05-19-2016, 08:33 PM
(This post was last modified: 05-19-2016, 08:35 PM by panamaniac.)
(05-19-2016, 05:51 PM)plam Wrote:(05-19-2016, 08:05 AM)Viewfromthe42 Wrote: Having used various transit systems, I worry a lot about Waterloo Street becoming an overpass. With people rushing to get to transit, if they have to ascend by 1-4 levels to get over the tracks and any potential HSR/electrification, and then descend that same height plus more (all non-GO/VIA transit will be below the height of Waterloo Street), it would be exhausting, present a lot of running on stairs, and create long delays and risks of injury. I recognize that some would be romanced by the idea of the overpass as a spot to take photos, but if this is meant as a commuter connection, it makes little sense to go for an overpass.
Swiss train stations seem to have a fairly standard design where even fairly minor stations have more than 3 tracks. So you need overpasses/underpasses for them anyway. For smaller stations they will usually have underpasses, with both ramps and stairs as options. Bigger stations usually have overpasses with retail on the upper floors.
The overpass concept that I saw at Regional HQ today showed what I thought was a ramp only. I seemed the best way to go, imho, but there was an "all knowing" citizen buttonholing Region staff to know why the ramp option/Waterloo St did not conform to "mandatory design standards". Said "all knowing" citizen seemed both exasperated and very pleased with himself that the Region staffer had no idea what he was talking about. Joys of public consultations.....