be, then again they're world class at doing that

 

[crs1026]

It's dumb until you recognize that Metrolinx has serious challenges electrifying the stretch around Union, which would make battery operation quite useful. They have been suggesting in their recent rumblings that this might be the plan.

And the additional challenges that ML faces with clearances under some bridges out along the line. No point perfecting a solution at Union only to have to wait for bridge projects at Jameson, Browns Line, etc.

Electrification will come together when the time is right, but while the attraction is obvious, it isn't high priority quite yet.

- Paul

PS - If you think the current LSE/LSW closures and restrictions on express trains etc are frustrating, wait until things are closed or service reduced to facilitate electrification construction. There is lots left to be done..

 

[turbanplanner]

This whole Battery debate is dumb, electrify the lakeshore corridor Aldershot to Oshawa while adding infill stations and TOD. Bring it thru Union via the new southern platforms/concourse. Then it's just a matter of cascading the existing loco hauled fleet unto the other lines, for increased frequencies and buying a new EMU fleet for the upgraded Lakeshore line. Once completed the decision can be made of what's to be done with the other lines.

our existing TOD has either gone bankrupt 2x or is 2 condos next to a walmart!

 

[Bojaxs]

 

[drum118]

The only problem with these battery power trains that they are single level. I have yet to see and hear anything about double deck trains.

What would the headways be for all lines for GO system with they went with single level trains not only today, but down the road?? What would the length be for those trains??

 

[reaperexpress]

The only problem with these battery power trains that they are single level. I have yet to see and hear anything about double deck trains.

You seriously think the number of floors is a meaningful impediment to a propulsion method? You can fit any power source in any number of levels if you want.

And besides, two seconds of googling turned up this:

caltrain.com/news/caltrain-pilot-first-nation-bi-level-dual-electric-and-battery-powered-train-expand-zero

What would the headways be for all lines for GO system with they went with single level trains not only today, but down the road?? What would the length be for those trains??

The headways would be better, assuming the train length stays the same. Metrolinx's current plan is only a fraction of ONXpress' proposed service levels.

And since when does every train on the entire system need to be the same type? Do you really want the same rolling stock on frequent-stop local services as the express trains to Niagara Falls?

 

[cplchanb]

You seriously think the number of floors is a meaningful impediment to a propulsion method? You can fit any power source in any number of levels if you want.

And besides, two seconds of googling turned up this:

caltrain.com/news/caltrain-pilot-first-nation-bi-level-dual-electric-and-battery-powered-train-expand-zero
View attachment 713675

The headways would be better, assuming the train length stays the same. Metrolinx's current plan is only a fraction of ONXpress' proposed service levels.

And since when does every train on the entire system need to be the same type? Do you really want the same rolling stock on frequent-stop local services as the express trains to Niagara Falls?

Why does everyone have such a hard on with bi levels? If they have the correct amount of service levels you dont need them. Look at Japan... they have zero bilevel train sets other than 2 green cars per train on the tokaido main line, which has 10x the ridership of lsw. If anything bi levels are an impediment to denser train running

 

[White Pine]

Curious, with the rebuild of exhibition stn, are there any provisions for future additional tracks? Or would they even be necessary?

 

[drum118]

You seriously think the number of floors is a meaningful impediment to a propulsion method? You can fit any power source in any number of levels if you want.

And besides, two seconds of googling turned up this:

caltrain.com/news/caltrain-pilot-first-nation-bi-level-dual-electric-and-battery-powered-train-expand-zero
View attachment 713675

The headways would be better, assuming the train length stays the same. Metrolinx's current plan is only a fraction of ONXpress' proposed service levels.

And since when does every train on the entire system need to be the same type? Do you really want the same rolling stock on frequent-stop local services as the express trains to Niagara Falls?

That maybe on their site that I don't follow and may miss it announce elsewhere. it does say 4 car set. to meet Metrolinx trains will require 3 mu sets

Unless Metrolinx willing to look a some single level cars which has happen so, so far, we will be using what we have to day. As for length, they can be 3-5 cars that van be mu for peak service depending on the headway and the line.

We are the only system in NA to run 12 car bi-level trains let alone 8

 

[PL1]

Why does everyone have such a hard on with bi levels? If they have the correct amount of service levels you dont need them. Look at Japan... they have zero bilevel train sets other than 2 green cars per train on the tokaido main line, which has 10x the ridership of lsw. If anything bi levels are an impediment to denser train running

I think one other consideration is that the bi-levels are perfectly serviceable, so the thought is why replace them until they need to be replaced. (Not disagreeing with you, though)

 

[nfitz]

Curious, with the rebuild of exhibition stn, are there any provisions for future additional tracks? Or would they even be necessary?

Looking at the plans and illustrations, above, there simply isn't anywhere left to put a fifth track, unless the eliminate the planned road from Dufferin to Strachan along the north side of the tracks.

The construction work they did for the 5th track seems to have been mostly in vain.