Toronto Transit Commission News, Info, etc..

[KeystoneRegional]

Please, watch the Nazi Banksters Crimes Ripple Effect at http://jforjustice.co.uk/banksters

[TTC1700]

Ugh, does Toronto really have to do this? Well, I need to go up again someday and catch these historic Streetcars...

They did this with the openings of the Harbourfront ROW and Spadina ROW 10 years ago.

[Y2Julio]

I only rode the TTC for a few short days but it's grown on me. Can't wait to head back up to Toronto.

[TTC1700]

The TTC has agreed that the rail gauge on the Transit City lines will be standard, and not the unique TTC gauge.

Transit City measures up to international standard

 

It's one more stop on the road to conformity.

 

Among the features that distinguish Toronto's streetcars from those in other cities is the track gauge. TTC cars run on a wider gauge – the distance between the inner edges of the two parallel rails.

 

Now, more than a century after Toronto's first street rails were installed, there's change afoot: The TTC has agreed its new Transit City lines will conform to the worldwide standard established in England in 1845, which is 4 feet, 8-1/2 inches (1.44 metres), a little more than two inches narrower than the TTC's existing 4 feet, 10-7/8 inches (1.5 metres).

 

The TTC and Metrolinx, the provincial agency that is funding the Transit City lines on Finch, Sheppard and Eglinton Aves., want to make sure the new lines are compatible with any other light rail transit (LRT) that might be built in the future. Mississauga, Hamilton, Ottawa and Waterloo have all expressed an interest in LRT, although none is committed.

 

There are no plans yet to physically link regional systems to the TTC's Transit City lines, but converting to the standardized gauge could help the province get a better price on streetcars, said Metrolinx vice-president John Howe.

 

"What we want to do is remove as much vehicle customization as possible, because we think we can achieve better value for the taxpayer by taking an international off-the-shelf standard design, basically the same proven LRT vehicles that are used elsewhere in Canada, the U.S. and Europe," he said.

 

Metrolinx still isn't saying whether it plans to exercise the TTC's option to purchase the Transit City cars from Bombardier, which last summer was awarded the $1.2 billion contract to build 204 replacement cars for the 11 old TTC routes.

 

But the track gauge shouldn't make much difference to the price because the wheels are adjustable, according to TTC Transit City spokesman Ryan Bissonnette.

 

"The current streetcars have actually been used on other systems. They used three streetcars in Boston. They just change the wheel base," he said.

 

There are no plans to convert the TTC's existing routes to standard gauge. The Transit City cars will link to the subway rather than the other streetcar lines, Bissonnette said. And the suburban cars also will be double-ended so they can be driven from the front or back.

 

So why does the TTC use a different track gauge, anyway?

 

"TTC gauge is `English carriage gauge' and was used in Toronto well before the TTC was formed," explains transit blogger Steve Munro. "There were two purposes: One was to make it impossible for the steam railways to use city tracks and the other (alleged) was to allow carriages and wagons to drive on the tracks when roads were impassable due to mud."

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/transportation/article/746626--transit-city-measures-up-to-international-standard

[KeystoneRegional]

Please, watch the Nazi Banksters Crimes Ripple Effect at http://jforjustice.co.uk/banksters

[theaveragejoe]

I hope they'll do it again someday when I have a vacation, ...

 

They run them on sundays in the summer on that line

[Y2Julio]

They run them on sundays in the summer on that line

 

Perfect!

[KeystoneRegional]

Please, watch the Nazi Banksters Crimes Ripple Effect at http://jforjustice.co.uk/banksters

[theaveragejoe]

Thanks, I'll check out Toronto, perhaps stop there this summer, !

 

But, I'll most likely going to be in Vancover fanning the Canada Line.

 

 

 

Might meet you there, never know...

 

 

 

If you come up this summer let me know also go to Vancouver in Novemeber as the Transexpo trade show will be in Vanacouver in Nov 2010

[KeystoneRegional]

Please, watch the Nazi Banksters Crimes Ripple Effect at http://jforjustice.co.uk/banksters

[theaveragejoe]

I'll but damn, November TransExpo show? Man that is one inconvienient month, .

 

Also on a side note there will be lots of charters in southern ontario this spring as most of the high floor buses will be gone in the next 1-3 years

[KeystoneRegional]

Please, watch the Nazi Banksters Crimes Ripple Effect at http://jforjustice.co.uk/banksters

[theaveragejoe]

So they are replacing the High-Floor Busses except while they are replacing it, they are brining in Charters?

 

No there are fan charters that are chartering the high floor buses to go around in fan groups to ride and take pics

[KeystoneRegional]

Please, watch the Nazi Banksters Crimes Ripple Effect at http://jforjustice.co.uk/banksters

[theaveragejoe]

Well, that seems very interesting for no apparent reason, I have to come up there someday and see what into globe is going on, B).

 

check out http://www.cptdb.ca its a canadian board like this one but for canada. Charters are where bus fans will charter a bus and ride it around and take photos of the bus at photo stops

[KeystoneRegional]

Please, watch the Nazi Banksters Crimes Ripple Effect at http://jforjustice.co.uk/banksters

[TTC1700]

"TTC committed to customer service excellence

 

Toronto Transit Commission Chair Adam Giambrone, today, announced several measures the TTC will begin immediate work on in its renewed commitment to excellence in customer service.

