[Allandale25]

I posted this in the SELRT thread, but I'm beginning to think it really makes sense. That is: convert the Shepp Stub for LRT,

Hasn't this been discussed before and wasn't the conclusion that you can't easily convert the Sheppard Subway to LRT because the LRV dimensions and the subway dimensions are different? The heights of the platforms and the size of the tunnels was an issue.

 

[44 North]

Hasn't this been discussed before and wasn't the conclusion that you can't easily convert the Sheppard Subway to LRT because the LRV dimensions and the subway dimensions are different? The heights of the platforms and the size of the tunnels was an issue.

Re: converting Sheppard, correct it's been discussed to death (and apologies for reigniting that, particularly in the wrong thread). But the overall consensus I took away is that, yes, it can be converted to LRT...just not with the way we've currently planned things.

TBH tho, the area I wanted to draw attention/discuss was running the FWLRT along the Finch hydro corridor between Finch West and Finch stations (instead of running on either Finch or Sheppard Aves). Also the idea of using a street parallel to Yonge (e.g Beecroft) to connect the two corridors. Both of these ideas have more than likely been discussed at length over the years, and I think mods would be wise to put my last post and this one into the Fantasy thread.

 

[Hopkins123]

Re: converting Sheppard, correct it's been discussed to death (and apologies for reigniting that, particularly in the wrong thread). But the overall consensus I took away is that, yes, it can be converted to LRT...just not with the way we've currently planned things.

TBH tho, the area I wanted to draw attention/discuss was running the FWLRT along the Finch hydro corridor between Finch West and Finch stations (instead of running on either Finch or Sheppard Aves). Also the idea of using a street parallel to Yonge (e.g Beecroft) to connect the two corridors. Both of these ideas have more than likely been discussed at length over the years, and I think mods would be wise to put my last post and this one into the Fantasy thread.

It'd make more sense to extend Sheppard subway across Sheppard West to Jane then veer up Jane to Finch (roughly the same length/distance as your map's tunneled subway section) where a St George-type interchange could occur between the two lines. This gives Jane at least partial rapid transit as well through one of its more heavy trafficked sections.

 

[Hopkins123]

Looks like the Highway 27 stop got cut, and from that map it looks like the Humber College stop in now not on campus, but on Highway 27. I wonder if the Humber College stop was moved to make extending the FWLRT to Pearson or a future Woodbine Casino easier. I mean City Council did study extending the FWLRT to Woodbine, so maybe keeping options open for the future?
Original map (at time of funding):

What was the point of building that gigantic bus terminus at Humber College if it's not meant to be directly serviced by the light rail someday?

Woodbine does make for a more natural terminus though regardless.

 

[pstogios]

Got this in the mail today, should be interesting meeting

I'm looking forward to hearing comments about what Giorgio "Nucking Futs" Mammoliti has to say.

 

[M II A II R II K]

Custom order LRTs that would fit into those tunnels with high floors. You can have the tracks sink at surface stops.

 

[Rainforest]

Would it make sense to run two branches? One terminating at Humber Bus Loop, the other continuing down Hwy 27?

The blended frequency would be 5 min on Finch, while the Hwy 27 branch would run at 10 min frequency.

 

[WislaHD]

Custom order LRTs that would fit into those tunnels with high floors. You can have the tracks sink at surface stops.

Alternatively, but more costly, lower the floors of the Sheppard subway stations 1/2 at a time.

But I agree, there is absolutely zero reason why a world city like Toronto is unable to order vehicles with customized specs.

 

[drum118]

Toronto like a lot of cities can order customized rolling stock at a cost, but the cost has to justify the need to customize in the first place.

Still say converting the Sheppard white elephant to LRT is the right thing to do, but it will show the planners where out to lunch in designing it as well building it. Will take 6-9 months to do the conversion. If RR can lower floors of tunnels, no reasons it can't be done here.

Taking the Finch W line down hwy 27 is right route to get to the airport as interline service. There is enough room on 27 for an ROW. Quality of service will be an issue 7 days a week depending on ridership.

 

[pstogios]

converting the Sheppard while elephant to LRT is the right thing to do, but it will show the planners where out to lunch in designing it as well building it.

And also it will show that the politicians that supported building the Sheppard subway were out to lunch. And this is exactly why it won't get done. Technically and financially the conversion seems to be reasonable, as articulated by many here, but if a politician or political regime is threatened by such an obvious admission of fault, you will never see such a conversion happen.
Move on, people.

 

[BurlOak]

Would it make sense to run two branches? One terminating at Humber Bus Loop, the other continuing down Hwy 27?

The blended frequency would be 5 min on Finch, while the Hwy 27 branch would run at 10 min frequency.

How about just pulling into Humber, wait a few minutes to get back on schedule, and continue down 27. The frequency is not so great that the LRT conflicts would impede operation.

 

[BurlOak]

Toronto like a lot of cities can order customized rolling stock at a cost, but the cost has to justify the need to customize in the first place.

Still say converting the Sheppard white elephant to LRT is the right thing to do, but it will show the planners where out to lunch in designing it as well building it. Will take 6-9 months to do the conversion. If RR can lower floors of tunnels, no reasons it can't be done here.

How can it take 3 to 4 years to convert the at-grade SRT to LRT, but it would take only 1/6th that time to convert a tunnel?

 

[salsa]

How can it take 3 to 4 years to convert the at-grade SRT to LRT, but it would take only 1/6th that time to convert a tunnel?

The SRT conversion is a lot more work than just converting a tunnel
- Extend the platforms for longer trains, raise the tracks for low floor vehicles
- Extend the line to Sheppard which includes two brand new stations
- Make the existing stations accessible
- Relocate the platform at Kennedy station underground to the mezzanine level

 

[drum118]

How can it take 3 to 4 years to convert the at-grade SRT to LRT, but it would take only 1/6th that time to convert a tunnel?

Because you got to rip the whole thing up. Centre to centre of the SRT tracks are too narrow, platforms rebuilt including the ceiling to get the cars under them, relocating some stations, the extension to Malvern and then the rebuilding of the tunnel. Relocate the existing Kennedy station next to the GO line running north-south. Even the McCowan yard has to be rebuilt 100% including a new carhouse.

 

[Rainforest]

How about just pulling into Humber, wait a few minutes to get back on schedule, and continue down 27. The frequency is not so great that the LRT conflicts would impede operation.

That's an option, too.

The only concern is that the Humber stop will need a loop to support such operation. The train veers west off Hwy 27, pulls closer to Humber Bus Terminal; then we should not expect the driver to run to the opposite end of the train to drive back towards Hwy 27. Hence, a loop is needed.