The Great Canadian Transit Thread

[Metro-One]

Originally Posted by someone123

It looks like they did not fix the cardinal sin of the Granville escalator, the wall tiles that are perpendicular to the escalator rather aligned with the force of gravity.

I hope they never change that!

The feeling of vertigo on those escalators is a fun feeling.

[Monolith]

Vancouver's Expo Line 1990 vs 2020 / Split Screen

• Video Link

[J.OT13]

Originally Posted by MisterMillionz

Oscar Peterson should definitely get a station named after him but I feel like Lionel-Groulx is just too cemented into everyone's minds now... It's such a hub

When was the last time a station name was fully changed? Because the most recent name change that really comes to mind is the addition of OACI to Square Victoria and people still refer to the station as just Square Victoria anyway...

In 1988, Guy and Berri-de-Montigny were changed to Guy-Concordia and Berri-UQAM respectively. The first could be compared to Square-Victoria's change, but the second is more significant, and a better parallel to the Lionel-Groulx/Oscar Perterson debate.

In 2001, Île-St-Hélène changed to Jean-Drapeau, this being the most significant name change in the Metro's history.

In 2003, Longueuil was changed to Longueuil–Université-de-Sherbrooke.

https://www.metrodemontreal.com/faq/stations.html

In 2014, 20 stations went though a very minor name changes at the request of the Quebec Toponomy Commission.

https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/twenty-metro-stations-renamed-1.1936754

[J.OT13]

Originally Posted by Monolith

Vancouver's Expo Line 1990 vs 2020 / Split Screen

• Video Link

That's pretty cool. Gives a good visual of the TOD. Amazing how they eventually covered the last 500 meters of track along Coal Harbor.

[hipster duck]

Originally Posted by J.OT13

In 1988, Guy and Berri-de-Montigny were changed to Guy-Concordia and Berri-UQAM respectively. The first could be compared to Square-Victoria's change, but the second is more significant, and a better parallel to the Lionel-Groulx/Oscar Perterson debate.

In 2001, Île-St-Hélène changed to Jean-Drapeau, this being the most significant name change in the Metro's history.

In 2003, Longueuil was changed to Longueuil–Université-de-Sherbrooke.

https://www.metrodemontreal.com/faq/stations.html

In 2014, 20 stations went though a very minor name changes at the request of the Quebec Toponomy Commission.

https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/twenty-metro-stations-renamed-1.1936754

It seems to be a sign of our times that simple station names that are easy to remember and geographically correct get changed into these super-hyphenated descriptions that were designed by committee to please everyone and no one.

Atlanta has a station called “Dome-GWCC-Philips Arena-CNN Center”

[JHikka]

I really dislike the idea of stations named after people as they lack the geographic indicator used by most transit-users. I'd much rather get off the train at Wellesley than Ted Rogers.

Same goes for Quebec's nationalistic interest in naming political ridings after people. Blah.

[Aylmer]

I'll add to that names of lines. I find it a bit annoying how many line names give no useful information.

Vancouver and Ottawa are particularly bad at this: The Canada Line or the Confederation Line tell you absolutely nothing useful about them. Worse still, Ottawa has an area called "Confederation" which is not remotely served by the "Confederation Line". It's served by the "Trillium Line", which also has nothing to do with where it goes. It's the sort of shit which gets cooked up by a committee of branding consultants who have never once taken transit, nor are they concerned about people who do.

Colour and number lines are a step better. Although they don't tell you where the line is going, it at least tells you how to find it on a map. You don't need a legend to tell you that the blue line on the map is the "Blue Line". So that's some usable information at least.

The most useful line naming is place-based. Bloor-Danforth, Shepphard, Hurontario, Lakeshore, etc. You don't even need a map to use it - you can imagine it right away. The weakness is that these pretty much only work in either radial systems (where all lines converge in one central area) or for lines that run along only one or two streets.


But no matter how you name your lines or stations, it's always important to remember that it is first and foremost an exercise in information, not branding. Make sure that your names tell people where they are and where they're going.

[Dengler Avenue]

On that end, Toronto has done an excellent job.
Well, back then, it might have been debatable with Yonge-University Line.
"Does it go to York..."
"No, not anytime soon. The University in the name of U of T."

I remember this one time passing by Sheppard-Yonge Station (in 2015), when some tourists with not-so-great English were confused why the lady in the booth was telling them to get out of the station. They were going to Downsview. Then I had to intervene and showed them that the subway line would have taken them on a huuuuge detour so that they should take the 84 on Sheppard Avenue West.

