TTC "personal injury" during rush hour...once again

[Jkim]

3:00 pm I was on yonge/sheppard
hear on the announcements that there was a "personal injury" at finch station *sigh*

[wasserkool]

well, cant do much when our own ****** transit system is 10~15 years behind many developed countries like Japan or Singapore.

Take a look at singapore's Mass Rapid Transit SYstem:

http://www.comp.nus.edu.sg/~nguyenvu/images/VT_photos/singapore/2002_12-02/356_Waiting_Raffle_MRT.jpg

and its trains:

http://www.aplus.co.yu/images/life/singapore/mrt.jpg

[rfdrfd]

Does that mean someone pressed the ALARM strip?


Probably due to govern. not giving enough money and the UNION problems.

[MonkeyMe]

anyone know if the TTC subway is running right now than?

[Mcp]

well, cant do much when our own ****** transit system is 10~15 years behind many developed countries like Japan or Singapore.

Thats quite the claim!!! What are we baseing that one? Singapore subway didnt seem to special to me....

[DaVibe]

Wow, this was a big one ...

Sent Wednesday Apr. 18, 2007 03:46PM
BREAKING NEWS: Partial Subway Shutdown

A passenger emergency at the Finch subway station has shut down some service on the Yonge-University line. Subways aren't running between Sheppard and Finch and shuttle buses are running in their place. Traffic in the area is heavier than normal as a result. There's no word on when normal service may resume.

[DaVibe]

Does that mean someone pressed the ALARM strip?


Probably due to govern. not giving enough money and the UNION problems.

People push the alarms, it causes delays but not stoppages.
Even when people have seizures and things on the subway, causes delays ...

When there's a crime, people jump or whatever else, it causes full out stoppages.

[wasserkool]

Thats quite the claim!!! What are we baseing that one? Singapore subway didnt seem to special to me....

Their stations are much cleaner and modern than the ****** TTC. I don't have to line up to buy tokens or pay those overpaid ticket/fare collectors in the booth. All i have to do is load up a smart card with money and swipe.

Each ride cost less than CDN$1 while here i have to have 2.5 times more.


There are no lame strikes from the workers while TTC operators are already overpaid and yet complaining.

[Mcp]

Their stations are much cleaner and modern than the ****** TTC. I don't have to line up to buy tokens or pay those overpaid ticket/fare collectors in the booth. All i have to do is load up a smart card with money and swipe.

Each ride cost less than CDN$1 while here i have to have 2.5 times more.


There are no lame strikes from the workers while TTC operators are already overpaid and yet complaining.

Line up?? What you dont have a metropass?? CLEAN!!! Are you kidding!! you must have gone to a different Singapore!!! Price is dependent on ridership... None of these issues show the system is 10-15 years behind...
Also didnt see many busses in Singapore....

[DaVibe]

There are no lame strikes from the workers while TTC operators are already overpaid and yet complaining.

You obviously don't know the full story as to WHY the TTC workers strike ... a lot of times its because they're cutting workers (like the cleaners, which is why the TTC looks and smells like crap) and making full-timers work overnight shifts ...

Nobody WANTS to strike, they're obviously striking for reasons.
TTC Workers need to get paid well, because THEY ARE qualified. They go through training as to how to drive the bus, how to deal with people, how to deal with emergencies. Nobody thinks of it but I'm sorry, if you can't someone who can't speak English or who can't communicate with passengers, the TTC would be a lot worse. I don't think their pay is the real issue.

[MonkeyMe]

Wow, this was a big one ...

Sent Wednesday Apr. 18, 2007 03:46PM
BREAKING NEWS: Partial Subway Shutdown

A passenger emergency at the Finch subway station has shut down some service on the Yonge-University line. Subways aren't running between Sheppard and Finch and shuttle buses are running in their place. Traffic in the area is heavier than normal as a result. There's no word on when normal service may resume.

Thanks for the info!

[15-20_God]

Their stations are much cleaner and modern than the ****** TTC. I don't have to line up to buy tokens or pay those overpaid ticket/fare collectors in the booth. All i have to do is load up a smart card with money and swipe.

Each ride cost less than CDN$1 while here i have to have 2.5 times more.


so basically you're saying the ttc is second rate when you compare it to the best in the world.

