Dan416
Senior Member
I'd still support combining the ECLRT with the SRT replacement IF they fix Eglinton East (eliminate stops, grade separate where possible)
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I'd still support combining the ECLRT with the SRT replacement IF they fix Eglinton East (eliminate stops, grade separate where possible)
I guess this leads me to an overall question: Let's say Tory wasn't supporting some line called "SmartTrack", but rather from day one said his priority is Stouffville RER and a heavily beefed up Crosstown West. Would people be supportive of that? Or would you rather we tackle other projects first?
That depends. Is he (hypothetically) still behind a Scarboro subway as well? And is he still saying that the Stouffville RER will remove the need for a Relief line?
Your hypothetical scenario is a step forward, but he won't get off the hot seat without providing a path forward on these.
Seriously, I’m so tired of hearing about this thing. In the last week, we’ve learned that this section of tunnelled heavy rail that is supposed to run along Eglinton West — connecting SmartTrack from Mount Dennis to something called the “Missisauga Corporate Centre” — will cost up to $5 billion. Or at least that’s what a draft version of a consultant’s report says, according to transportation report Oliver Moore at the Globe & Mail.
That price tag would make it one of the most expensive transit projects in Toronto’s history. All for a service that will run through an area that most assuredly lacks the density to support the capital and operating costs of underground transit.
Wait, what does that mean? Does the extension become part of the SmartTrack project? Or does the SmartTrack line connect with the Eglinton LRT, meaning that SmartTrack vehicles have to be compatible with it?
Wait, what does that mean? Does the extension become part of the SmartTrack project? Or does the SmartTrack line connect with the Eglinton LRT, meaning that SmartTrack vehicles have to be compatible with it?
Wait, what does that mean? Does the extension become part of the SmartTrack project? Or does the SmartTrack line connect with the Eglinton LRT, meaning that SmartTrack vehicles have to be compatible with it?
If I was Tory I would go with the Crosstown LRT extension for Eglinton west, but with enhanced grade separation (maybe cut & cover or elevate over major intersections, otherwise the LRT would be at grade). I would then brand this section as "SmartTrack West", "SmartTrack Lite", or make "SmartTrack" a transit plan made up of numerous transit projects, rather than a specific line.
If Tory decided to make "SmartTrack" a transit plan instead of a line, then using Eglinton West's ~$5 billion he could:
I know this is all hypothetical but Tory could kill many birds with one stone and score some major political points if he is willing to change his vision to do something, well, more visionary.
- Extend Line 5 Crosstown LRT to Pearson with grade separations at major intersections ~$1.5 billion
- Re-route traditional SmartTrack/GO RER along existing corridor to Woodbine (as province will pay for RER anyways) ~$ essentially free
- Fund "Waterfront transit" - East Bayfront LRT, Waterfront West LRT ~ $1 billion
- Fund some TTC capital/state of good repair projects ~1 billion
- Then announce the Relief Line is his next major project to focus on, and commit some money as a starting point right off the bat ~$1.5 billion