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These all-glass Crosstown LRT stations are going to look like total crap 10 or 15 years from now when we inevitably fail to properly maintain them.

Depends upon if the fiscal conservatives (lower case "c") get control of the politicians (both at the local, provincial, and federal levels) at budget times. They are currently in charge in Toronto, but not to an extreme (yet).

Criteria for the Crosstown design was clearly "make it as cheap as possible". Terrible!
 
These all-glass Crosstown LRT stations are going to look like total crap 10 or 15 years from now when we inevitably fail to properly maintain them.
Remember this is a performance-payment-based P3 though....the contract will specify the maintenance standards, and they can penalize the maintenance contract by witholding funds if its not up to snuff. Same way new hospitals works.
 
Not sure if this has been posted but it looks like there's a new website for the Eglinton West LRT: http://www.eglintonwestlrt.ca/

There are upcoming public meetings:

From that website, shows the "history" from October, 2017:

Eglinton West LRT: Development of Conceptual Grade Separations

SmartTrack is planned to link together major employment areas including Downtown Toronto and the Mississauga Airport Corporate Centre. Much of the SmartTrack concept builds on investments currently being made by the Province in the GO Regional Express Rail network. Six new stations are being planned on this network, to more fully integrate the existing rail network with the existing TTC network, to ensure that Torontonians have access to the GO/RER system.

A new transportation link is being planned between the GO/RER network, the Mississauga Airport Corporate Centre, and Pearson Airport. This light rail link would extend the Eglinton Crosstown (currently under construction), and is based on “Phase 2” of the Crosstown, first approved in 2010. This previously approved project is being reviewed and optimized as part of SmartTrack to ensure that it best meets the needs of both the city and the local community.

Eglinton Crosstown LRT original EA envisioned a Light Rail Transit (LRT) line to run from Pearson Airport in the west to Kennedy Station. The first phase of this project, currently under construction, runs from Mt. Dennis to Kennedy Station – with the second phase of the project going west from Mt. Dennis to the Airport.

For the western section, the EA focused on the impacts of the LRT if built completely at-grade, in the centre of the right-of-way. An initial business case determined that grade separations should be explored at 3 key locations to determine the potential benefits for the traffic network and potential impacts on neighbouring properties. These locations include:
  • Eglinton Flats (Jane and Scarlett)
  • Kipling Avenue
  • Martin Grove Road
In addition, Toronto City Council directed staff to consider two additional intersections for potential grade separations:
  • Islington Avenue
  • Royal York Avenue
In total six different potential grade separations were reviewed.

The many pros and cons of potential grade separation options were considered according to a rigorous evaluation framework. The evaluation was divided into three stages: 1) Feasibility; 2) Benefits and Costs; and 3) Strategic Values. The following documents and reports are part of the three stage review completed as part of this work.

Final recommendations on inclusion of grade separations in the project concept are pending public input during Public Consultation in November 2017.

Stage 1 – Feasibility Report

This report provides an overview of the long list of options to implement grade separations along the western portion of Eglinton Avenue. The high-level study and evaluation of potential grade separation concepts is intended to inform decision-making around the location and configuration of grade separations to ensure that options carried forward for more detailed evaluation deliver the greatest level of cost-benefit from a traffic perspective while responding to the needs of the local community and wider city.

For each intersection, the report provides a high-level overview of the best grade separation, including potential impact on existing and planned neighbouring properties, relationship to floodplains, pedestrian/cyclist/bus transfer access, traffic impacts, high-level cost estimates and a summary of the pros and cons in relationship to the other options. The appendix of this report includes description of the options which were not carried forward including a reasoning behind the decision.

Stage 1 – Grade Separation Visualizations

3D renderings of each potential grade separation were completed to enable costing of the additional infrastructure requirements and provide visual context for the strategic analysis of understanding of potential community impacts. These renderings are provided in multiple views and are shown in contrast to the EA Approved at-grade LRT.

Stage 2 (DRAFT) – Benefits Case Analysis Report

The second stage of evaluation includes an assessment of each option against the EA Base Case. It focuses on the theme of affordability and includes a cost/benefit analysis. Information on the development of costs and benefits is included in the linked results document. The final report will include final recommendations based on this analysis.

