ION - Waterloo Region's Light Rail Transit

[nms]

Can anyone confirm the spacing between the yellow edge of the platform and the platform canopy pillars (or other obstructions). Will there be space for two people walking side by side; a stroller; or a wheelchair to pass by someone waiting for a train (or vice versa) without needing for someone to step on the yellow line?

[ijmorlan]

(I don't seriously think we should have Plate K LRVs. I do seriously think GO should have plate K cars (actually, K height with full 10′8″ width); they could have more capacity via two full-length flat floors, and stop fighting the freight lines over catenary height.)

Do you know how tall the existing GO cars are? Would your idea be cars that look more like the tall Amtrak cars I’ve seen? They appear to be like that, with the connection from one car to the next on the upper level and doors on the lower level (note: I’ve never been in one of those cars, however, so I have very limited information).

As to catenary height, is it that GO wants lower catenary that wouldn’t allow double-stack containers to pass? If so I’m surprised this is really contentious because they already have pretty tall cars so I’d be surprised if they saw much of a benefit by having lower overhead (i.e., it can’t be much lower, so why not just put it as high as the railways want it?).

[trainspotter139]

(I don't seriously think we should have Plate K LRVs. I do seriously think GO should have plate K cars (actually, K height with full 10′8″ width); they could have more capacity via two full-length flat floors, and stop fighting the freight lines over catenary height.)

Do you know how tall the existing GO cars are? Would your idea be cars that look more like the tall Amtrak cars I’ve seen? They appear to be like that, with the connection from one car to the next on the upper level and doors on the lower level (note: I’ve never been in one of those cars, however, so I have very limited information).

As to catenary height, is it that GO wants lower catenary that wouldn’t allow double-stack containers to pass? If so I’m surprised this is really contentious because they already have pretty tall cars so I’d be surprised if they saw much of a benefit by having lower overhead (i.e., it can’t be much lower, so why not just put it as high as the railways want it?).

Existing GO Bombardier Bi-Level cars are 15ft 11in.

Colorado Railcar has made 19ft 9.5 in Ultra Dome rail cars for tourist rail lines before   However when it comes to GO high speed or regional express rail service I would much rather see them use rolling stock similar to the TGV 2N2 Euroduplex:

[kps]

Colorado Railcar has made 19ft 9.5 in Ultra Dome rail cars for tourist rail lines before   

Ah, you beat me to it. I do mean two full floors like those.

Do you know how tall the existing GO cars are? Would your idea be cars that look more like the tall Amtrak cars I’ve seen? They appear to be like that, with the connection from one car to the next on the upper level and doors on the lower level (note: I’ve never been in one of those cars, however, so I have very limited information).

The Amtrak Superliners are, like GO's, one-and-a-half storey cars with the lower level dropped between the wheels and only one level available above the wheels, in order to fit in the ~16′ height envelope (similar to a modern standard boxcar). Amtrak's differ in having a flat upper floor and non-standard passage height, whereas GO's drop to standard floor height over the wheels, as they originally coupled single-level cab cars to bi-level coaches.

There's actually room to go a little bigger than the Colorado Rail cars, within the overlap of freight plates F and K, and some reasons to — going to full width (10′8″) would allow 5-across seating on the lower level without pain, and ensure freight could safely pass passenger platforms where necessary. Total seating capacity would be ~40–50% greater than the current bi-levels, depending on whether you add upper doors for bi-level boarding at busy stations.

As to catenary height, is it that GO wants lower catenary that wouldn’t allow double-stack containers to pass? If so I’m surprised this is really contentious because they already have pretty tall cars so I’d be surprised if they saw much of a benefit by having lower overhead (i.e., it can’t be much lower, so why not just put it as high as the railways want it?).

Overhead wiring needs to be a minimum of about 2–3 feet above the highest car, depending on line voltage. GO appears to be interested in European-scale EMUs, like the Stadtler KISS that Caltrain has ordered to replace its Bombardier bi-levels. These (unless significantly customized) are a foot shorter than GO bi-levels and a bit tight upstairs.
(Caltrain is probably going for 25kV at 22′, which is too low for autoracks and double-stacks.)

I don't actually think there's any chance of GO using bigger cars, of course; this is not the GO of the 1970s that could commission innovative and successful rolling stock.

(This should probably move to the GO thread or elsewhere if continued.)

Final ninja edit: mixed-height trams.

[Markster]

Rando vehicle discussion thread is here:
http://www.waterlooregionconnected.com/s...hp?tid=530

[Canard]

That's not for freight trains though please.

[KevinL]

Not sure if this has been mentioned, but the sidewalk is open on the north side of King from Wellington to Breithaupt.



SIXO signage is going up.



And here's a look at the current state of the underpass.

[KevinL]

Then, down on Duke, we can see the tree-cells used in Uptown are also being used behind City Hall.



City Hall station will have nearby bus shelters, across Young.





And, down by Queen, it looks like the Hydro work is nearly finished and the roadway can be restored soon.

[jgsz]

Thanks for the pics.  Can't wait for it to start running.

[Rainrider22]

Not sure if this has been mentioned, but the sidewalk is open on the north side of King from Wellington to Breithaupt.



SIXO signage is going up.



And here's a look at the current state of the underpass.

I truly hope that lone portapottie isn't foreshadowing of things to come

[Rainrider22]

Caveat. That was a joke. I am a supporter of ION

[plam]

Thanks for the pics.  Can't wait for it to start running.

I know. It looks like we almost have a rail system. If only we had trains.

[Rainrider22]

Thanks for the pics.  Can't wait for it to start running.

I know. It looks like we almost have a rail system. If only we had trains.

If you build it. They will come!!!

[Canard]

Awesome photos, Kevin - thanks for sharing the first, legal photos from inside the Grade Separation!

Frustrating that the project team has not tweeted about this, as they indicated they would, as soon as it was open.

[KevinL]

Frustrating that the project team has not tweeted about this, as they indicated they would, as soon as it was open.

Breithaupt to Victoria is still closed, so I can't blame them for holding off.