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Architecture Canada History Infrastructure Intercity Rail Transit Urban Planning

Ottawa’s Union Station problem

The idea of returning passenger trains to Ottawa’s beautiful downtown Union Station is very attractive. However, the current VIA station offers several key advantages for Alto that the old terminal can not match.

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Infrastructure Ontario Transit

Ion: An Ontario LRT that somehow works

With proper signal priority, reliable service, and a flexible route, Waterloo Region’s LRT is a good example of a successful transit service and planning tool. Though it has a few issues – including some slow sections and a restrictive operating contract – Ion works well.

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About me Transit

Toronto needs to build on what it has, not fall back on old tropes

The best way to improve transit in Toronto is to focus on affordable, quick, and effective solutions

Categories
Ontario Transit Travels

Orangeville’s free ride

Orangeville is the largest Canadian community with free transit. But it’s not necessarily a model for larger systems

Categories
Infrastructure Ontario Toronto Transit

Still waiting for the Finch West LRT

There’s not one easy fix for the Finch West LRT. Not only does it need transit signal priority, but it needs tighter schedules and better operations to live up to early promises.

Categories
About me Canada Intercity Rail Maps Ontario Transit

Canadian intercity transport at the end of 2025

Some progress and some disappointing losses in Canada’s intercity transportation links in 2025.

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Infrastructure Ontario Toronto Transit

Waiting for Finch West

Can a brand-new light rail line outrun the local bus it will soon replace? I went out to Finch Avenue West to see for myself.

Categories
Ontario Transit Travels

Missing connections in Windsor-Essex

Windsor, Ontario’s history is shaped by transportation. Sadly, its local and regional transit services are neglected, despite the needs of a a busy city-region.

Categories
Design History Infrastructure Ontario Toronto Transit

Introducing Mount Dennis

Toronto’s newest transit hub is only half-opened, but it provides a preview of the region’s upcoming new transit links. Despite a decent layout and good incorporation of local heritage, some tweaks for improved wayfinding are necessary.

Categories
Infrastructure Ontario Politics Toronto Transit

The revenge of SmartTrack

Metrolinx is looking to serve new Kitchener Line SmartTrack stations with its UP Express trains only. It’s only fair that the transit agency comes clean to transit riders on how it will make this work.