Calgary Public Transit II - Page 92

frinkprof · #**1821** Posted **Dec 19, 2010, 8:10 PM**

Yeah I think the reality is a lot more open-looking than the rendering:

Photo by "LRT" on CPTDB.

DarkKeyo · #**1822** Posted **Dec 19, 2010, 10:02 PM**

I've seen the inside through the windows a couple times when the trains were being stored close enough to the fence at the yards for me to get a look at them. And the pictures from CTPDB. I'm going to try and catch a ride on one tomorrow since I can make an educated guess on where it will be at any given time. I may or may not be able to get pictures...

You Need A Thneed · #**1823** Posted **Dec 19, 2010, 10:55 PM**

Martindale Station:

Saddletowne Station:

You Need A Thneed · #**1824** Posted **Dec 19, 2010, 11:09 PM**

I have no idea why the martindale substation is so big, are there any other substations as big? Also, That big polished roof seems like a waste to me, it isn't very visible, unless you are on the outbound platform at Martindale.

DarkKeyo · #**1825** Posted **Dec 19, 2010, 11:29 PM**

I have to agree with a friend who lives by Saddletowne Station: It looks like a pair of oil wells. I seem to recall 'lanterns' being mentioned during the design phase but I've never seen a rendering. I have no idea what those towers are supposed to look like.

Martindale looks like a tubular version of Shawnessy.

You Need A Thneed · #**1826** Posted **Dec 19, 2010, 11:51 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by DarkKeyo

I have to agree with a friend who lives by Saddletowne Station: It looks like a pair of oil wells. I seem to recall 'lanterns' being mentioned during the design phase but I've never seen a rendering. I have no idea what those towers are supposed to look like.

Martindale looks like a tubular version of Shawnessy.

The towers only need glass now I think. Then they will have lights inside them - light towers is what they were called.

DizzyEdge · #**1827** Posted **Dec 20, 2010, 12:33 AM**

I wonder if there will be any backlash on the new c-train cars, being that now the holy grail of being able to sit during your commute is even less likely.

Also, and this may seem silly, but with the old seating you could gaze out the window while you sit, with these new cars, in cases where it's not wall-to-wall people standing, now your only choice is to gaze at the person across the car gazing back at you.

freeweed · #**1828** Posted **Dec 20, 2010, 1:39 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by DizzyEdge

I wonder if there will be any backlash on the new c-train cars, being that now the holy grail of being able to sit during your commute is even less likely.

Also, and this may seem silly, but with the old seating you could gaze out the window while you sit, with these new cars, in cases where it's not wall-to-wall people standing, now your only choice is to gaze at the person across the car gazing back at you.

They've certainly turned what used to be an enjoyable experience (outside of the extreme peaks of rush hour, anyway) into a full-on cattle car ride.

One of my favourite things to do when I first moved to Calgary was just to ride the C-Train, and check out the city that way. It was a great way to kill a boring afternoon and check out large swaths of the city at the same time.

I kinda wish there was some easy way to have the current seating during the 99% of the time the trains aren't full, but convert it to side-seating for the couple of hours each day that it's required. Ah well, can't fight "progress".

The Chemist · #**1829** Posted **Dec 20, 2010, 4:22 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by DizzyEdge

I wonder if there will be any backlash on the new c-train cars, being that now the holy grail of being able to sit during your commute is even less likely.

Also, and this may seem silly, but with the old seating you could gaze out the window while you sit, with these new cars, in cases where it's not wall-to-wall people standing, now your only choice is to gaze at the person across the car gazing back at you.

I guess I've been riding heavy rail metro for so long now that it doesn't really bother me, either the lack of seats (I rarely get seats on my commute) or staring across at the other side when I do get to sit down. YMMV.

DizzyEdge · #**1830** Posted **Dec 20, 2010, 7:54 AM**

Yeah I don't think it's a huge deal, I'm just saying that to the average commuter it may seem like a taxpayer outlay for a slightly negative commuting experience.

mersar · #**1831** Posted **Dec 20, 2010, 8:27 AM**

I don't think there will be a backlash at all. Maybe a minor media induced one, but realistically we're talking less then 20% of the fleet will be this style by the end of 2012.

DizzyEdge · #**1832** Posted **Dec 20, 2010, 8:29 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by mersar

I don't think there will be a backlash at all. Maybe a minor media induced one, but realistically we're talking less then 20% of the fleet will be this style by the end of 2012.

Is the 'pro' for the new cars that less seating = more people per car? -> less of a wait to get on during rush hour?

mersar · #**1833** Posted **Dec 20, 2010, 8:43 AM**

Pretty much. A decrease of I believe it was 8 actual seats, but a theoretical carrying capacity increase of close to 40 people or so.

DizzyEdge · #**1834** Posted **Dec 20, 2010, 8:47 AM**

Like Freeweed I used to take the train years ago and just 'see the city' as it rolled by, something not as easy in the new cars. That said, during rush hour having a 3 car train with space for an additional 120 people would be a godsend.

frinkprof · #**1835** Posted **Dec 20, 2010, 3:27 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by mersar

Pretty much. A decrease of I believe it was 8 actual seats, but a theoretical carrying capacity increase of close to 40 people or so.

Are you sure it was as much as 40 mersar? I thought it was more on the order of 20 additional people per LRV, and that might be a bit hopeful at that.

freeweed · #**1836** Posted **Dec 20, 2010, 3:30 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by mersar

Pretty much. A decrease of I believe it was 8 actual seats, but a theoretical carrying capacity increase of close to 40 people or so.

I've seen this number before and it defies common sense - although with most things, common sense is generally wrong. I'd love to see a seating chart comparison. Most people are going to walk into a new car and assume "half the seating" based on "common sense" - and out comes the outrage.

The joy of getting on at a terminal station is that I'll always get a seat no matter what, so it's immaterial to me.

Stang · #**1837** Posted **Dec 20, 2010, 3:39 PM**

Although I'll admit that I'm only an occasional LRT rider, I think that the new configuration is a great idea. Sitting knee-to-knee with someone is difficult when you're tall, as is sitting with your knees against the back of the chair in front.

Lots of people actually don't mind standing, but standing is difficult (without blocking doors) in the current cars because the aisle is so narrow. Other than not being able to gaze out of the window as easily (which I do enjoy, but it isn't essential to the commute), I don't see any negatives to the new configuration.

During off-peak times, you'll still get a seat if you want it. During rush hour, there will be more capacity and moving in and out of the train will be much easier. Most of the subways I have been on in other countries use the side-seating method and it works great.

mersar · #**1838** Posted **Dec 20, 2010, 5:05 PM**

Video of the new Series 8 LRV's in revenue service:

• Video Link

I'm planning on trying to track it down and go for a ride on it this evening if it makes it through the day without a breakdown.

Stang · #**1839** Posted **Dec 20, 2010, 5:26 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by mersar

Video of the new Series 8 LRV's in revenue service:

Those are some good looking LRVs for sure. Thanks for posting.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mersar

I'm planning on trying to track it down and go for a ride on it this evening if it makes it through the day without a breakdown.

Such an optimist.

kw5150 · #**1840** Posted **Dec 20, 2010, 6:03 PM**

I used to loathe this new design.....but now I have accepted it. It looks like there are way more areas to hang on to something while standing. The older trains will still be running as well so you will get a surprise everyday. One day old train cars....next day new train cars......