[Chris R.]

I’m personally still a strong believer that the VIA Concourse couldn’t be used for ALTO service no matter where the platforms are, even with a modern boarding process there’s gonna be too many passengers who need to pass through the space.

Factoring out lineups, the concourse is almost at full capacity when more than 1 VIA train departure is coming up.

The platform reconfiguration, increase in regional rail service, UP Express terminal relocation, and close tie-in to the future Bremner Concourse will bring a lot more non VIA/ALTO passengers through the concourse too.

The only layout modification that could happen is knocking down some walls around the remaining alcoves (some are to be taken up by new platform entrances) to open up space. I guess you could also remove the washrooms and Tim Hortons, alternative options are close.

Here's a thought, could the terminus be "Union" but actually continue to Exhibition to spread the load perhaps? With connection to the Ontario line, GO and streetcar, many may want to stay on the train past Union and it could possibly help with Union's people capacity issues?

 

[mcbg1]

Here's a thought, could the terminus be "Union" but actually continue to Exhibition to spread the load perhaps? With connection to the Ontario line, GO and streetcar, many may want to stay on the train past Union and it could possibly help with Union's people capacity issues?

At that point, it would make more sense for ALTO to stop at East Harbour to connect with the Ontario Line and GO service. By 2040, that area should be pretty developed.

 

[Chris R.]

At that point, it would make more sense for ALTO to stop at East Harbour to connect with the Ontario Line and GO service. By 2040, that area should be pretty developed.

I've missed most of the discussion about this, but my thought would be that the issue with this is that East Harbour would basically need to be totally rebuilt, which would be silly considering how it's essentially not even done yet.

I also feel like if we're a serious country is Union station or bust. I don't even think it's an option. Any serious country would have it end at Union.

The only way I personally think it's acceptable is if East Harbour is the temporary terminus with eventual expansion to Union as part of extension leg to Windsor.

 

[reinventingthewheel]

I've missed most of the discussion about this, but my thought would be that the issue with this is that East Harbour would basically need to be totally rebuilt, which would be silly considering how it's essentially not even done yet..

I think it’s about the same case for Exhibition, the current expansion there (including new roadworks and TOC) will prevent any additional tracks being built. Alto would need to share the 4 tracks + platforms of an already frequent LSW service.

There also will be no room for tail tracks at Ex meaning Alto would occupy a platform for the majority of its operating hours. It would definitely degrade LSW service.

 

[Fritter]

Regarding the discussion about Alro to Union or bust, are Montrealers haveing the same Gare Central or bust discussion?

 

[torontowest91]

We need Dairy Queen back at union

no an actual cinnabun too.. not this vegan cinnaholic

 

[mburrrrr]

no an actual cinnabun too.. not this vegan cinnaholic

without proper exhaust so we can all smell it again.

 

[nightstreak]

I’d kill for a New York Fries in Union

...or a MMMuffins. RIP

 

[Amare]

...or a MMMuffins. RIP

My goodness the smell of that place was amazing, and those muffins were damn good as well.

 

[interchange42]

I've missed most of the discussion about this, but my thought would be that the issue with this is that East Harbour would basically need to be totally rebuilt, which would be silly considering how it's essentially not even done yet.

I also feel like if we're a serious country is Union station or bust. I don't even think it's an option. Any serious country would have it end at Union.

The only way I personally think it's acceptable is if East Harbour is the temporary terminus with eventual expansion to Union as part of extension leg to Windsor.

Hey @Chris R., it's better to head into the Alto thread to discuss options for Toronto stations for it. I want to keep this thread to Union only (including Alto options, but just at Union — the thread goes off the rails too much otherwise)!

42

 

[WB62]

The next 4 maps for my Toronto Union Station map project are finished.

Layer 12 focuses on the regional rail platform level portion of Union Station between Bay Street and Yonge Street:

• Bay West Teamway Platform Entrances
• Yonge Street Bridge Platform Entrances
• Platforms 3-27

Post-platform reconfiguration version:

Layer 13 focuses on the regional rail platform level portion of Union Station between Yonge Street and Lower Jarvis Street:

• Platforms 16-17 & 26-27

Post-platform reconfiguration version:

The entire Union Station platform level, pre and post-reconfiguration is now mapped out:

Little fun fact: the USEP platform 26-27 will be around 940 metres long, I’m pretty sure that puts it well into the top 10 longest rail platforms in the world

 

[Northern Light]

The entire Union Station platform level, pre and post-reconfiguration is now mapped out:

View attachment 711890

Little fun fact: the USEP platform 26-27 will be around 940 metres long, I’m pretty sure that puts it well into the top 10 longest rail platforms in the world

Fun fact, the longest rail platform in the world (you made me look it up) Hubballi Junction in Karnataka, India which boasts a 1,507-meter (4,944 ft) long platform, inaugurated in 2023.
The top 10:

USEP in Feet will be 3083.99ft which would make it #5 in the world. So you guessed right.

 

[Johnny Au]

What Union Station needs is an Apple Store.

After all, NYC's Grand Central Terminal has an Apple Store.