[wasserkool]

Line up?? What you dont have a metropass?? CLEAN!!! Are you kidding!! you must have gone to a different Singapore!!! Price is dependent on ridership... None of these issues show the system is 10-15 years behind...
Also didnt see many busses in Singapore....

How can you not seen the double decker bus in singapore that only cost 35Cents to 70 cents to ride?
WHich area are you in?

Have you seen the newer blue buses that runs in york region the VIVA. I am sure you notice the difference between the VIVA bus and the old TTC bus? Those buses are already common in singapore 10 years ago.

[rfdrfd]

I see one problem... I don't think a stretcher can fit between the middle poles and the seats? Hence TTC trains now have NO poles in the middle.

NOthing compares to the amazing Hong Kong MTR trains. Countdown to the next train (always <5min apart), stops exactly where the line shows on the ground, and barrier glass doors so people cannot commit suicides anymore.

Also beautiful shops all around, Octapus card (RFID) paying system.

http://fmsp.com/images/port_MTRC.jpg



well, cant do much when our own ****** transit system is 10~15 years behind many developed countries like Japan or Singapore.

Take a look at singapore's Mass Rapid Transit SYstem:

http://www.comp.nus.edu.sg/~nguyenvu/images/VT_photos/singapore/2002_12-02/356_Waiting_Raffle_MRT.jpg

and its trains:

http://www.aplus.co.yu/images/life/singapore/mrt.jpg

[ephemera]

The Paris subway system smells like Urine.

[Jkim]

man i hope they clean up the mess or fix the situation...i want to go home soon time...stuck at my girlfriends house and she's asking me to cook for her....AHHH

[Mulder and Scully]

well, cant do much when our own ****** transit system is 10~15 years behind many developed countries like Japan or Singapore.

The TTC is also one of the most underfunded public transit systems among the major cities thanks to the mismanagement of the City of Toronto. If you think TTC employees are overpaid, you should see the City of Toronto employees.

[Emancipated]

The Paris subway system smells like Urine.

Hate to break it to you, but most of Paris itself smells like urine; not just their subway.

[kajan23]

The Paris subway system smells like Urine.

yeaah man. i was there in 2004... it reaked.

[crimsona]

I see one problem... I don't think a stretcher can fit between the middle poles and the seats? Hence TTC trains now have NO poles in the middle.

NOthing compares to the amazing Hong Kong MTR trains. Countdown to the next train (always <5min apart), stops exactly where the line shows on the ground, and barrier glass doors so people cannot commit suicides anymore.

Also beautiful shops all around, Octapus card (RFID) paying system.

http://fmsp.com/images/port_MTRC.jpg

The MTRC also owns a lot of property which offsets a lot of the cost of running a state of the art system.

[ahyue2]

I have to agree that subways in Singapore, Japan and Hong Kong are very nice and up to date......

However, to add though, the subway or known as Mass Transit Railway in HK is not a government company.

Regardless, in order for Toronto to become a truly world class city, we really need to upgrade our transit.

HK MTR Trains
http://www.hkrs.org.hk/photogallery/mtr/tkol/k_train09.jpg

HK MTR Airport Express Train Interior
http://content.answers.com/main/content/wp/en-commons/thumb/c/cf/270px-MTR_Hong_Kong_interior_Airportexpress.JPG

HK MTR Station - North Point
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/be/MTR_North_Point_station_(1).jpg/800px-MTR_North_Point_station_(1).jpg

HK MTR- Disney Train
http://voyage.typepad.com/lfc_images/Mickey_Mouse_Train_Hong_Kong_Disneyland.jpg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6c/HK_MTR_DisneyResortLine_Sunny_Bay_platform_trains. JPG/796px-HK_MTR_DisneyResortLine_Sunny_Bay_platform_trains. JPG

More info on HK MTR can be found here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MTR


And for more information on the TTC, here is an informative and interesting site: http://transit.toronto.on.ca/

Also, not sure about 10-15 years, but 9 years sounds right:
http://transit.toronto.on.ca/subway/5511.shtml The technology summarized in the TTC proposal has been in existence in HK or Asian since at least 2000

[DaVibe]

BREAKING NEWS: Subway Shutdown Over

The problem on the Yonge-University subway line has now cleared. All trains are running at all stations and the shuttle bus detours are over. The interruption was caused by a passenger emergency at Finch station, but it was cleared at 4:23pm

[JAGpilot]

Personal Injury most always means someone jumped. My sorrows to them.

