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Oct 20
First of all, when or is TTC planning on up dating their crappy PA system on the trains and platforms?? Heard a lot of announcements at 9:30 am on my trip from Kipling, and no clue what was been announced. People around me started to look at each other to say what is going on. At one point, someone asked what was being said and what was happening. A few responding no idea and cannot understand what is happening or said.

Second: Stop by Russell yard and the the last phase has started for the yard as well the tracks from Queen St, New poles along the north end with new overhead from Queen for the west end. All the tracks that have been rebuilt with the new overhead system, the overhead system has the bracket off the poles like QQ, Fort York and St Clair ROW.

This will not be done until summer 2025.

Third: The city really screw up traffic and transit this weekend and time the city moves the marathons and cycling events out of the core. There wasn't one street that I waked today that wasn't gridlock, drives trying to disobeyed Road close signs, make illegal left turn. The City had traffic disobeying no through traffic on King, but they only made it to Yonge. I ended up buying more groceries that became to heavy to walk around and photographing, I call it a day late in the afternoon. Waiting for an eastbound car at Ontario St and seeing none after 5 minute with a pile of westbound car, decided to walk to Yonge. I ended up waking to Yonge faster than the 4 westbound cars trying to get to Church with a mob of riders waiting for an eastbound car at Church.

As a note, I ended up getting off a 501 a few stops before where I was planning to get off at after leaving Russell as it was gridlock. After taking a few photographs where I had planned to get off at, the streetcar I was on was approaching me.

Fourth: Hit Bloor station and Line 2 platform was pack full that you thought it was peak time that was an hour away for a Sunday, let along a weekday. Both trains arrived with peak load with crew of my train advising riders to not to board it as it was already full with another train 2 minutes behind this one. After waking 23,000 steps and tidied, I wasn't prepared to stand a 30 minute ride and waited for that train Two minutes later the other train show up almost empty. Announcement was made just before Jane, the train was going out of service at Jane to go back eastbound with another train 2 minutes behind my train. Two minutes later the other train arrived and still got a seat to sit down.

Fifth: Don't see much change for the tunnel roof and getting close that said date it will be done by this year.

Sixth: With construction of Kipling Station Condos underway, the retraining wall is 90% gone with a large area that shows how wide that sidewalk can be once the tower is built. the other 10% belongs to TTC and the city. This would be a great time to widen the existing sidewalk from the retraining wall to the new sidewalk where Subway Cr used to be to deal the the pedestrians flow that is too big for the old sidewalk.

Photos will follow at some later date due to my backlog and only working on Sept 17 photos now.
 
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It is indeed annoying on the platforms when the announcer has a clearly staticky announcement, but the automated announcements in the station are crystal clear.

That and the quick speed most of them try and make the announcement.
 
nfitz said:
It is indeed annoying on the platforms when the announcer has a clearly staticky announcement, but the automated announcements in the station are crystal clear.

That and the quick speed most of them try and make the announcement.
Click to expand...
It's weird I remember hearing the default tone on some platforms (the ones dum dum dum you hear at go stations) and others it's the original 505 DUNDAS CALL CONTROL voice but so scratchy I can't even hear the station.
 
Edit: normal service has resumed as of 6:35 am.

Another hydraulic fluid leak on the tracks this morning. No service on line 2 Kennedy to Woodbine.

1000024724.jpg
 
  • Sad
Reactions: max
drum118 said:
Oct 20
Third: The city really screw up traffic and transit this weekend and time the city moves the marathons and cycling events out of the core. There wasn't one street that I waked today that wasn't gridlock, drives trying to disobeyed Road close signs, make illegal left turn. The City had traffic disobeying no through traffic on King, but they only made it to Yonge. I ended up buying more groceries that became to heavy to walk around and photographing, I call it a day late in the afternoon. Waiting for an eastbound car at Ontario St and seeing none after 5 minute with a pile of westbound car, decided to walk to Yonge. I ended up waking to Yonge faster than the 4 westbound cars trying to get to Church with a mob of riders waiting for an eastbound car at Church.

As a note, I ended up getting off a 501 a few stops before where I was planning to get off at after leaving Russell as it was gridlock. After taking a few photographs where I had planned to get off at, the streetcar I was on was approaching me.

Fourth: Hit Bloor station and Line 2 platform was pack full that you thought it was peak time that was an hour away for a Sunday, let along a weekday. Both trains arrived with peak load with crew of my train advising riders to not to board it as it was already full with another train 2 minutes behind this one. After waking 23,000 steps and tidied, I wasn't prepared to stand a 30 minute ride and waited for that train Two minutes later the other train show up almost empty. Announcement was made just before Jane, the train was going out of service at Jane to go back eastbound with another train 2 minutes behind my train. Two minutes later the other train arrived and still got a seat to sit down.
Click to expand...

