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Comments
Breslau GO
AnonymousAny updates on Breslau GO? I know Metrolinx is using a market-based approach, but when will a private partner be found, and when is the station targeted to open? Any updates are appreciated .
Answer
MetrolinxWe will continue to work with municipalities and development partners to determine where there are opportunities for third party investment to deliver Breslau Station. You can find more on our Transit Oriented Communities (TOC) program and process on Metrolinx.com. You can also take a look at some more information on how TOC is already working at Mimico and Woodbine GO Station.
VIA Rail Canada service
AnonymousHow has expanding the corridor for increased GO service considered existing and future VIA Rail service on the corridor? VIA is an important service for South Western Ontario, and more GO Trains should not come at the expense of VIA. Has Metrolinx consulted VIA about corridor expansion, and VIA’s needs?
Answer
MetrolinxWe continue to work with our partners to find smarter and better ways to coexist, to operate our services in parallel and to accelerate the delivery of new service to all communities along the line.
Halton subdivision
AnonymousHow will electric trains overcome the CN-owned, non-electrified Halton sub in the middle of their route?
This was one of the most common questions from the public, according to the consultation report, but I can't find an answer anywhere.
Answer
MetrolinxIn 2017, we completed a network wide Environmental Assessment for electrification on the areas of the corridor Metrolinx does own. This Environmental Assessment builds on that as we consider electrification on the portion of the corridor we own, past Georgetown. We continue to negotiate with our rail partners and look for better ways to work together while we bring more and better service to the Kitchener corridor.
Kitchener GO service improvement Phases
AnonymousDoes Metrolinx have a concrete plan for each phase of Kitchener GO Line service improvement, such as adding x trains in phase 1 after project y is completed, additional t trains after project s is completed?
Answer
MetrolinxMetrolinx is committed to delivering two-way all-day service on the Kitchener corridor. We took some great steps forward in the last year introducing mid-day and late night options on the corridor. Late last year we released the Initial Business Case (IBC) for Kitchener service that outlines our approach to adding more service on the corridor. You can find more information and the full IBC on Metrolinx.com. We are always looking for new ways to increase service and better serve communities across the corridor.
Reverse-peak trains
AnonymousSince Metrolinx owns the section of Kitchener line west of Georgetown, is it possible currently to run serval reserve-peak and midday trains between Kitchener and Guelph? If not, what improvements are needed to achieve reserve-peak and midday trains? Is there a timeline for that?
Answer
MetrolinxWe understand there is a need for more connections between Kitchener and Guelph. We did introduce a mid-day and late night option last year that created new connections between Kitchener and Guelph in both directions. We are currently looking at potential locations to add passing tracks along the line to increase service on the corridor. You can find more information about our approach to new service on the corridor and infrastructure required for two-way all-day service in the Kitchener Initial Business Case on Metrolinx.com.
We need all day go train between KW and Toronto ASAP
AnonymousPlease make this happen soon. It can't wait another five years. We desperately need this!
Answer
MetrolinxMetrolinx is committed to delivering two-way all-day service on the Kitchener corridor. You can find more information and the Initial Business Case on Metrolinx.com. We are always looking for new ways to increase service on the corridor.
this is a great project worthy of completion
AnonymousI don't see any reference to electrification out of Union Station at this point.Electrification,although the best way to go is very costly infrastructure.I presume that the Lakeshore corridor and the other Toronto suburban lines are the priority.
Answer
MetrolinxIn 2017, Metrolinx completed a network-wide Environmental Assessment for electrification on the areas of the Kitchener GO corridor Metrolinx owned at the time, which included from Union to Bramalea (Brampton) on the Weston Subdivision. In late 2018, we took over the maintenance and ownership of the Guelph Subdivision from CN, and a new and separate Environmental Assessment is underway now as we consider electrification on this subdivision, west of Georgetown towards Kitchener – this is focus of the Kitchener Guelph Subdivision Electrification TPAP. We continue to negotiate with our rail partners and look for better ways to work together while we bring more and better service to the Kitchener corridor.
The final decisions on equipment requirements for GO Expansion is part of a system wide procurement to design, build, operate and maintain the network. The winning proponent will propose and procure trains that meet the requirements to deliver future service levels on the GO Transit rail network. This could include dual-mode locomotives or a combination of diesel and electric where required. There are also technology options to use fully electric engines that can hold sufficient battery reserve to travel the non-electrified portion of the corridor. A priority for each line will be determined outside of this TPAP assignment.
Better use of existing infrastructure: Kitchener-Guelph Shuttle
AnonymousThere is a need for better transit between Guelph and Kitchener-Warteloo. I know an obstacle for all-day service between Kitchener and Union Station is CN ownership of tracks between Georgetown and Brampton. This obstacle does not exist for better service between Kitchener and Guelph however, as Metrolinx owns these tracks.
Metrolinx should consider running a frequent (maybe half-hourly) train service between Kitchener, Breslau (once the station is built), and Guelph. This could be a “quick win” that uses existing infrastructure, and could be delivered before Kitchener-Union all-day service.
Answer
MetrolinxWe have heard and understand there is a need for more connections between Kitchener and Guelph. We will continue to work on creating new and better service for our customers.
I trust the environmental assessment will consider alternatives
AnonymousOne alternative is to investigate the possibility of using hydrogen powered engines. This would allow different powered trains to use the same rail line. Electrification will likely mean the rail line is dedicated to passenger service only.The hydrogen fuel could be produced at night utilizing 'cheap' electrical power which we are export to the US. This alternative could keep our options open for future developments not currently contemplated.
Answer
MetrolinxIn 2017, we completed an environmental assessment that looked at electrification of all the corridors we owned at the time. Since then we have taken over full ownership of the Guelph Subdivision, so this TPAP is looking at infrastructure and impacts required to electrify this section of the corridor - between Georgetown and Kitchener. We are conducting this study to maintain consistency across the network.
The feasibility of using hydrogen was assessed as part of a separate study, with more information at http://www.metrolinx.com/en/greaterregion/projects/hydrail.aspx.
Strongly support GO Electrification
AnonymousWe need this for cleaner train operation, lower noise by replacing the super loud current diesel locomotives, faster acceleration, and more sustainable energy use by regenerative braking.
I also really hope that electrification will be implemented along the entire KW-Union Station line - this was not clear in the presentation (or I missed it).
Also, I really hope that the track between KW and Acton can be replaced as it's very wobbly, old, and slow, greatly increasing travel time and discomfort, which will restrict the speed of the electrified line.
Answer
MetrolinxThank you for your interest and support of our project. We are looking at electrification of the corridor we do own between Georgetown and Kitchener. The middle portion of the corridor is owned and used by CN. We continue to work with our rail partners to find smarter and better ways to coexist and operate our services in parallel. Since taking over ownership of the corridor in late 2018, we have been moving forward on extensive rehabilitation of the rail corridor between Georgetown and Kitchener. We still have lots of work to do as we make some much need improvements to the corridor.