GO/VIA Transit

[markbarbera]

Not sure why LRT is being discussed in the GO Transit, other than to propagate the LRT vs GO mindset, but here's a few observations.

First off, congratulations to Kitchener for getting rush hour GO train service in the form of two trains in to Union in the morning, and two afternoon trains back to Guelph and Kitchener in the evening. Hamilton has enjoyed this kind of go train service since the early '80s and I am sure there is a growing market in Kitchener that will eventually see frequency expanded to our current service levels, and ultimately evolve to the all-day service we will be enjoying here in Hamilton come 2014.

With regards to LRT, I am not sure why the perception that Kitchener is winning the race to LRT, or why even a race scenario is being created here. Yes, Waterloo region is well on its way with planning their LRT, as we are here as well. In fact, both rapid transit projects are relatively at the same planning stage, despite the fact that Waterloo Region had a couple years head start on our rapid transit office.

Regardless, developing the LRT in Hamilton should not succumb to a rushed or hurried mindframe. Getting it ahead of other southern Ontario regions should not be a driving force for it. Our focus should be on ensuring we have the right service that will complement our city's growth plans while being a sustainable city service.

[bigguy1231]

Exactly.

Many advocates of LRT in this city feel that if someone poses questions or concerns regarding the route or the cost to taxpayers it is somehow a setback. The fact is it is just part of the process. Questions have to be answered before we can proceed.

As for GO service to Kitchener all they are getting is something that we have had for 30 years. Our service is expanding as well, putting us that much further ahead of them.

[dennis1]

That's not what I am talking about. Where is the press release say Hamilton is getting all day service at James Street. Bratina said this was funded by the province yet they have not said anything out loud or offical.

[Ontario1]

Originally Posted by markbarbera

Not sure why LRT is being discussed in the GO Transit, other than to propagate the LRT vs GO mindset, but here's a few observations.

First off, congratulations to Kitchener for getting rush hour GO train service in the form of two trains in to Union in the morning, and two afternoon trains back to Guelph and Kitchener in the evening. Hamilton has enjoyed this kind of go train service since the early '80s and I am sure there is a growing market in Kitchener that will eventually see frequency expanded to our current service levels, and ultimately evolve to the all-day service we will be enjoying here in Hamilton come 2014.

With regards to LRT, I am not sure why the perception that Kitchener is winning the race to LRT, or why even a race scenario is being created here. Yes, Waterloo region is well on its way with planning their LRT, as we are here as well. In fact, both rapid transit projects are relatively at the same planning stage, despite the fact that Waterloo Region had a couple years head start on our rapid transit office.

Regardless, developing the LRT in Hamilton should not succumb to a rushed or hurried mindframe. Getting it ahead of other southern Ontario regions should not be a driving force for it. Our focus should be on ensuring we have the right service that will complement our city's growth plans while being a sustainable city service.

LRT in Kitchener is no longer in the planning stage. Land acquisition and service relocations are going to be completed in 2012. The LRT has been approved, has the financing and is being implemented. As far as I know, they are just talking about LRT in Hamilton.

[dennis1]

http://www.thespec.com/news/elections/article/599107--mcguinty-promises-all-day-go

How hard was it to link this. Confederation Park and Liuna will open to GO service in 2014.

[SteelTown]

^ That was a Liberal Election promise to have all day GO train service to James St N and Confederation. What's odd is that you talked about the extract same article in the previous twos pages back.

Recently the Mayor said Queen's Park will indeed fund it and will announce it soon.

[dennis1]

Originally Posted by SteelTown

^ That was a Liberal Election promise to have all day GO train service to James St N and Confederation. What's odd is that you talked about the extract same article in the previous twos pages back.

Recently the Mayor said Queen's Park will indeed fund it and will announce it soon.

Okay thanks. Just waiting for Bratina to say something then.

[Jon Dalton]

Bratina has a history of putting the cart ahead of the horse so I would be prepared to wait a while for the next announcement.

I believe it will be done for 2014 but that is not an ambitious timeline. GO serviced the same location in the 1970's. It took them years to build a new platform at Aldershot station. I've been waiting for a station in Barrie, where they've been storing the trains for 2 years, that will be finally done next month. GO Transit - getting you there, sooner or later.

[coalminecanary]

i think instead of go transit using those slow, lumbering, polluting diesel trains, they should just have a bunch of those push cart things, you know that ones where you push up and down and the little cart goes on the track... then every commuter can have their own cart, or maybe like 5 people at a time.. and then you don't have to worry about the schedule anymore, you just leave as soon as you have 5 people on board. Add a little electric motor and a dome cover in case of rain and you're all set, you don't even have to push. In fact you don't even need stations then - you could just stop wherever you want and get off. Actually if they got rid of the rails then when you stop you don't hold up the cart behind you. they could pave where the rails used to be and everyone could drive their own little cart along that path and you could pull off when you stop so other people can pass you. Then you could have little side paths that you turn off to get to other places. also we could have spaces to park your cart so you can get the same one when you come back home from work. and if you wanted an even faster one you could put a propane motor or a gas motor instead of the electric one. and we could put little filling stations along the way in case you run out of fuel. we could even put some tim hortons on the way and you can pull off the main path and get a coffee without even leaving your railcart! in this way go transit would be greatly improved.