[J.OT13]

Originally Posted by Aylmer

I'll add to that names of lines. I find it a bit annoying how many line names give no useful information.

Vancouver and Ottawa are particularly bad at this: The Canada Line or the Confederation Line tell you absolutely nothing useful about them. Worse still, Ottawa has an area called "Confederation" which is not remotely served by the "Confederation Line". It's served by the "Trillium Line", which also has nothing to do with where it goes. It's the sort of shit which gets cooked up by a committee of branding consultants who have never once taken transit, nor are they concerned about people who do.

Colour and number lines are a step better. Although they don't tell you where the line is going, it at least tells you how to find it on a map. You don't need a legend to tell you that the blue line on the map is the "Blue Line". So that's some usable information at least.

The most useful line naming is place-based. Bloor-Danforth, Shepphard, Hurontario, Lakeshore, etc. You don't even need a map to use it - you can imagine it right away. The weakness is that these pretty much only work in either radial systems (where all lines converge in one central area) or for lines that run along only one or two streets.


But no matter how you name your lines or stations, it's always important to remember that it is first and foremost an exercise in information, not branding. Make sure that your names tell people where they are and where they're going.

I tend to disagree with this. Toronto's Yonge–University–Spadina Line is a mouth-full and not necessarily that descriptive for out-of-towners. For those from Toronto, most are already familiar with the city and system and don't need the descriptive. The new name Yonge–University is better, but for those who don't know, what University? The University branch isn't the exclusive transit line for all universities.

In Europe and Asia, along with a handful of cities in the Americas, have a spaghetti factory of lines that serve countless areas. Naming lines by geography can get quite confusing.

In the case of Confederation or Trillium, what names would you propose?

IMO, colours are the better/simpler approach. Those familiar with the system know which line they will take, those unfamiliar can look at a map and figure out their route. Much simpler to say Yellow and Green then Yonge-University and Bloor-Danforth.

Naming lines as Ottawa and Vancouver have done, IMO, makes them easier to remember.

[JHikka]

Originally Posted by Dengler Avenue

On that end, Toronto has done an excellent job.
Well, back then, it might have been debatable with Yonge-University Line.
"Does it go to York..."
"No, not anytime soon. The University in the name of U of T."

The University in Yonge-University line is in reference to University Avenue, although U of T is also an obvious affect of this as well.

Originally Posted by J.OT13

I tend to disagree with this. Toronto's Yonge–University–Spadina Line is a mouth-full and not necessarily that descriptive for out-of-towners

It's called Line 1 Yonge-University.

On maps the lines are simply referred to by number:

https://www.ttc.ca/PDF/Maps/TTC_SystemMap.pdf

New York's system uses numbers and letters, and Paris' Metro uses numbers as well.

[J.OT13]

Originally Posted by JHikka

I really dislike the idea of stations named after people as they lack the geographic indicator used by most transit-users. I'd much rather get off the train at Wellesley than Ted Rogers.

Same goes for Quebec's nationalistic interest in naming political ridings after people. Blah.

I agree. Basin Peel station on the REM has been moved above ground and closer to Gare Central, and renamed Griffintown-Bernard-Landry. Nothing else around is named for Bernard Landry.

In Ottawa, LeBreton Station was renamed Pimisi to honour the Algonquins of the area. Pimisi translated is "eel" in English (eels are present in the nearby Ottawa River and have significance to the Algonquins). Before that, most Ottawans had never heard that word and it had no association to the area, for most. I hope they name a nearby street/neighborhood/building Pimisi as well once the area is redeveloped to better associate the station to its surroundings. I personally think that the spectacular Algonquin artwork at the station is far more significant in paying homage to the First Nations than renaming the station.

[MisterMillionz]

I think that colors, numbers or letters make it easier to understand the maps but the names of lines help you know where you're going... Never really liked lines having names seeing how colors get the job done, like in Montreal and Chicago for example

[Reecemartin]

[Deleted]

[swimmer_spe]

Originally Posted by Aylmer

I'll add to that names of lines. I find it a bit annoying how many line names give no useful information.

Vancouver and Ottawa are particularly bad at this: The Canada Line or the Confederation Line tell you absolutely nothing useful about them. Worse still, Ottawa has an area called "Confederation" which is not remotely served by the "Confederation Line". It's served by the "Trillium Line", which also has nothing to do with where it goes. It's the sort of shit which gets cooked up by a committee of branding consultants who have never once taken transit, nor are they concerned about people who do.

Colour and number lines are a step better. Although they don't tell you where the line is going, it at least tells you how to find it on a map. You don't need a legend to tell you that the blue line on the map is the "Blue Line". So that's some usable information at least.