[Coolisme]

But you guys have to think about the situation.

These subways like the HK and Singapore ones, were they designed and built recently? or were they upgrades to their existing tracks? If they were designed and built fairly recent then of course it is expected to be way better than a TTC system that is almost 50 years old.

For the TTC to return to world-class standards, upgrades won't do, they would need a MAJOR overhaul of the entire subway system and I doubt the city can afford several years without the TTC subway systems or the cost for such a enormous project.

[UrbanPoet]

that disney train is so cute!

[ferkel]

Ya.. MTR is a money making machine...

If the TTC was even 1/4 of what MTR is Toronto would be a real world class city.
Unfortunately we don't have the density and desire to do it.

[ShadowVlican]

NOthing compares to the amazing Hong Kong MTR trains. Countdown to the next train (always <5min apart), stops exactly where the line shows on the ground, and barrier glass doors so people cannot commit suicides anymore.

Also beautiful shops all around, Octapus card (RFID) paying system.

http://fmsp.com/images/port_MTRC.jpg
+1

The MTRC also owns a lot of property which offsets a lot of the cost of running a state of the art system.
well then... the TTC should take a hint.

Ya.. MTR is a money making machine...

If the TTC was even 1/4 of what MTR is Toronto would be a real world class city.
Unfortunately we don't have the density and desire to do it.
+1

[CharmyPoo]

Does anyone know if the subway is back up yet? I want to go home but don't want to get stuck in some mess.

[felix]

Personal Injury most always means someone jumped. My sorrows to them.
Yeah, that's what I thought too. It's population control. They should offer us an easier way though so we wouldn't inconvience everybody.

[tmpz]

Yeah, that's what I thought too. It's population control. They should offer us an easier way though so we wouldn't inconvience everybody.

You want something like this?


http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/62/Suicide_Booth.JPG

[MrDisco]

well, cant do much when our own ****** transit system is 10~15 years behind many developed countries like Japan or Singapore.


this always comes up. first off the ttc is grossly underfunded, our culture is car based not mass transit based, population density here is not as great as Japan or HK, and finally the public itself doesn't have any respect for public infrastructure. how long do you think those pretty trains and stations would last with the rejects of Toronto running about? its sad enough we have to pay TTC workers to come by and clean up all the newspapers and litter from trains routinely through the day.

[gordholio]

How can you not seen the double decker bus in singapore that only cost 35Cents to 70 cents to ride?
WHich area are you in?

Have you seen the newer blue buses that runs in york region the VIVA. I am sure you notice the difference between the VIVA bus and the old TTC bus? Those buses are already common in singapore 10 years ago.

Move to Singapore if it's so great. :)

[ShadowVlican]

this always comes up. first off the ttc is grossly underfunded, our culture is car based not mass transit based, population density here is not as great as Japan or HK, and finally the public itself doesn't have any respect for public infrastructure. how long do you think those pretty trains and stations would last with the rejects of Toronto running about? its sad enough we have to pay TTC workers to come by and clean up all the newspapers and litter from trains routinely through the day.
so if i read that right... we have too much trash living in Toronto

go multi-culturalism!

[wilson_wu]

so if i read that right... we have too much trash living in Toronto

go multi-culturalism!

What he said is right. People treat our trains like ****.

Have any of you seen the graffiti that's popping up all over the place on the Bloor Danforth line...where they scratch the window or spray this acid to frost the glass.

The trains on the YUS are relatively cleaner than the BD line. I regularly travel on the two so I can tell.

[Mike_wang]

I believe that we should have the same glass systems just like the HK system to prevent people from "jumping."

[Emancipated]

What he said is right. People treat our trains like ****.

Have any of you seen the graffiti that's popping up all over the place on the Bloor Danforth line...where they scratch the window or spray this acid to frost the glass.

The trains on the YUS are relatively cleaner than the BD line. I regularly travel on the two so I can tell.

The YUS has more of the newer/larger trains. I haven't seen one with the big orange chairs on either line for some time now.

