smarttrack & regional express rail display boards
TRANSCRIPT
Thank you for coming out to learn more about how the City of Toronto, TTC and Metrolinx are working
together to build more transit that will transform how you move around the city and the region.
Today’s session will provide an opportunity to learn about and/or provide input on the following key
transit initiatives that will expand the transit network:
Bringing More Transit to Your Community
You are invited to: Review the board materials. The Project team have nametags and are ready to answer your questions Visit a break-out room to learn more on each project Use the comment sheets – we want your feedback Sign up to receive updates about the project and future meetings
Your input on:
Potential Corridors and
Station Evaluations
Your input on:
Corridors and
Alignment Options
Learn more about:
Regional Express Rail
(RER) and have input
on SmartTrack studies
Toronto and its surrounding communities “suffer from traffic congestion problems, poorly integrated
transit services and relatively underdeveloped transport infrastructure.” OECD Territorial Review, 2010
• Average commute time
per person, per day is
82 minutes.
• Projected to increase to
109 minutes in the next
25 years.
• Costs $6 billion in travel
costs and lost productivity
every year.
• By 2031, this number could
increase to $15 billion.
•Over 500,000 tonnes of
annual GHG emissions is
due to traffic congestion.
The Problem: A City and Region Under Pressure
The Regional Transportation Agency
for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton
Area (GTHA).
We plan, build and operate transit in
31 municipalities.
The City of Toronto and its transit agency, the
Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), is
working to improve transit options in Toronto
in partnership with Metrolinx.
The Plan: Working Together to Build the Transit Network
The Metrolinx Regional Transportation
Plan goal is to build over 1,200 km
of rapid transit so that over 80 per
cent of residents in the region will
live within two km of rapid transit.
Building a Regional Network
“Feeling Congested?” is the City’s review
of the transportation policies in the Official
Plan. These three principles along with the
following criteria were developed to help
prioritize 25 rapid transit projects in the
City.
SERVING PEOPLE
STRENGTHENING PLACES
SUPPORTING PROSPERITY
Working Together to Build the Transit Network
Major transit expansion projects have a significant impact on the overall transit network.
Transit planning in Toronto is coordinated by Metrolinx in partnership with the City of Toronto, TTC
and the surrounding municipalities and regions to achieve our shared goals. Our partnerships work to:
• Create more transit options to key destinations, places of work, and leisure
• Encourage more people to take transit to reduce road congestion
• Integrate and connect new transit expansion projects with the existing transit network
• Leverage investments in transit infrastructure to achieve other city building, social and environmental
objectives (i.e. creating new public spaces, active transportation facilities, etc)
• Manage and respond to the travel demand generated by population growth
• Improve reliability, convenience and access to transit service
The City of Toronto’s Official Plan (“Feeling Congested?”) and the Province’s Regional Transportation
Plan set the policy framework for transit planning in Toronto, in consultation with surrounding
municipalities and regions. We work together to improve Toronto’s transit network while balancing
region-wide and local interests.
The objective of today’s sessions is to learn more about network transit planning and key projects that
will transform the way you move around Toronto and the GTHA.
Our Shared Goals
Union Station Revitalization Improvements to station, train
shed, track & signals
Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension 8.6 km extension of the Yonge-Spadina
subway line from Downsview to Vaughan
Automatic Train Control Modernized signal system on TTC
Yonge-University-Spadina Line
Toronto LRT Projects Eglinton Crosstown: 19 km
Sheppard East: 13 km Finch West: 11 km
PRESTO Electronic fare payment system, available
across 10 transit agencies, and being implemented on the TTC
Metrolinx, City of Toronto, and TTC are already working together to improve transit options and
fare payment across the city with connections to the GTHA.
Current Transit Initiatives
PRESTO, an electronic fare payment system, available across 10 transit agencies, and being
implemented on the TTC. The first phase includes a total of 26 key station hubs connecting TTC
(including streetcar routes), GO Transit, York Region Transit and UP Express.