The most useful line naming is place-based. Bloor-Danforth, Shepphard, Hurontario, Lakeshore, etc. You don't even need a map to use it - you can imagine it right away. The weakness is that these pretty much only work in either radial systems (where all lines converge in one central area) or for lines that run along only one or two streets.


But no matter how you name your lines or stations, it's always important to remember that it is first and foremost an exercise in information, not branding. Make sure that your names tell people where they are and where they're going.

Originally Posted by Dengler Avenue

On that end, Toronto has done an excellent job.
Well, back then, it might have been debatable with Yonge-University Line.
"Does it go to York..."
"No, not anytime soon. The University in the name of U of T."

I remember this one time passing by Sheppard-Yonge Station (in 2015), when some tourists with not-so-great English were confused why the lady in the booth was telling them to get out of the station. They were going to Downsview. Then I had to intervene and showed them that the subway line would have taken them on a huuuuge detour so that they should take the 84 on Sheppard Avenue West.

Blue Line.
Orange Line.
Green Line
Yellow Line

Expo Line
Millennium Line
Canada Line

Red Line
Blue Line

Capitol Line
Metro Line

Confederation Line
Trillium Line

All of these make sense. They don't follow streets. They don't serve one area, and they all are simple to remember

Now for Toronto...

Line 1 - Yonge - University (Does not end at University Ave. It keeps going)
Line 2 - Bloor - Danforth (What about Eglinton and Kennedy? It does not follow the Danforth and then just end.)
Line 3 - Scarborough (Only serves a small area in Scarborough)
Line 4 - Sheppard (serves very little of Sheppard Ave and Does Not serve Sheppard West station.)

Many major cities go with names not related to anything just to make them easier to identify as many have branch lines or go elsewhere not in the name.

[J.OT13]

The creator of O-Train Fans has launched sister websites for Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal.

• Skytrain Fans;
• Subway Fans;
• Metro Fans.

All four have a common forum, Rail Fans.

O-Train Fans
@OTrainFans613
Next up recruiting passionate volunteer enthusiasts to help contribute to the content for our new sites.
10:44 AM · Jul 23, 2020·Twitter for iPhone

https://twitter.com/OTrainFans613/status/1286311311933091840

[GeneralLea]

That's great! Just created an account....I like the idea of this forum.

[Coldrsx]

History in the making: ETS deploys first electric bus into service
August 4, 2020


Today, Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) achieves a historic milestone by deploying its first battery-electric buses into service. This is the result of collaboration between the City of Edmonton, and the electric bus supplier, Proterra.

"For many years I've advocated for the adoption of electric buses in our city, and I'm happy to see that Edmonton is leading the way. Our purchase is historic in that it represents the largest purchase of electric buses in Canadian history," said Mayor Don Iveson. “Electric buses are a major component of the future of public transit in our city and across Canada, because they save the City money and benefit not only transit users who get to experience the perks of a quieter commute with decreased emissions, but also Edmontonians who aren't regular commuters on our transit system, as they also benefit from the city meeting its energy and climate goals.”

To date, 21 of the 40 electric buses have arrived in Edmonton. The remaining 19 will begin to arrive this fall. ETS is the first transit agency in North America to have overhead chargers installed inside transit facilities. Charging from above, rather than using floor-mounted plug-in chargers, greatly reduces the amount of floor space needed for charging.

“From the start, we’ve been very intentional about how we’ve designed our electric bus program,” said Ryan Birch, Director of Transit Operations, ETS. “We’ve taken a unique approach to charging our buses inside transit facilities. This provides important redundancy that makes our electric bus fleet more reliable for transit customers, and will help us continue to modernize our transit system.”

Proterra’s clean and quiet long-range electric buses are winter compatible, have a range up to 350 kilometres on a single charge, and contribute to the City’s shift toward more sustainable transportation, a lower carbon footprint, and high-quality transit service for Edmontonians.

“This is one of the most impressive end-to-end deployments of battery-electric transit buses we’ve seen in North America,” said Jack Allen, CEO of Proterra. “The ETS deployment showcases how to successfully implement an electric bus fleet and charging infrastructure for current fleet needs, as well as plan for expansion in the near future. We are proud to partner with ETS to deliver clean, quiet transportation to Edmonton.”

Electric buses will be able to operate on almost every ETS route, and all buses come equipped with protective Operator shields. Electric buses are roughly 30 per cent less expensive to service and maintain than current diesel buses, plus savings on the cost of fuel.