[bautista.undefined]

the TTC is one of the worse systems I've travelled on. It's the same reasons everyone else has.

[Mike_wang]

Do you know what burns my gear? The fact that they don't have friggen reception for the subways. Hong Kong has recepetion why don't we? It gets frustrating at times and the RT is so damn loud you can barely talk to anyone.

[NLI10D]

You obviously don't know the full story as to WHY the TTC workers strike ... a lot of times its because they're cutting workers (like the cleaners, which is why the TTC looks and smells like crap) and making full-timers work overnight shifts ...

Nobody WANTS to strike, they're obviously striking for reasons.
TTC Workers need to get paid well, because THEY ARE qualified. They go through training as to how to drive the bus, how to deal with people, how to deal with emergencies. Nobody thinks of it but I'm sorry, if you can't someone who can't speak English or who can't communicate with passengers, the TTC would be a lot worse. I don't think their pay is the real issue.

they are an essential service they should not be allowed to strike.

[DaVibe]

they are an essential service they should not be allowed to strike.

So essential and doesn't have enough funding.

[Evil Baby]

The TTC needs some serious funding. It's been cut back so far.

That being said the TTC also needs to do an overhaul to smartcards so you get charged for the length of your trip instead of a flat fee. The TTC has a crap load of property to cover and I think that is thier biggest issue.


As for the Viva busses, they would get destroyed on the busier streets in Toronto. Not nearly enough seats and odd standing room, much like that crappy new raised back buses.

[NLI10D]

So essential and doesn't have enough funding.

so because they are underfunded you dont consider the ttc an essential service? what would be a realistic alternative to the ttc? heaven knows car insurance is affordable specially in toronto

[ahyue2]

Despite the fact I posted so many pictures of HK MTR, and the obvious answer that our TTC is behind, I really think that TTC is salvageable.

When I walk into Downsview Station, I sense a station that is trying to emulate what a world class station is like with a limited budget.

TTC is severely underfunded, and people have to realize it regardless of where the fault is. If we want to upgrde TTC to world class standards, we either have to pay for more taxes or someone, somewhere has to sacrifice.

I forgot if I read anywhere, but have they tried to do "differential distance" pricing? For example, if you go from Finch to North York, it is one price, and if you go from Finch to Eglinton, it is a higher price?

[wilson_wu]

Despite the fact I posted so many pictures of HK MTR, and the obvious answer that our TTC is behind, I really think that TTC is salvageable.

When I walk into Downsview Station, I sense a station that is trying to emulate what a world class station is like with a limited budget.

TTC is severely underfunded, and people have to realize it regardless of where the fault is. If we want to upgrde TTC to world class standards, we either have to pay for more taxes or someone, somewhere has to sacrifice.

I forgot if I read anywhere, but have they tried to do "differential distance" pricing? For example, if you go from Finch to North York, it is one price, and if you go from Finch to Eglinton, it is a higher price?

A subway's purpose is to transport people from Point A to Point B in timely manner, not act as an art gallery. Your suggestion of raising taxes to make our stations "prettier" is ridiculous (considering 51% of Toronto's 2007 budget is already going to the TTC).

The TTC can't afford glamourous and expensive subway projects. They had to divert a lot of their money and invest it into safety (especially after the accident in 1995). Balance it out: Safety or Aesthetics. I'm more comfortable knowing my train won't slam into another. :)

While it would be nice to have all that glitz and glam for the TTC, you have to view it realistically. We don't have the money. We don't even have the money to maintain the current system we have. What we need is for those fat cats at Queen's Park to start subsidizing transit again (like to pre-Mike Harris days).

The last time the TTC had Zone fares (1970s)...they ran a profit. :o *gasp* The TTC actually made money.