What this Sunday evening? There was a roving mass protest downtown that blocked off lots of different intersections over time, and kept multiple streetcar routes from moving through the core, with people left scrambling to find alternate ways to get out.
I got caught up in that and switched to a taxi when I realised the extent of the blockage. Fortunately, Front Street was kept clear and open with a heavy police presence, and the driver got me from west to east that way. This was at about 7:00 p.m.
 
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TTC Agenda for October 29th is up.

Items of note:

Moving forward with a pilot project on automated ticketed for illegal passing of streetcar doors at curbside stops.


Not much detail here, looks like in-field testing would be in 2026, and last one year, after which, all going well there would be a procurement and I imagine we'd be into 2028 before mass rollout.
 
Toronto’s spookiest train is on its way for a hauntingly fun weekend

Oct. 22, 2024

As the witching hour of Halloween approaches, Toronto’s spookiest train is making its way to the abandoned Bay Lower Station for a hauntingly fun weekend. This Saturday and Sunday, the TTC invites all Halloween thrill-seekers and candy lovers to join in on the frights and delights while raising vital funds for United Way Greater Toronto.

TTC Halloween Fest is a family-friendly event that will run from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sat., Oct. 26, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sun., Oct. 27. Admission is just $5 per person, and kids under two years old can enter for free. The TTC promises a spooktacular time that you won't want to miss.

“I want to give a huge shoutout to all the amazing TTC employees who volunteer their time every year to bring the Halloween spirit to life and raise crucial funds for United Way,” said Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow. “You know how we usually only see Bay Lower Station in the movies? Well, this weekend, it’s transforming into the ultimate Halloween destination that promises to be a 'spooktacular' event for everyone, especially children.”

“By attending Halloween Fest, you’re not only having a great time but also making a positive impact on the lives of those in need. It’s a wonderful way to give back to the community and have a fantastic time while doing it,” said TTC Chair Jamaal Myers. “As an employee-led initiative, Halloween Fest is a testament to the dedication and community spirit of the TTC employees who serve our city so well every day.”

“Our dedicated employees are thrilled to bring you a weekend of frights, delights, and plenty of candy,” said TTC CEO Greg Percy. “This year we expect thousands of Halloween fans to join us, so I encourage everyone to come early and help us raise vital funds for United Way Greater Toronto. It’s going to be a scream!”

The festivities will include a trick-or-treat train for kids to fill their bags with nut-free candy. Those who dare to cross the platform can step aboard a spooky train, featuring the creepiest creatures in town. While the scares will be tailored to the audience, parental discretion is advised.

Halloween Fest attendees can also explore the history of Bay Lower Station. From starring roles in music videos and Hollywood blockbusters, to eerie urban legends, Bay Lower Station is a hidden treasure, deep beneath the streets of Toronto. Bay Lower has not operated as a subway station since 1966.

Costumes are welcomed but optional and there will be TTC-themed merchandise available to purchase.

The TTC is proud to support United Way Greater Toronto and wishes everyone a fun and safe Halloween.

Getting to Bay Lower Station

Attendees can enter from Bay Station through the Cumberland street level automatic entrance on the south side of Cumberland St., west of Bay St.

Accessibility

Please note that Bay Lower Station is only accessible by stairs. However, some activities will be available at Bay Station's concourse level. To get to the concourse level, customers can use the Cumberland Terrace entrance elevator inside the lower level of Cumberland Terrace (on the east side of Bay Street across from Bay Station) and ramp access to Bay Station.

Further details: https://www.ttc.ca/riding-the-ttc/Updates/Halloween-Fest-at-Bay-Lower-Station
 
This coming to Baord next week:

Seasonal Prohibition on Lithium-Ion Battery PoweredE-Bikes and E-Scooters

Date: October 29, 2024
To: TTC Board
From: Chief Safety Officer
Chief Strategy and Customer Experience Officer

Summary

This report provides an update on the TTC’s electric bicycle (e-bike) and electric scooter(e-scooter) policies in response to a Board motion requesting a review of regulations implemented in comparable jurisdictions. The motion specifically sought recommendations on how to protect fire safety on public transit in relation to customers’ electric micromobility devices, given increasing concerns over lithium battery hazards and the size of these devices, following the December 31, 2023 e-bike lithium-ion battery fire incident on Line 1.While supporting micromobility aligns with City goals, including reducing traffic congestion, encouraging sustainable transportation, and contributing to local economic development, the TTC's primary concern is safety for customers and employees. Due to the current lack of regulation and safety concerns surrounding e-bikes, escooters, and the lithium-ion batteries that power them, it is recommended that the TTC prohibit these devices across the transit system during the winter season from November 15 to April 15 of each year. The primary safety concerns are fire risks associated with the lithium-ion batteries found in these devices, particularly those uncertified or misused. Fluctuating temperatures can cause condensation and lithium plating, increasing the likelihood of short circuits and fires. The difficulty in verifying battery integrity and exposure to road conditions, such as salt or de-icing compounds during winter, further heightens these risks.
 
