kEiThZ
Superstar
No Sheppard announcement. I think something's up.
They can't keep the existing stuff because the equipment is old and cannot be bought new. They have to either convert to Mark II or LRT equipment. Either way, it's an upgrade.Is it certain that they are going to keep ICTS, or can the "upgrade" mean replacement with LRT?
Good news overall.
Somewhat of a concern is the projected cost of Eglinton line: 4.6 B (versus 2.2 B per the original Transit City estimate). It does not look like the scope changed a lot, so why did the cost increase so dramatically?
Or possibly both as LRT.AFAIK, Metrolinx has always wanted Eglinton and SRT to be one line, with the same technology (ICTS). The rumours surrounding this announcement lend credence to that being where it may be going. I guess we'll see when the announcement is out.
That *is* the question.Sorry to bring it up again, but am I missing something. Where's the funding for the Sheppard LRT? Finch to Don Mills but nothing beyond there. What's up with that?
ONTARIO TO GET STARTED ON NEW TRANSIT PROJECTS
McGuinty Government Creating Jobs, Building Better Transit
NEWS
The McGuinty government is moving forward on major public transit projects in the GTA, including:
The province is also moving forward with a feasibility study for Hamilton Rapid Transit (RT).
- More buses and stations and dedicated bus lanes for York VIVA Bus Rapid Transit.
- Upgrading and extending the Scarborough Rapid Transit Line.
- A new rapid transit line on Eglinton Avenue from Kennedy Station to Pearson Airport.
- A new rapid transit line for Finch West from the Yonge Subway Line to Highway #27 and Humber College, and east to Don Mills Station.
The projects are subject to environmental and other approvals and will cost an estimated $9 billion. Detailed per-project costs will be finalized closer to each project’s start date. This is a major step toward the McGuinty government’s goal of funding $11.5 billion in transit projects in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.
This investment will create jobs, help move people and goods, and support future growth in the Greater Toronto Area. Accelerating transit projects is a key goal of the recently proposed merger of Metrolinx and GO Transit.
QUOTES
“We need to move quickly to build a better public transit system for commuters. Our investments in transit will create jobs, help stimulate the economy and improve the air we breathe. ”
– Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario
“Today’s announcement means that commuters will have access to better transit and shorter commute times. By tackling congestion, Ontario is helping make the air we breathe cleaner.”
– Jim Bradley, Minister of Transportation
QUICK FACTS
- York Viva construction will begin in 2009 with the first segment along Highway 7 from Markham Centre to Richmond Hill Centre, completed in 2011 and all segments in service by the end of 2013.
- Scarborough RT rehabilitation and extension is expected to be completed and in service by 2015.
- The Eglinton rail line will run 31 kilometres from Kennedy Station to Pearson Airport and will include a 13 kilometre section built underground.
- The Finch LRT will extend from Yonge Street west to Humber College and east to Don Mills Subway Station. Construction is expected to start in 2010 with completion by 2013.