[Reecemartin]

I really think there's promise to having more local bus routes in Toronto use double deckers:

 

[drum118]

I really think there's promise to having more local bus routes in Toronto use double deckers:

You think??

Would be far better than than using artic's, especially in the winter. DD have better traction in the snow than artic's as well carry more seated riders. They take up less spaces at stops and bus bays at bus terminals

Been calling for them since the mid 2000's and it will be a learning curb for everyone. Stops will spacings will have to increase to use the bus as well the current stops are too close today. Stopping at every stop to pickup a rider or 2 slow service down for everyone today.

Even GO has issues with riders considering how far apart the stops are in the first place. OC is in the same boat as GO.

Saw them in action in Europe in 2012 and reinforce the need to use them here.

 

[Amare]

The TTC cant even make proper use of the articulated buses they have in the fleet today, I highly doubt they would be able to properly use double-decker buses.

On top of that there are numerous issues with using DD buses not limited to: bus bay/subway terminal limitations, height restrictions, and non-suitable garage infrastructure. After you deal with all those issues, that leaves you with a handful a routes where DD bus can operate (all of which wouldn't even need to make use of it). The TTC made a point that their current garage space would have severe problems dealing with buses that are just ~1 foot longer then the current buses in the fleet (I dont fully buy that story but it's what they say). I shutter to think how one would think they could accommodate double decker buses whos heights are a couple feet taller than the current buses.

It's a non-starter.

 

[smallspy]

One issue that seems to be glossed over as well....

Articulated buses are far better for passenger turnover - or more specifically, routes where there is a lot of passenger turnover. More doors means more ways into and out of the vehicle.

This is why the TTC's plan is to (eventually) run them only on the express routes, and institute POP on those routes - the idea being that they will hopefully be stopped with their doors open for shorter periods of time and thus improve trip times.

Double-decker buses are better when routes don't have high passenger turnover, as the internal stairs take up valuable floor space on the bottom level where the people making short trips are more likely to congregate.

Dan

 

[W. K. Lis]

Meanwhile, in Boston...

 

[11th]

One issue that seems to be glossed over as well....

Articulated buses are far better for passenger turnover - or more specifically, routes where there is a lot of passenger turnover. More doors means more ways into and out of the vehicle.

This is why the TTC's plan is to (eventually) run them only on the express routes, and institute POP on those routes - the idea being that they will hopefully be stopped with their doors open for shorter periods of time and thus improve trip times.

Double-decker buses are better when routes don't have high passenger turnover, as the internal stairs take up valuable floor space on the bottom level where the people making short trips are more likely to congregate.

Dan

Of course there is outlier to this standpoint. Hong Kong runs the majority of its routes with double deckers. There has to be a reason they aren't going with articulated vehicles on new purchases.

 

[Steve X]

Of course there is outlier to this standpoint. Hong Kong runs the majority of its routes with double deckers. There has to be a reason they aren't going with articulated vehicles on new purchases.

How do you expect articulated buses to make turns on this super narrow streets? It’ll be difficult to see the rear and could easily knock a pedestrian down without knowing.

Secondly, HK bus network is different than TTC’s network. They mainly don’t operate feeder service to the subway. Instead they operated from destination to destination. It’s more similar to how GO bus routes operate.

 

[drum118]

Of course there is outlier to this standpoint. Hong Kong runs the majority of its routes with double deckers. There has to be a reason they aren't going with articulated vehicles on new purchases.

Look at what happen in London UK where they went from DD to artic's and then back to DD. Then in Europe, its common to have drivers accepting cash or giving change for fares that slow things down and a fact of life there where we bitch when things slow down getting on a bus and getting a transfer. Some DD buses have 1-3 doors for getting off with only one to get on.

They also issue passes as well have the cash tray right in sight.

 

[W. K. Lis]

We have rapid transit maps with accessible stations marked.

However, are they "in service"? Elevators that are out-of-service are not shown on the map. Also, most information about accessibility is not show in "real time". Could the TTC look into making a real-time computer map that shows which station has at least one elevator for all levels at each station? Not accessible? The wheelchair symbol gets replaced by a white circle. All elevators operating? The wheelchair symbol is shown.

 

[DSC]

We have rapid transit maps with accessible stations marked.

View attachment 347803
However, are they "in service"? Elevators that are out-of-service are not shown on the map. Also, most information about accessibility is not show in "real time". Could the TTC look into making a real-time computer map that shows which station has at least one elevator for all levels at each station? Not accessible? The wheelchair symbol gets replaced by a white circle. All elevators operating? The wheelchair symbol is shown.

Though I suppose it COULD be useful the TTC do post all elevator outages on their site (Alerts) . There are 3 out now:

Queen: Elevator out of service between underpass and Line 1 northbound platform.
Last updated Sep 8, 4:00 PM
Ossington: Elevator out of service between concourse and Line 2 westbound platform.
Last updated Aug 29, 9:15 AM
Finch: Elevator out of service between bus platform and bus concourse.
Last updated Aug 23, 8:34 PM

They also have this: http://ttc.ca/Service_Advisories/Elevators_and_escalators/index.jsp

Frankly, there are probably higher priorities than adding the info to an online map .

 

[Richard White]

This has to be the most Toronto thing ever...

 

[Amare]

The TTC back at it again with ridiculous reasons for delays. Were they really making trains crawl from Victoria Park all the through past Warden for this?

This organization will never cease to amaze with their levels of stupidity.

 

[drum118]

Was by Russell yard today and noticed sound barrier wall up on the west side of the yard like a roller coaster . What got me is the OS for the west 4 tracks is gone and the columns for the barrier wall look like columns to support a roof over those 4 tracks. Don't see anything for the track or what will go up between track 18 and these 4 tracks.

Haven't seen or heard anything regarding changes to Russell, but haven't follow the yard in the last year.

Anyone got a clue what is taking place by Ellis Don the contractor for this area???.

Every time I been on the subway system, in the last month, slow moving regardless which line and where to the point we have to sit a minute or 2 at a station

 

[W. K. Lis]

Let me guess. It's not in the TTC budget. Isn't it always the same excuse for anything to do with the TTC.

 

[EastYorkTTCFan]

Let me guess. It's not in the TTC budget. Isn't it always the same excuse for anything to do with the TTC.

I don't think an escalator like that is approved for use in Canada so it's probably a legal issue rather than a budget one. Plus it would require extra staff and inconvenience a lot of people who would normally use the escalator.