crs1026
Superstar
I just find it weird that people keep saying "subways, RER" cant make this turn, yet a freight train can?
There is already a heavy rail spur in that location.
Freight trains do, yes.....at very slow speed, noisily, with considerable rail and wheel wear. That's an industrial siding, not a mainline track.
T1/TR vehicles are quite long even for heavy rail, and so their turning radius at speed is fairly wide. Go too fast and people get shook up, and wear and noise increases.
If you are positing a different vehicle, such as the current SRT, with a shorter wheelbase - well yes they can make that turn at speed, but it's still not that quiet. Or comfortable.
TTC's spec for gentler curves makes good sense for an enclosed line that they want to maintain easily and operate quietly and comfortably.
- Paul