[thistleclub]

Hamilton Spectator, January 9, 2012:

Hamilton Commuters Would Pay More Under GO Fare Plan

GO Transit wants to hike fares according to a staggered, three-tiered approach that would see riders who travel farther pay more, instead of the fixed increments of recent years. The Metrolinx board was to discuss the proposed fare hike, which would be effective Feb. 18, on Monday. For existing fares between $4.20 and $5.50, the increase would be 30 cents; between $5.51 and $7, the increase would be 35 cents; and over $7.01, the raise would be 40 cents.

[sil]

can anyone elaborate if this is gonna be happening this year????

http://www.metrolinx.com/en/regionalplanning/funding/quick_wins.aspx

[SteelTown]

Originally Posted by sil

can anyone elaborate if this is gonna be happening this year????

http://www.metrolinx.com/en/regionalplanning/funding/quick_wins.aspx

Yes...

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showpost.php?p=5437251&postcount=1536

The most noticeable change this year will be a bus only lane coming along King St.

Now for James St N Station, I don't know if it'll happen this year. Perhaps they'll build a platform but it would be kinda pointless when they'll have to spend hundred of millions to improve the Hamilton Junction rail line first in order to get all day GO Train service to Hamilton. This will be done before the 2015 Pan Am Games.

[dennis1]

Originally Posted by SteelTown

Yes...

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showpost.php?p=5437251&postcount=1536

The most noticeable change this year will be a bus only lane coming along King St.

Now for James St N Station, I don't know if it'll happen this year. Perhaps they'll build a platform but it would be kinda pointless when they'll have to spend hundred of millions to improve the Hamilton Junction rail line first in order to get all day GO Train service to Hamilton. This will be done before the 2015 Pan Am Games.

It says 2012. Should be the end of this year.

[SteelTown]

GO train and a GO station to James St N is still a go after the budget today.

[lucasmascotto]

The image in the link below is a rendering of the new "Confederation Station" just off of Centennial Parkway which is suppose to be completed by 2014 as apart of the all day GO Service to Toronto promised by the Liberals. Rumours said that construction was suppose to start in March of this year, but I live a block away from the proposed site and have witnessed nothing. I'm dedicating a whole thread to this in the "Suburbs" section which will discuss the construction of the new station in full.

http://gotransitnlb.gotransit.com/public/en/improve/Final_Confederation_Station%20.pdf

[Jon Dalton]

I wonder if there will be any grade separations along the CN line between James and the Centennial station. The weekend GO train to Niagara Falls runs at a crawling pace through Hamilton because of all the level crossings.

[SteelTown]

James St N GO station construction commence March 2014 with completion expected by March 2017.

Phase 1 to be operational by June 2015.

Phase one includes:
New station building complete with a ticket sales booth with staff washroom, bus driver's rooms, full service multi-use washrooms, waiting areas.

A north and south rail platform complete with accessible mini-ramps, platform canopies, integrated heated shelters and platform snow-melt systems.

A kiss & ride with minimum capacity equivalent to 5% of the spaces in the parking lot including a taxi lane and barrier free drop-off.

A parking lot with approx 460 parking spots complete with access roads, lighting and site servicing, parking lot to provide designated specialty parking as appropriate.

Pedestrian and bicycle pathways through the site as appropriate to provide access from adjacent roads to bike parking and platform access points.

A bus loop complete with heated shelters.

Two storage tracks (on platform) with each having capacity to accommodate single headed twelve car consists with capability to layover trains for peak services.

Phase one
Design start - Sept 2012
Contract tender - Jan 2014
Construction start - March 2014
Construction substantial completion - June 2015


Phase Two include:
Pedestrian bridges or tunnels complete with elevators and/or ramps providing access points to the rail platforms.

Phase Two
Design start - Jan 2014
Contract tender - April 2015
Construction start - Aug 2015
Construction substantial completion - March 2017

[matt602]

I'm kind of surprised that there will be a bus loop there as I was under the impression that bus service will remain at Hunter. Kind of worries me.

[SteelTown]

The last plan I saw it had just two bus bays.

[Jon Dalton]

Originally Posted by matt602

I'm kind of surprised that there will be a bus loop there as I was under the impression that bus service will remain at Hunter. Kind of worries me.

Also that there are layover tracks for rush hour trains. Rush hour service was supposed to remain at Hunter.

Jesus, 5 years to build one GO station?