PRESTO TTC Station Coverage by July
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SmartTrack
Eglinton Corridor
Your input on 3
feasibility options
Scarborough
Subway
Your input on 3
Corridors and
Alignment Options
Relief Line
Your input on Corridors
and Station Evaluations
GO RER/SmartTrack
Learn more about improvements
and proposed plans
Transit Projects For Discussion Today
Metrolinx, the City of Toronto and TTC are committed to keeping local
communities, residents and partners informed as we move forward.
Sign up for more information or follow us on Twitter to learn about upcoming
community meetings and opportunities to be involved.
@Metrolinx
@CItyPlanTO
@TTCnotices
Email: [email protected]
www.toronto.ca/TransitTO
Telephone: 416-338-2848 Fax: 416-392-1591
www.metrolinx .com
416-202-5589
Our Commitment to keeping you informed
Thank you for joining us to learn more about GO Regional Express Rail (RER), which is the
single biggest infrastructure investment in Ontario’s history, and how the proposed
SmartTrack plan would enhance local GO RER with more local connections.
You are invited to:
Review the board materials. The Project team have nametags and are ready to answer your questions;
Submit any comments and questions on the comment sheet provided; and
Sign up to receive updates about the project and future meetings.
In Budget 2015, the province has committed $13.5 Billion to regional express rail which will improve GO Transit service
on all 7 corridors.
In January, 2015, Toronto City Council requested the City, Metrolinx and TTC to jointly review the SmartTrack Plan which
proposes enhancements to GO RER. Staff will report in Fall, 2015.
GO Regional Express Rail & SmartTrack
Across the system, this will create more transit options
and connections to the network by:
• Electrification of several corridors that will reduce
travel times by up to 20% and reduce operating
costs;
• Four times the number of train trips outside of rush
hour and on weekends;
• Twice the number of trips during rush hour;
• Increased service at all 19 existing GO stations in
Toronto (on all corridors) and the potential for new
stations; and
• 150 kilometres of new, dedicated GO track and
dozens of new tunnels and bridges.
Our plan to reduce gridlock and commute times will put Toronto at the centre of a
regional rail system that competes with top cities around the world.
Over the next ten years, Metrolinx will introduce GO RER including 15-minute, two-
way, all-day transit service improvements in core areas.
Regional Express Rail (RER)
EXISTING
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GO RER
Weekday Rush Hour (Peak Direction)
Mid-Day, Evening and Weekend
GO RER EXISTING
Service Concept
This level of service doesn’t come easy. Metrolinx is
undertaking one of the largest infrastructure projects in
North America to help bring you better, more reliable
service you can count on.
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Electrification Plan
Electric trains can accelerate faster and travel at top speeds for longer, cutting journey times for some trips by up to 20%.
Next steps:
• Metrolinx will launch a design study and EA for electrification of the entire GO network;
oThe EA will look at impacts and mitigation measures for the surrounding area including the natural environment, existing and future land use including areas for maintenance facilities and power transfer stations; and
o Public consultations will be held to share information on the process and seek feedback from residents on the EA process, study area and scope, as well as any proposed locations for new facilities.
• Metrolinx will continue to design and build new corridor infrastructure that enables future electrification
On corridors not fully owned by Metrolinx, there is limited ability to
offer two-way, all-day electrified service. Therefore, portions of the GO
network already owned by Metrolinx are proposed for electrification.
Infrastructure Plan
• Simple, seamless fares: Metrolinx and our transit partners across the Greater
Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) are working towards a consistent approach
to transit fares in the region enabled by Presto.
Why?
• There are currently 10 different ways fares are collected in the GTHA, with each
municipality setting its own fees. We want to make crossing municipal
boundaries and switching between transit systems simple and hassle-free.
What’s next?
• Public consultations are being planned in 2016. Sign up to receive information
about the project and future meetings.
Fare Integration
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• We will introduce new services on an incremental basis, each and every year over
the next decade.
• To deliver GO RER within 10 years, planning, design, environmental assessment
(EA), construction and new service introduction must all occur concurrently across
the network:
o Need to coordinate the various expansion steps along each corridor with one another,
and also with changes occurring elsewhere on the network at the same time;
o Need to continue offering quality service to existing GO customers and grow ridership
throughout the build phase; and
o Need to efficiently manage complex transitions (such as shifting from an all-diesel to a
mixed diesel and electric fleet) in a phased manner.