Stage 3 – Preliminary Strategic Evaluation Detailed Chart

A preliminary strategic evaluation has been initiated that includes evaluation using evaluation criteria based on Toronto's Rapid Transit Evaluation Framework (RTEF), with consideration of Metrolinx’s Business Case Analysis, to help illustrate the benefits that are not easily monetized. Each grade separation was evaluated in isolation of the others according to the list of strategic values. These include an assessment of impacts on the surrounding community, natural environment, construction impacts and an articulation of implications for the public realm. The process also includes a public engagement and assessment of public feedback. The criteria are grouped according to the themes identified in the City of Toronto’s Rapid Transit Evaluation Framework: Serving People; Strengthening Places; and Supporting Prosperity. The attached materials include the high-level preliminary results table, the preliminary detailed evaluation chart, as well as the RTEF Criteria and guiding questions.

Guess we'll see those "October Reports" in the November meetings, from link:

Public Meetings

Join us for our first round of public meetings, beginning at 5:00 p.m. at the locations and dates listed below:

Monday, November 13, 2017

Martingrove Collegiate Institute, 50 Winterton Drive
Etobicoke, ON
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Wednesday, November 15, 2017

York Humber High School, 100 Emmett Avenue
York, ON
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.​

Some answers from questions from this link:

The approved Environmental Assessment (EA) was for an at-grade LRT. Council directed staff to examine grade separations (below-ground and elevated options) at select locations as part of the review of the original work.

lrt-underground.jpg

(RTC: The future Regional Transit Centre (RTC) – at Pearson International Airport.)​
 
The approved Environmental Assessment (EA) was for an at-grade LRT. Council directed staff to examine grade separations (below-ground and elevated options) at select locations as part of the review of the original work.

lrt-underground.jpg

These selection of stations are new (I believe). Is this supposed to be the final list of stations they've settled on?
 
From that website, shows the "history" from October, 2017:

Eglinton West LRT: Development of Conceptual Grade Separations

SmartTrack is planned to link together major employment areas including Downtown Toronto and the Mississauga Airport Corporate Centre. Much of the SmartTrack concept builds on investments currently being made by the Province in the GO Regional Express Rail network. Six new stations are being planned on this network, to more fully integrate the existing rail network with the existing TTC network, to ensure that Torontonians have access to the GO/RER system.

A new transportation link is being planned between the GO/RER network, the Mississauga Airport Corporate Centre, and Pearson Airport. This light rail link would extend the Eglinton Crosstown (currently under construction), and is based on “Phase 2” of the Crosstown, first approved in 2010. This previously approved project is being reviewed and optimized as part of SmartTrack to ensure that it best meets the needs of both the city and the local community.

Eglinton Crosstown LRT original EA envisioned a Light Rail Transit (LRT) line to run from Pearson Airport in the west to Kennedy Station. The first phase of this project, currently under construction, runs from Mt. Dennis to Kennedy Station – with the second phase of the project going west from Mt. Dennis to the Airport.

For the western section, the EA focused on the impacts of the LRT if built completely at-grade, in the centre of the right-of-way. An initial business case determined that grade separations should be explored at 3 key locations to determine the potential benefits for the traffic network and potential impacts on neighbouring properties. These locations include:
  • Eglinton Flats (Jane and Scarlett)
  • Kipling Avenue
  • Martin Grove Road
In addition, Toronto City Council directed staff to consider two additional intersections for potential grade separations:
  • Islington Avenue
  • Royal York Avenue
In total six different potential grade separations were reviewed.

The many pros and cons of potential grade separation options were considered according to a rigorous evaluation framework. The evaluation was divided into three stages: 1) Feasibility; 2) Benefits and Costs; and 3) Strategic Values. The following documents and reports are part of the three stage review completed as part of this work.

Final recommendations on inclusion of grade separations in the project concept are pending public input during Public Consultation in November 2017.

Stage 1 – Feasibility Report

This report provides an overview of the long list of options to implement grade separations along the western portion of Eglinton Avenue. The high-level study and evaluation of potential grade separation concepts is intended to inform decision-making around the location and configuration of grade separations to ensure that options carried forward for more detailed evaluation deliver the greatest level of cost-benefit from a traffic perspective while responding to the needs of the local community and wider city.

For each intersection, the report provides a high-level overview of the best grade separation, including potential impact on existing and planned neighbouring properties, relationship to floodplains, pedestrian/cyclist/bus transfer access, traffic impacts, high-level cost estimates and a summary of the pros and cons in relationship to the other options. The appendix of this report includes description of the options which were not carried forward including a reasoning behind the decision.

