Various myths and misconceptions are being amplified since Pierre Poilievre decided to reverse course and oppose the project. Sadly that politicized “noise” is tending to drown out “signal” from people with genuine community impact and environmental questions.
Unfortunately it looks like they closed the survey abruptly when they hit a certain number of responses.
That would be a comment worth sending directly to Alto!
Our position is that “shoulder” stations would be very helpful, especially in the GTA, but downtown stations to connect to existing rail and transit are essential.
Shinkansen trains at Tokyo station, JR East Tohuku line in the foreground.
ALTO/Cadence have launched an online survey asking about corridor travel and opinions on high speed rail.
It takes a few minutes to complete but there are important topics like “would you prefer downtown or out-of-town stations” and affordable fares:
onqctravel.com
Consider trying transit today rather than getting stuck in the inevitable traffic jams!
What started out as legitimate questions and concerns by rural residents appears to have been twisted into a misinformation campaign by people with a political axe to grind.
As passengers, we place our trust in the safety of our railways. That trust is built upon a robust safety culture including independent investigation of accidents and near misses. Metrolinx must transfer responsibility for this investigation to the TSB.
ontario.transportaction.ca/metrolinx-ov...
Add poster of mixed-use, walkable neighbourhood in Europe, with the text reading “Wait, we’re afraid of walkable distances now? Via the URBAN TRUTH COLLECTIVE
They want us to be. THAT’S the conspiracy. #UrbanTruth
Having access to public transportation isn't just a matter of social and economic opportunity. It's a matter of dignity and personal safety. Provinces across Canada are failing, while pouring billions into highway funding. Have we not learned from the MMIWG inquiry?
cheknews.ca/calls-for-ac...
The opposition groups got a surprise: Their own polling found that a large majority of Canadian support building High Speed Rail.
www.railfans.ca/article/cana...
That would throw away billions spent over the last decade developing HFR then Alto this point, probably incur an eye-watering breach of contract penalty, and increase the political risk premium on future procurements for just about everything from icebreakers to pipelines. All to get nothing!
This a key reason why fast and reliable passenger transport networks that increase the feasible travel-to-work distance are crucial to people being able to secure a good job, and employers being able to attract the right talent:
@unifor.org have a point, and it is crucial that the new long distance fleet is both able to operate reliably in harsh winter conditions and to keep passengers and crew comfortable for up to 48 hours even in the event of a locomotive failure.
www.unifor.org/news/all-new...
Exactly how does that affect vibes, or did we miss some sarcasm? Lots of small towns around the world have electrified railways and thus benefit from frequent public transport without diesel locomotives growling along.
Lines Metrolinx fully controls like Stouffville and Barrie really ought to be done.
Politically-driven changes to project goals mid-stream is usually a great way to burn piles of cash. Don’t do it unless it’s to remove a politically-driven requirement the project engineers are warning is unrealistic.
Reliable transit with snow clearing at stops and shelter from the rain, sun and wind contributes to continued independence.
Thank you for preparing this plan. These are excellent proposals, and many of them could be implemented swiftly at modest cost.
Transport Action Ontario is pleased to endorse these proposals for speeding up Toronto's streetcar and LRT network:
Our grandparents’ cities were compact, walkable, and more affordable. What changed? @aurbanist.bsky.social, partner and chair at DIALOG, tells @jeyantvo.bsky.social why car‑centric planning made cities unsustainable for households, tonight at 8pm | Producer: @carrletta.bsky.social
Building High Speed Rail is a big responsibility, and the extensive consultation and information gathering before selecting a final route is a sign that responsibility is being taken seriously.
www.standard-freeholder.com/opinion/marc...
Small cities shouldn't mean small thinking about local services, so it is good to see Cornwall's mayor taking the lead on providing 7 days a week transit service.
www.standard-freeholder.com/news/strong-...
Alto is publishing weekly updates on common questions raised in its public consultation process. You can read the latest here:
www.altotrain.ca/en/blog/your...
There are other reasons for using BEMUs including get-home and working toilets if the power goes out, and being able to run on short stretches of non-electrified track like Canpa diversions. What’s puzzling is why it’s taken Metrolinx several years to come to a rather obvious conclusion.
Canada must not forget the north and its obligation to provide transportation services to remote and Indigenous communities. Sign these petitions the the House of Commons to restore funding for the Mask-wa Oo-ta-ban (Algoma Bear Train):
ontario.transportaction.ca/petitions-to...
We also urgently need ETCS.
It’s a problem that everyone has known about for a decade and it really shouldn’t be an insurmountable one.