 

Last week, the Commission approved the formation of an advisory panel. Panelists will be named in the next week. This panel will have representation from customers, the private sector, TTC employees and the public transit industry. The panel will review and approve a terms of reference then begin the work of assessing existing plans to improve customer service, advise on where the TTC should seek outside expertise to achieve its objective, conduct public consultations, and draft a customer charter or “bill of rights.” It is intended that the advisory panel will publicly report its recommendations by June 30.

 

“The Toronto Transit Commission must be committed to service excellence. Its customers want and deserve a safe, reliable and courteous TTC experience,” said TTC Chair Adam Giambrone. “I have clearly heard and understand the frustration customers have shared with us, particularly in the wake of several high-profile customer service problems in the last few months. By reaching out and listening to customers, and through a comprehensive review of hiring, training, and technology, we can and will improve the TTC experience.”

 

The panel is one of several new or expedited initiatives aimed at dramatically improving customer service for TTC customers.

 

Next week, the TTC will unveil the first phase of its Trip Planner. Customer feedback will be sought as the trip planner continues through development, including a mobile application. The TTC will make its data available to organizations, like Google – at no charge – so they can develop applications that may be useful to TTC customers.

 

This year the TTC will install up to an additional 50 pass vending machines across the system, allowing customers to purchase Metropasses. The TTC continues to work with the province of Ontario on a smart card and automatic fare payment system.

 

The TTC will improve its plans to assist customers and employees during major subway delays, including the use of emergency transfers and bus shuttles. The advisory panel’s input will be critical in ensuring the right information, from the right people, at the right time is delivered in a way that is helpful to customers.

 

In July, all 800 streetcar stops will have SMS capability whereby customers can send a text message to the TTC and get an immediate response about when the next streetcar will arrive at that particular stop. Select shelters and subway stations serviced by streetcars will also have LED readouts with next vehicle arrival information Bus stops will have the same capability in 2011 as the TTC upgrades the GPS units aboard all the buses in its fleet.

 

To help frontline employees and customers alike during subway disruptions, the TTC will install video screens at station entrances or at collector booths with system status information. As well, direct communication with collectors and supervisors from Transit Control will be implemented to ensure employees have the latest information to help them do their jobs effectively.

 

The TTC has a number of initiatives already under way, or in the planning stage, to improve the customer experience on the TTC. When a delay on the subway occurs that is greater than 15 minutes during rush hour periods and 30 minutes at all other times, the TTC’s website is updated, e-alerts are issued and platform video screens carry text advising customers of any delay. Customers are notified of significant surface route disruptions in the same way. The TTC also makes use of social media tools such as Twitter and Facebook.

 

While technology is an important component of customer service and customer information, the TTC recognizes it can, and must, do better in its interactions with customers.

 

“We don’t want our customers to wonder what their next trip on the TTC might be like,” said TTC Chief General Manager Gary Webster. “We want them to look forward to a reliable, safe and courteous trip. Each of us at the TTC needs to think about how we are doing our jobs and how we interact with our customers. As public servants, we have a unique and important responsibility to meet, if not exceed, customer expectations. The vast majority of our employees are courteous; we need to achieve 100 per cent.”

 

With the assistance of the advisory panel, the TTC will begin a thorough and comprehensive review of its training curriculum – for new employees, as well as those going through recertification training. A renewed focus on customer service will be at the core of all training. The TTC will also ask the panel to advise on its plan to ensure all new hires, as well as all internal applicants, have a measurable aptitude for customer service excellence. To ensure service excellence is not only achieved, but sustained, quality assurance standards will be developed, as will the use of “secret shoppers” and comprehensive supervision.

 

The TTC will seek the panel’s input and advice on the need to retain consultant-support to help develop and guide the TTC through this process.

 

The TTC has a summer program called TTC Ambassadors. Used primarily at special events, the TTC will seek input from the panel on expanding this program into a full-time program whereby customers can get information or assistance from an ambassador at its busiest subway stations, or during major disruptions. The TTC will also undertake a review of its uniforms and dress code for frontline workers.

 

Finally, the TTC will establish a 24/7 hotline for TTC information or for filing a complaint. It will also seek advice from the panel and customers on its complaints process. Greater public accountability and transparency for complaints will be reviewed and routine public reporting of complaints and resolutions will be studied to ensure performance excellence is measured.

 

The TTC has heard much from its customers about how it can improve. The advisory panel will greatly assist the TTC in ensuring it focuses on the most important aspects of customer service while it consults with riders, and reviews processes and plans already in place. "

[67thAve]

Wow!!!! They're gonna be shipped by the <4>0(1)!!!!!!!!!

[theaveragejoe]

http://s52.radikal.ru/i136/1001/08/6f457e2b01cf.png

[TTC1700]

The TTC is currently receiving the first of 120 2010 Orion VII NG Diesel buses.

The first bus was delivered in mid February while the rest of the order started coming in the past week. Photos attached include 8100 on Rt 10 and 1675, one of 3 NG's currently equipped with Vapor Ammeriview doors.

[TTC1700]

One PCC will be out every Sunday on Rt 509 till Sept 5th starting May 9th.

[TTC1700]

PCC #4549, Peter Witt #2766 and CLRV #4041 seen on Queen St. for the Easter Day Parade.

[TTC1700]

6734, the last '91 Orion V has been retired.

[TTC1700]

Looks like when our 204 Bombardier Flexity Outlooks come in, a new carhouse will be open and 133 CLRV will be spared. Too bad 62 CLRVs and all 52 ALRVs would be retired though..

[Y2Julio]

Anything good of notice for June? I will be back in Toronto the first Weekend in June.