[Mrgeosim]

As a regular Milton rider, I really have zero desire for this connection, and I don't really understand the obsession with it. It's okay for Milton to skip it.

I agree. Milton already stops at Kipling so there's a Line 2 connection that already exists. If Metrolinx decides at some point in the future to phase out the UP Express ( this would not be a good idea IMO) in favor of a unified Kitchener line/Airport service, it might make sense to use the current UP tracks for a Milton connection for no other reason than the tracks are already there (let's forget that the UP platforms would need to be retrofitted to accommodate the traditional GO rolling stock). The juice just isn't worth the squeeze and there are far more important projects that need resources allocated before a Milton connection at Bloor should be considered.

 

[dullturtle06]

As a regular Milton rider, I really have zero desire for this connection, and I don't really understand the obsession with it. It's okay for Milton to skip it.

I would respectfully disagree for the following reasons.

1. With 2WAD go service, it changes the nature of the Milton corridor from rush hour commuter for dt officer workers into a transit line that is used for a variety of different trips to different destinations.

I understand most trips during rush hour will be to union but throughout the day more stops is better for others.

2. A stop at bloor would cost 3 mins, however with electric rolling stock and short trains the dwelling time would be further reduced.

3. Although line 2 connection at Kipling is there, when subway service is suspended for a variety of reasons Milton could be used to minimize delay and continue the city moving.

For someone then enjoys the express train, more stops sounds worse, but when planning a transit network we have to look at creating more efficient trips and transit networks.

 

[Sauga89]

I agree. Milton already stops at Kipling so there's a Line 2 connection that already exists. If Metrolinx decides at some point in the future to phase out the UP Express ( this would not be a good idea IMO) in favor of a unified Kitchener line/Airport service, it might make sense to use the current UP tracks for a Milton connection for no other reason than the tracks are already there (let's forget that the UP platforms would need to be retrofitted to accommodate the traditional GO rolling stock). The juice just isn't worth the squeeze and there are far more important projects that need resources allocated before a Milton connection at Bloor should be considered.

I understand the argument that ridership might not be strong enough to justify a delay for Union-bound riders, but I don't understand the objection about cost. The simpler of the two ideas I suggested is just a side platform south of Bloor, next to a track which Metrolinx already plans to lay. It's just a simple concrete pour. There wouldn't even need to be elevators, just a ramp down to Bloor St. I think that would be pretty cheap, though you might need to expropriate a tiny sliver of land from the school board.

If you did it right, it could also be really good for the local neighbourhood.

I didn't realize this earlier, but the Loblaws south of Bloor is about to be redeveloped. In the project thread, someone was complaining just this week about the 500 metre walk to the GO platforms. With a Milton side platform, there could be a platform at the front door. Plus, a platform there might make it easier to talk the Sterling developers across the tracks into paying for a pedestrian bridge. Both developments would help with ridership too. You could even expropriate and demolish that industrial building at 64 Golden Ave, which could open up the commercial buildings south of Golden to re-development as well.

 

[Mrgeosim]

I understand the argument that ridership might not be strong enough to justify a delay for Union-bound riders, but I don't understand the objection about cost. The simpler of the two ideas I suggested is just a side platform south of Bloor, next to a track which Metrolinx already plans to lay. It's just a simple concrete pour. There wouldn't even need to be elevators, just a ramp down to Bloor St. I think that would be pretty cheap, though you might need to expropriate a tiny sliver of land from the school board.

If you did it right, it could also be really good for the local neighbourhood.

I didn't realize this earlier, but the Loblaws south of Bloor is about to be redeveloped. In the project thread, someone was complaining just this week about the 500 metre walk to the GO platforms. With a Milton side platform, there could be a platform at the front door. Plus, a platform there might make it easier to talk the Sterling developers across the tracks into paying for a pedestrian bridge. Both developments would help with ridership too. You could even expropriate and demolish that industrial building at 64 Golden Ave, which could open up the commercial buildings south of Golden to re-development as well.

In principle I agree with what you're suggesting, but there are logistical and practical realities that lead me to believe it isn't feasible to pursue a Bloor GO stop for the Milton line. For starters, a platform south of Bloor that connects to the platforms north of Bloor, while possible, is not cheap. We'd be looking at $100M+ based on other station builds. If you build a bridge that connects to the Loblaw's development, the price tag increases further. I would love to see these changes, trust me, but I don't think its very practical for one big reason: The Milton Line isn't part of the all day, 2-way service plan based on the Metrolinx website. It's going to remain a commuter line, which makes investing in a Bloor connection a waste of time and resources.