Of the 21 buses that have arrived, 14 have an eye-catching promotional wrap on the back half of the bus that clearly indicates the bus is battery-electric, while the other 7 buses are painted with ETS’ traditional blue and silver brand colours.

Electric buses will be housed at the new Kathleen Andrews Transit Garage in northeast Edmonton, and Centennial Garage. Kathleen Andrews Transit Garage, once fully operational with electric bus infrastructure, will become the main hub.

In 2015, ETS winter tested several electric buses to ensure the technology would be suitable for Edmonton’s cold weather, steep river valleys and broad geographic transit area.


For more information:
takeETS.com

Media contact:
Rowan Anderson
Communications Advisor
Communications and Engagement
780-690-1605

[milomilo]

Good for Edmonton. Makes Calgary look like dinosaurs, I don't care if it's cheaper we should not be building a brand new facility to fill our buses with fossil fuels. Using CNG 20 years ago might have been "green", today, nope.

[Nouvellecosse]

Originally Posted by Coldrsx

History in the making: ETS deploys first electric bus into service
August 4, 2020


Today, Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) achieves a historic milestone by deploying its first battery-electric buses into service. This is the result of collaboration between the City of Edmonton, and the electric bus supplier, Proterra.

"For many years I've advocated for the adoption of electric buses in our city, and I'm happy to see that Edmonton is leading the way. Our purchase is historic in that it represents the largest purchase of electric buses in Canadian history," said Mayor Don Iveson. “Electric buses are a major component of the future of public transit in our city and across Canada, because they save the City money and benefit not only transit users who get to experience the perks of a quieter commute with decreased emissions, but also Edmontonians who aren't regular commuters on our transit system, as they also benefit from the city meeting its energy and climate goals.”

To date, 21 of the 40 electric buses have arrived in Edmonton. The remaining 19 will begin to arrive this fall. ETS is the first transit agency in North America to have overhead chargers installed inside transit facilities. Charging from above, rather than using floor-mounted plug-in chargers, greatly reduces the amount of floor space needed for charging.

“From the start, we’ve been very intentional about how we’ve designed our electric bus program,” said Ryan Birch, Director of Transit Operations, ETS. “We’ve taken a unique approach to charging our buses inside transit facilities. This provides important redundancy that makes our electric bus fleet more reliable for transit customers, and will help us continue to modernize our transit system.”

Proterra’s clean and quiet long-range electric buses are winter compatible, have a range up to 350 kilometres on a single charge, and contribute to the City’s shift toward more sustainable transportation, a lower carbon footprint, and high-quality transit service for Edmontonians.

“This is one of the most impressive end-to-end deployments of battery-electric transit buses we’ve seen in North America,” said Jack Allen, CEO of Proterra. “The ETS deployment showcases how to successfully implement an electric bus fleet and charging infrastructure for current fleet needs, as well as plan for expansion in the near future. We are proud to partner with ETS to deliver clean, quiet transportation to Edmonton.”

Electric buses will be able to operate on almost every ETS route, and all buses come equipped with protective Operator shields. Electric buses are roughly 30 per cent less expensive to service and maintain than current diesel buses, plus savings on the cost of fuel.

Of the 21 buses that have arrived, 14 have an eye-catching promotional wrap on the back half of the bus that clearly indicates the bus is battery-electric, while the other 7 buses are painted with ETS’ traditional blue and silver brand colours.

Electric buses will be housed at the new Kathleen Andrews Transit Garage in northeast Edmonton, and Centennial Garage. Kathleen Andrews Transit Garage, once fully operational with electric bus infrastructure, will become the main hub.

In 2015, ETS winter tested several electric buses to ensure the technology would be suitable for Edmonton’s cold weather, steep river valleys and broad geographic transit area.


For more information:
takeETS.com

Media contact:
Rowan Anderson
Communications Advisor
Communications and Engagement
780-690-1605

Wow I'm so jealous! Halifax has (finally!) announced an intention to pursue bus electrification but that could take years before we actually see some movement unfortunately.

[someone123]

Originally Posted by Nouvellecosse

Wow I'm so jealous! Halifax has (finally!) announced an intention to pursue bus electrification but that could take years before we actually see some movement unfortunately.

I am not sure there is much difference between the cities.

According to the municipal website there was an electric bus pilot project in Halifax that began around 2017-2018.

The latest announcement for Halifax Transit wasn't a pilot or a few buses, it was council approving the plan to phase in electrics for almost all bus purchases over the coming decade as the old diesels age out of service. Around 200 new buses. In earlier studies and/or their pilot they found the electrics had a cheaper lifetime cost than the diesel buses. I don't think there will be many diesels left by 2030.