[All] LRT

[Robert Milligan]

Hi Michael.

Today I learned that the railways are using the idea of longer rail  
bypasses thus enabling trains so as to pass each other at higher  
speeds on 1-track lines & thus use the 1-track more efficiently &  
effectively!!  Besides this idea, I also suggested bypasses at  
Stations as LRT's
arrive simultaneously. In each case computer/GPS control systems  
are/'would be' used.

Again, my ideal design is a fast 1-track system from Northfield Dr. to  
each of the 401 &
'CP Rail line' "ends" of Hespler Rd. Approximately, this would use the  
Region's track, Caroline St., the Iron Horse Trail, the 'CN to CP'  
spur-line, new track along the CP right-or-way, unused CP track (from  
Compounding Factory on Eagle to 401), new track to Hespler Rd,  rarely  
used CN track to Hespler.

Also, as part of my ideal design, I am suggesting 2 slower 2-track  
systems that like in
Portland use the regular roadway & have frequent stops for maximum  
building intensification
effect: 1) Starting at Stirling, along Charles to CN tracks HUB then  
over to King & upto WLU;
2) Hespler Rd. from 401 to CP rail line.

Because of the very rapid success of the Portland Streetcar in terms  
at least of ridership &
building intensification, I can see the Region & W-K-C being able to  
justify greater funding
by them (using cheap Bank of Canada loans?) now for the slower  
streetcar systems. With
F & P funding mostly for the faster LRT system, I consider my ideal  
much-lower-per-kilometer-costing system financially feasible NOW!

I would very much appreciate constructive comments beyond, "I support  
the LRT design
as is now proposed by the Region." Though to me, this is somewhat  
better than the other easy response, "I support a bus."

Best wishes,
Robert

PS:
1. My ideal design avoids a very costly tunnel/station at King &  
Victoria, using the existing
tunnel on the Iron Horse trail under the CN line. I also used the King  
St. vehicle bridge to cross the Speed River (instead of a 3 rail-line  
bridge);
2) My more "traditional" design includes a 90+ degree flyover over the  
CN tracks into a
King/Joseph HUB by the CN tracks & spur-line with 2 tracks going down  
Joseph & Church Sts. to Charles at Benton via the existing bus  
terminal. Also it would link into the spur-line
at the HUB;
3. I will circulate my article to you in a week or 2 where my ideas  
will be clearer.




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