 

[T3G]

It would be nice if something was done about the platform patterns at Union to curtail the prolonged waits most Milton trains have right outside of Union station. If this was achieved, they could add in a Bloor station (which I'm all in favour of as a Milton line rider) and still save time over the status quo.

 

[Sauga89]

In principle I agree with what you're suggesting, but there are logistical and practical realities that lead me to believe it isn't feasible to pursue a Bloor GO stop for the Milton line. For starters, a platform south of Bloor that connects to the platforms north of Bloor, while possible, is not cheap. We'd be looking at $100M+ based on other station builds. If you build a bridge that connects to the Loblaw's development, the price tag increases further. I would love to see these changes, trust me, but I don't think its very practical for one big reason: The Milton Line isn't part of the all day, 2-way service plan based on the Metrolinx website. It's going to remain a commuter line, which makes investing in a Bloor connection a waste of time and resources.

Oh, I was thinking there wouldn't be any direct connection between a side platform south of Bloor and the other platforms, just a simple, bare bones, platform with a street connection, and a 500 metre on-street walk to access the other GO platforms. The only connection I was thinking of was a 250 metre outdoor walk along Bloor St on the sidewalk to Dundas West, (which is comparable to the Kipling transfer today). As for the Loblaws-Sterling pedestrian bridge, I was thinking of that as a nice-to-have, which I thought a developer could be tempted to pay for if you offered them a platform 500 metres closer to their property, but it isn't really needed.

 

[crs1026]

It would be nice if something was done about the platform patterns at Union to curtail the prolonged waits most Milton trains have right outside of Union station. If this was achieved, they could add in a Bloor station (which I'm all in favour of as a Milton line rider) and still save time over the status quo.

The good news: The situation will be much improved once the resignalling of the USRC and the rearrangement of the Union platforms has been completed.

The bad news: With GO Expansion, the number of trains moving through the USRC will increase, so the plant will be that much more challenged to resolve conflicting movements..

Stay tuned.

- Paul

 

[Dan416]

I would respectfully disagree for the following reasons.

1. With 2WAD go service, it changes the nature of the Milton corridor from rush hour commuter for dt officer workers into a transit line that is used for a variety of different trips to different destinations.

Let me stop you right there. Until Milton 2WAD becomes reality, let’s put a pin in this. Milton 2WAD is at best a decade or two away, and let’s not pretend otherwise. So until then, please, no more stops slowing down our train. Our service sucks enough as it is.

 

[Sauga89]

Let me stop you right there. Until Milton 2WAD becomes reality, let’s put a pin in this. Milton 2WAD is at best a decade or two away, and let’s not pretend otherwise. So until then, please, no more stops slowing down our train. Our service sucks enough as it is.

You are right that Milton service stinks, and that there shouldn't be any more delays added to the Union travel time. I was thinking that if service frequencies were ever doubled, half the trains could stop at Kipling, and half at Bloor GO. But I don't want to finally get 2WAD in 10 years, only to be told there's no room at Bloor GO for a Milton platform. The plan for one should be made now, before development crowds the corridor any further. In 10 years, the Loblaws will be redeveloped and it will be too late.

 

[ChaiJoe17]

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[livesquid]

Does this entrance from Randolph connect to the same tunnel complex/concourse that connects to the TTC connection on the other side? Or would you have to go up to platform level and back down to get to that concourse area?

 

[Mrgeosim]

Does this entrance from Randolph connect to the same tunnel complex/concourse that connects to the TTC connection on the other side? Or would you have to go up to platform level and back down to get to that concourse area?

Yes it will connect. As your progress to through the concourse, you will find an entrance to the TTC station, which will involve taking 2 flights of stairs down to the eastern end of the subway platform.

 

[Sqazi]

However, unfortunately there won't be a connection from the Bloor tunnel. Although it doesn't look like there is all that much distance to cover from the new TTC connection to the back of the Bloor tunnel, if they had considered linking it.

 

[Mrgeosim]

However, unfortunately there won't be a connection from the Bloor tunnel. Although it doesn't look like there is all that much distance to cover from the new TTC connection to the back of the Bloor tunnel, if they had considered linking it.

Too true. I don't know why a bloor connection isn't part of this plan. It would improve connectivity and allow them to overhaul Dundas West Station without interrupting access.

 

[Sauga89]

I'm not sure if it adds anything new, but here is Metrolinx's April construction update on the Bloor GO TTC connection, the Kitchener fourth track, and the rail path, from an April 10th community meeting.