GO Transit

[KevinL]

What's the rationale behind that one? Can it be resolved when they double-track?

[dunkalunk]

The actual switch at Guelph junction is in bad shape and needs to be replaced.

[Canard]

https://www.cambridgetimes.ca/news-story...-go-train/

[KevinL]

The actual switch at Guelph junction is in bad shape and needs to be replaced.

So if they replace it, that part of the slow order could be lifted even before double-tracking, presumably...

[tomh009]

https://www.cambridgetimes.ca/news-story...-go-train/

Could shorten timelines, maybe -- but from the story it's not clear to me what it is that might help shorten the timelines.

[KevinL]

Getting control of the Bramalea-Georgetown section and being free to set their own schedule is the upshot. At the same time they'll be doubling the tracks. That amount of freedom of movement will be a real help.

[tomh009]

Absolutely. But building that 30 km plus the improvements to the (too-shallow?) tunnel under the 401 would need the seven years, I thought.

[Canard]

Where is this 401 tunnel?

[timio]

Beside the current tunnel (approximately between 427 and 409) to add track capacity.

[Canard]

Oh, so way in Toronto - I was thinking this expansion needed to happen somewhere partway between Toronto and KW.

[timio]

The tunnel is just one of the projects required for expansion to the Kitchener line.

CN Freight Bypass, double tracking from Georgetown through Kitchener along with whatever grade separation are required, electrification, and other projects all work together to enhance the whole.

[yige_t]

Metrolinx has released a draft Regional 2041 Transportation Plan: 
http://www.metrolinx.com/en/docs/pdf/boa...ort_EN.pdf

Hidden within the report on page 77 is the draft 2041 HOV and Regional Express Bus network, which has some interesting nuggets for this part of the GGH:

Regional Express Bus (every 30-60 minutes)

• Kitchener - Guelph via Hwy 7
  
• Guelph - Aberfoyle - Hamilton/Burlington via Hwy 6
  
• Guelph - Cambridge via Wellington CR 124
  
• Cambridge - Brantford via Hwy 24
  
• Cambridge - Hamilton via Hwy 8
  

HOV Lanes along Hwy 401:

• Committed - Hwy 8 to Townline Rd, Hwy 25 to Hwy 410
  
• Proposed - Townline Rd to Puslinch/Milton border
  
• For further study - Puslinch/Milton border to Hwy 25
  

   
   

Metrolinx has also put up the presentation slides used for the August 30 presentation to Council re: Kitchener Corridor expansion:

https://www.metrolinxengage.com/en/engag...loo-region

[DHLawrence]

Let's hope it doesn't take that long to make them happen.

[KevinL]

Looks like the Aberfoyle-Hamilton route hits Aldershot. If this gets weekend service, I'm all over it.

[MidTowner]

I was at Charles Street last night waiting for someone to get to town by Greyhound, and the line up for the Guelph bus was equal to that going to Toronto. Greyhound already runs eight buses a day Kitchener to Guelph and, as far as I can tell, they are all pretty busy. I can't imagine it taking more than twenty years before half-hourly service is justified.

Good stuff about the HOV lanes through the Region, but...those are planned sometime between now and 2041? Not immediately following the widening work?