From The Star:
Sinkhole on St Clair: no streetcars St Clair to Bathurst for 1 week or more.

St. Clair streetcar detouring due to sinkhole
The sinkhole apparently started yesterday after a report came from Toronto Water stating they need to do emergency repairs.

Updated 4 mins ago
Oct. 22, 2024

Repairs will be approximately one week, with the potential for up to three weeks, the TTC said.

Lance McMillan/Toronto Star
Daniel-Ramos
By Daniel RamosStaff Reporter
The 512 St. Clair streetcar route is detouring due to a sinkhole, the TTC reported on X.

Streetcars will divert along Bathurst Street and Bathurst Station, with shuttle buses servicing riders between Bathurst Street and Vaughan Road and St. Clair Station.

The sinkhole apparently appeared yesterday after a report came from Toronto Water stating they need to do emergency repairs.

Repairs will be approximately one week, with the potential for up to three weeks, Toronto Water told the TTC, who confirmed this with the Star.

An exact date of when things will clear up could not be provided.

The 512 St. Clair streetcar route operates between St Clair Station on the Yonge-University-Spadina Subway and the area of St. Clair Avenue West and Keele Street, generally in an east-west direction, the TTC said.

It also serves St. Clair West Station on the Yonge-University-Spadina Subway.

The TTC will be giving service adjustment updates on their website.
 
Northern Light said:
TTC Agenda for October 29th is up.

Items of note:

Moving forward with a pilot project on automated ticketed for illegal passing of streetcar doors at curbside stops.


Not much detail here, looks like in-field testing would be in 2026, and last one year, after which, all going well there would be a procurement and I imagine we'd be into 2028 before mass rollout.
Click to expand...
I'm happy to see this is finally going ahead, but this is ridiculous how damn slow this process is. Literally almost a decade just to have streetcar cameras in place to enforce illegal passing?

That's laughably pathetic.
 
PL1 said:
From The Star:
Sinkhole on St Clair: no streetcars St Clair to Bathurst for 1 week or more.

St. Clair streetcar detouring due to sinkhole
The sinkhole apparently started yesterday after a report came from Toronto Water stating they need to do emergency repairs.

Updated 4 mins ago
Oct. 22, 2024

Repairs will be approximately one week, with the potential for up to three weeks, the TTC said.

Lance McMillan/Toronto Star
Daniel-Ramos
By Daniel RamosStaff Reporter
The 512 St. Clair streetcar route is detouring due to a sinkhole, the TTC reported on X.

Streetcars will divert along Bathurst Street and Bathurst Station, with shuttle buses servicing riders between Bathurst Street and Vaughan Road and St. Clair Station.

The sinkhole apparently appeared yesterday after a report came from Toronto Water stating they need to do emergency repairs.

Repairs will be approximately one week, with the potential for up to three weeks, Toronto Water told the TTC, who confirmed this with the Star.

An exact date of when things will clear up could not be provided.

The 512 St. Clair streetcar route operates between St Clair Station on the Yonge-University-Spadina Subway and the area of St. Clair Avenue West and Keele Street, generally in an east-west direction, the TTC said.

It also serves St. Clair West Station on the Yonge-University-Spadina Subway.

The TTC will be giving service adjustment updates on their website.
Click to expand...
For the foamers this is a really easy way to ride on some rare nonrevenue mileage.
 
IRT_BMT_IND said:
For the foamers this is a really easy way to ride on some rare nonrevenue mileage.
Click to expand...
Good for the foamers who has a lot of time to be stuck in traffic. That Bathurst/Davenport intersection is an absolute gridlock in PM rush. The 512 is terribly unreliable with Vaughan/St Clair a far distance for people who can't walk easily to the station. Road traffic on St Clair is all backup cause of the buses need to pick up people onto of CafeTO/parking blocking the right lanes. Which in turn makes the buses unreliable while hogging up the resources to fill in other routes. Let's hope they finish in a week.
 
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