• Detailed phasing plan is now being developed.
Phasing Plan
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Building on the existing 19 Toronto GO stations,
which accounts for almost 30% of all GO
stations in the GTHA, GO RER will increase
transit options and connect networks, changing
the way Toronto and the entire region moves,
which is good for people and good for business.
Underway now:
• EA engagement for Davenport Community
Rail Overpass; and
• EA engagement for additional track, grade
separations and bridge modifications on
Lakeshore East.
RER will operate on the GO rail network, providing a 15 min GO service.
SmartTrack proposes to add additional stations in Toronto. Working together we
want to make more connections across the city and in the region.
GO RER in Toronto
RER will operate on the GO rail network, providing a 15 min GO service. SmartTrack proposes additional stations
in Toronto, the City of Markham and Region of York. Working together we want to make more connections across
the city and in the region.
Key topics being discussed include:
• Integration of SmartTrack as part of GO network
• Integration with TTC services at GO stations
• New station locations - SmartTrack proposes 11 new stations on the Stouffville,
Lakeshore East and Kitchener Corridors including:
o 1 in the City of Markham/Region of York*
o 1 in the City of Mississauga/Region of Peel*
• Fare policy
• Eglinton West corridor
• Funding and delivery
Proposed SmartTrack Plan
* Will include future consultation with cities of Markham and Mississauga and Regions of York and Peel
GO Regional Express Rail (RER) SmartTrack
General
Service as frequent as every 15 minutes
Mix of all-stop and limited stop service in both directions
Simplified Fare Strategy and expanded Presto
Union Station key destination
Service frequency of 15 minutes or better
All stop service in both directions
TTC fare option
Union Station key destination
Stouffville and Lakeshore East GO Corridors (Unionville to Union Station)
6 existing GO stations
New stations may be considered
6 existing GO stations
7 new stations (1 in the City of Markham/Region of York)
Kitchener GO Corridor (Mt. Dennis to Union Station)
1 existing GO station (Bloor) and 1 future GO station (Mt. Dennis)
New station options may be considered
1 existing GO station (Bloor) and 1 future GO station (Mt. Dennis)
4 new stations (including station between Queen St W and Dundas St
W)
Eglinton West (Mt. Dennis to Airport Corporate Centre)
Not in RER plan. Extension of Eglinton Crosstown LRT to Pearson
Airport is an unfunded project in Metrolinx’s plan.
Studies and looking at a new heavy rail corridor to Mississauga Airport
Corporate Centre (Council requested additional option to extend along
Kitchener GO with stations at Weston, Islington and Woodbine) as well
as 3 new stations (1 in the City of Mississauga/Region of Peel)
Building on GO Transit and the GO RER plan, Metrolinx, the City of Toronto, and the TTC are working cooperatively to
develop the proposed program. See the table below for some of the specific enhancements SmartTrack would offer.
At a Glance: GO RER and SmartTrack
Identified Infrastructure Needs:
• Possible rail/rail grade separation at Scarborough Junction
• One or two new tracks in areas along each corridor
• Various road/rail grade separations
• Electrification
GO RER service concepts will bring:
Lakeshore East GO Corridor:
• All-day, two-way 15-minute or better service – Oshawa to Union
• Express service between Pickering and Union
Stouffville GO Corridor:
• All-day, two-way 15-minute or better service - Unionville to Union
• Off-peak, two way 60-minute service – Mt Joy to Union
• Peak period, peak direction 20-minute service – Lincolnville to
Union
The joint City, Metrolinx, TTC review of SmartTrack includes evaluating
potential new stations, such as:
• 14th Avenue (Will include future engagement with City of
Markham/Region of York)
• Finch
• Ellesmere
• Lawrence East
• Gerrard
• Queen
• Unilever Site
Lakeshore East and Stouffville GO Corridors
Note: 1. The City of Toronto will not be holding consultation on proposed stations in Markham 2. Further coordinated consultation will take place in September of this year, including consultation with City of
Mississauga, Region of Peel, City of Markham and Region of York.