Stage 1 – Grade Separation Visualizations

3D renderings of each potential grade separation were completed to enable costing of the additional infrastructure requirements and provide visual context for the strategic analysis of understanding of potential community impacts. These renderings are provided in multiple views and are shown in contrast to the EA Approved at-grade LRT.

Stage 2 (DRAFT) – Benefits Case Analysis Report

The second stage of evaluation includes an assessment of each option against the EA Base Case. It focuses on the theme of affordability and includes a cost/benefit analysis. Information on the development of costs and benefits is included in the linked results document. The final report will include final recommendations based on this analysis.

Stage 3 – Preliminary Strategic Evaluation Detailed Chart

A preliminary strategic evaluation has been initiated that includes evaluation using evaluation criteria based on Toronto's Rapid Transit Evaluation Framework (RTEF), with consideration of Metrolinx’s Business Case Analysis, to help illustrate the benefits that are not easily monetized. Each grade separation was evaluated in isolation of the others according to the list of strategic values. These include an assessment of impacts on the surrounding community, natural environment, construction impacts and an articulation of implications for the public realm. The process also includes a public engagement and assessment of public feedback. The criteria are grouped according to the themes identified in the City of Toronto’s Rapid Transit Evaluation Framework: Serving People; Strengthening Places; and Supporting Prosperity. The attached materials include the high-level preliminary results table, the preliminary detailed evaluation chart, as well as the RTEF Criteria and guiding questions.

Guess we'll see those "October Reports" in the November meetings, from link:

Public Meetings

Join us for our first round of public meetings, beginning at 5:00 p.m. at the locations and dates listed below:

Monday, November 13, 2017

Martingrove Collegiate Institute, 50 Winterton Drive
Etobicoke, ON
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Wednesday, November 15, 2017

York Humber High School, 100 Emmett Avenue
York, ON
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.​

Some answers from questions from this link:

The approved Environmental Assessment (EA) was for an at-grade LRT. Council directed staff to examine grade separations (below-ground and elevated options) at select locations as part of the review of the original work.

lrt-underground.jpg

(RTC: The future Regional Transit Centre (RTC) – at Pearson International Airport.)​
Just scrap the mid-block stations and grade separate the whole thing. Why is it so hard to do the right thing.
 
Just scrap the mid-block stations and grade separate the whole thing. Why is it so hard to do the right thing.

1. If you want to go faster, one would more likely use the Union Pearson Express than any LRT.

2. They seemed to have removed the mid-block stops between Renforth & Martin Grove, between Islington & Royal York, and between Scarlett Road & Jane.

The meetings are to get public input. So if you want to make suggestions, go to the meetings or make your comments at this link or...

Whether you have questions, comments or simply want to reach a specific individual, we’d love to hear from you.

Email: eglintonwestlrt@toronto.ca

Phone: 416-338-2848

We appreciate the time you have taken to learn more about our plans. Please fill out the comment form if you have questions, comments, or would like more information. We will also add you to our updates list to keep you informed of important information.
 
This is the part I don't get. It's not a new TPAP, but rather a TPAP amendment. Why does it take so long to complete it??
The original EA was designed as an independent line that could accommodate 2-car sets. The new proposal would be an extension of the ECLRT, and will need to accommodate 3-car sets. While it’s the same route, it will operate in a fundamentally different way so the CoT and MX will need to basically start off fresh with all of that preplanning work. The last EA is also 7 years out of date so many of the studies need to be redone.

As an aside, a TPAP is a Class EA that operates on an accelerated timeline and with minimal intervention mechanisms so there’s very few faster way to do an EA in Ontario.
 
No. People taking the 35/195 aren't destine to be downtown. Majority of the ridership is actually between Finch and Eglinton. Only 10% or so use it to York U and those students won't take the bus from the west end eastbound to the Spadina line just to have it run NW to York U. I don't expect the 35/195 ridership to change much.


Weston Rd is really bad in PM rush hour. Jane is already bad enough. Putting the two together makes it even worst. That section of Jane is really smooth and to remove that with a detour makes the route worst than it is already. They should definitely keep the Jane stop and build a bus terminal there. Keep the 35 split at Eglinton and run the 195 down to Bloor. This will fix up all the reliability problems south of Eglinton while running slightly less buses as ridership is lower. Even without a stop, there will still be delays from that intersection. The signal timing is just too difficult for them to give total transit priority without railway gate barriers.

Agreed, Jane seems like a no-brainer.
 

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