[Northern Light]

Yes, some customers cannot walk long distances so stop spacing is important. You note that streetcars have to slow down at switches, I thought this was an example of TTC being ultra cautious and that IF the switch is properly maintained the streetcar does NOT need to slow down. Because so many switches are in poor condition it was, apparently, easier to just tell operators to slow at all of them!

I'm not an advocate for a wholesale move to 500M stop spacing, but spacing under 300M on a bus route, or under 400m on a route with 30m vehicle lengths is pretty hard to take, its a very inefficient service design.

My mother, in her last years, beset by COPD and the after effects of a stroke, could no longer navigate conventional transit. She was approved for Wheel Trans, but for most appointments I had to drive her, as she also had no short-term memory (couldn't tell you what she had for lunch) ....and therefore needed to be accompanied.

I'm thus very sympathetic to those facing challenges. Yet, you can't order the system to deal with those individuals w/the greatest challenges, they need a specialty system, which is something we offer.

Many, today, also use scooters/electric wheelchairs to address these needs.

We certainly want a reasonable measure of convenience, but not a service that is more stopped than go-ing.

Each stop can be examined on its merits. But I don't think those I've suggested result in unreasonable distances between stops. There are other considerations, as I noted, to do with stop overcrowding and timing impacts at intersections that would face increased pedestrian flows etc.

 

[smallspy]

Yes, some customers cannot walk long distances so stop spacing is important. You note that streetcars have to slow down at switches, I thought this was an example of TTC being ultra cautious and that IF the switch is properly maintained the streetcar does NOT need to slow down. Because so many switches are in poor condition it was, apparently, easier to just tell operators to slow at all of them!

As I've written many, many times before.....

The switches are not the problem. They have never been a problem.

The problem is with the N/A system used to actuate them. It is old and in need of replacement. The ongoing program to "refurbish" the equipment is not nearly enough to fix the inherent issues with the system.

Dan

 

[reaperexpress]

As I've written many, many times before.....

The switches are not the problem. They have never been a problem.

The problem is with the N/A system used to actuate them. It is old and in need of replacement. The ongoing program to "refurbish" the equipment is not nearly enough to fix the inherent issues with the system.

Dan

It has been a decade since the TTC published their scathing report of their own switch system (report is now deleted from the website and I can't find any archive), in which they recommended changing to standard switch equipment and a new detection/display standard. And in that time there has been no indication of any progress.

 

[dob467]

Why is this conversation focused on eliminating stops for transit users, instead of the multiple delays the streetcar encounters from cars? I find it strange that we're dissecting how many metres people using transit should walk during the course of their trips instead of the complete unnecessary left turn that we've somehow let become the standard norm for drivers.