• All-day, two-way 15-minute or better service – Bramalea to Union
• Peak period, peak direction 30-minute service –Kitchener to Union
• Peak period, peak direction 30-minute service – Mt Pleasant to Union
• Express service from some trips to/from Kitchener, Guelph, Acton
and Georgetown
The joint City, Metrolinx, TTC review of SmartTrack includes
evaluating potential new stations, such as:
• Spadina
• Liberty Village
• Between Queen St W and Dundas St W
• St. Clair W
GO RER service concepts will bring:
Kitchener GO Corridor
Identified Infrastructure Needs:
• Possible rail/rail grade separation at Scarborough
Junction
• One or two new tracks required in areas along each
corridor
• Various road/rail grade separations
• Electrification
SmartTrack Service Concepts:
• 15 minute service frequency or better
• All-stop service in both directions
• Electrification
• Integrated fares with GO Transit and TTC
Infrastructure Needs:
• SmartTrack Eglinton Avenue West Corridor Feasibility
Review will identify:
o Route options
o Major infrastructure requirements for any grade
separations, bridges, tunnels and electrification
o For more information, please see project-specific
display boards
The joint City, Metrolinx, TTC review of SmartTrack includes
evaluating potential new stations, such as:
• Scarlett/Jane
• Kipling
• Matheson/Airport Corporate Centre (Will include future
engagement with City of Mississauga/Region of Peel)
Proposed Eglinton West Corridor
Note: 1. The City of Toronto will not be holding consultation on proposed stations in Mississauga 2. Further coordinated consultation will take place in September of this year, including consultation with City of
Mississauga, Region of Peel, City of Markham and Region of York.
Metrolinx, the City of Toronto and TTC are jointly reviewing potential new stations, which will require future consultation with the City of Mississauga/Region of Peel and City of Markham/Region of York.
Our key considerations:
• Where will stations improve service and add riders?
• How many stations can we accommodate?
• How far apart do stations need to be?
• Where do they fit in the region and existing plans?
• Will the station impact travel time for existing GO customers?
New Stations proposed in SmartTrack Plan:
City Council identified 14 new stations under the SmartTrack work plan for review.
• 7 are on the Stouffville and Lakeshore East GO lines (1 in the City of Markham/Region of York)
• 4 are on the Kitchener GO line
• 3 are on the proposed Eglinton West Corridor (1 in the City of Mississauga/Region of Peel)
The report to City Council on SmartTrack in the fall 2015, will include a preliminary review of potential new stations.
Process for New GO Stations
SmartTrack As directed by Council, staff will report in the Fall 2015 on the following:
o SmartTrack Service Concept, Infrastructure Plan and Business Case analysis
o Eglinton West Corridor Feasibility Review findings and options for rapid transit on the Eglinton West Corridor
o High level costs estimates and planning analysis for all three corridors
o Capital cost sharing and City financing strategy
o Plan for additional Environmental Assessments that may be required on all corridors
o Update on public consultation activities
o TTC service integration plan
GO RER: Project Planning
We will continue developing other priority projects
that will strengthen and enhance the GO RER
program, including:
o SmartTrack coordination
o Starting the work to electrify corridors
owned by Metrolinx
o Expansion and appropriate fleet for
electrified service
o Union Station Rail Corridor capacity
o Fare policy and integration across transit
providers
o Updated station access plan and
identification of potential new stations
o Enhanced train control
o Detailed operating plan
Moving Forward
Metrolinx and the City of Toronto are committed to keeping local communities,
residents and partners informed as we move forward with GO Transit and TTC
service plans.
Sign up for more information or follow us on Twitter to learn about upcoming
community meetings and opportunities to be involved.
@Metrolinx
@TorontoComms
@TTCnotices
Email: [email protected]
www.toronto.ca/TransitTO
Telephone: 416-338-2848 Fax: 416-392-1591
www.metrolinx.com
416-202-5589
Our Commitment to Keeping You Informed