[EscaBoi]

Personal Injury most always means someone jumped. My sorrows to them.
ya, one of my neighbours where i use to live worked with the TTC as one of the underground clean-up crews and said that whenver you hear on the P.A that there is a stoppage between stations, it's almost always a jumper. though it is not always reported on the news, he said you'll find a jumper or a body at least once every 2 or 3 days.

dunno if it is true but he sounded quite serious

[sfu_lifer]

Y'know what? Us in Vancouver would kill for what you have in Toronto. The transit system here sucks so bad. Not enough buses esp in the weekends.
Militant unions here as well :(

[goffeebeans]

this always comes up. first off the ttc is grossly underfunded, our culture is car based not mass transit based, population density here is not as great as Japan or HK, and finally the public itself doesn't have any respect for public infrastructure. how long do you think those pretty trains and stations would last with the rejects of Toronto running about? its sad enough we have to pay TTC workers to come by and clean up all the newspapers and litter from trains routinely through the day.

+1.
particularly the car culture of toronto vs hk.
If you consider HK, one of the reasons why people don't drive is cause its so damn expensive! At least when i was there, the roads are packed with luxury cars: e or s class mercedes, porsches, 5/7 series bmws, etcs. If it's not one of those than its like an 8 seater van. Pretty much only the rich can afford to drive, theres no other choices but public transit.

just something out of the blue. Also gotta consider relative costs. For example shanghai, supposedly they have a pretty good transit, but I never checked it out. always took taxis as it was relatively cheap to us canadians.
In shanghai, the subway base fare is 3 yuan for journeys under 6km, then 1 yuan for each additional 10 km, max fare is 8yuan.
Now compare it to wages
Assuming your a "full-time" employee and thus allowed to earn at least the minimum wage of 6.5 yuan (part-time workers earn less than minimum wage), the cost of riding the subway is equivalent to about 1/2hr to 1.25 hrs of your wages. if we compare it to our minimum wage, thats like $3.69 - 9.85 cdn to ride the subway.
Can anyone do a comparison with hk?

[Irb]

So essential and doesn't have enough funding.Name one essential service that has funding. Toronto just have enough people to be taxed on. Also David Miller is a clown.

[nickia]

I see one problem... I don't think a stretcher can fit between the middle poles and the seats? Hence TTC trains now have NO poles in the middle.

NOthing compares to the amazing Hong Kong MTR trains. Countdown to the next train (always <5min apart), stops exactly where the line shows on the ground, and barrier glass doors so people cannot commit suicides anymore.

Also beautiful shops all around, Octapus card (RFID) paying system.

http://fmsp.com/images/port_MTRC.jpg

my mom and sisters traveled to Japan and they said the Japanese trains are extremely accurate. They will slow down the train if they are about to approach the station ahead of the schedule.

[ahyue2]

A subway's purpose is to transport people from Point A to Point B in timely manner, not act as an art gallery. Your suggestion of raising taxes to make our stations "prettier" is ridiculous (considering 51% of Toronto's 2007 budget is already going to the TTC).

The TTC can't afford glamourous and expensive subway projects. They had to divert a lot of their money and invest it into safety (especially after the accident in 1995). Balance it out: Safety or Aesthetics. I'm more comfortable knowing my train won't slam into another. :)

While it would be nice to have all that glitz and glam for the TTC, you have to view it realistically. We don't have the money. We don't even have the money to maintain the current system we have. What we need is for those fat cats at Queen's Park to start subsidizing transit again (like to pre-Mike Harris days).

The last time the TTC had Zone fares (1970s)...they ran a profit. :o *gasp* The TTC actually made money.

Actually, my point wasn't to raise taxes, but money has to come from somewhere, so either a generous philanthropist donate a chunk of money, or else it will be from public funding.

We don't need to make it prettier, but make it more pleasureable for the consumers. However, I do agree that we should focus on maintaining the current system and not let it degrade further.

I dont mind having zone pricing, but I am sure there will be critics. I personally just don't find it fair that if I go one station I have to pay the same as a person travelling from Kipling to McCowan.

[trixstar]

Line up?? What you dont have a metropass?? CLEAN!!! Are you kidding!! you must have gone to a different Singapore!!! Price is dependent on ridership... None of these issues show the system is 10-15 years behind...
Also didnt see many busses in Singapore....

lol.. u seem to really love the ttc..

[GangStarr]

The subway (not the TTC) itself is perfectly acceptable. Paris is a world class city with subways running everywhere and most of them look VERY ugly.

The modern bombardier ones are just fine, what are you guys complaining about? You sit in them and stare at the floor or the ads. You really need something like that tacky disney train? The one thing they could use is a button to control the open and closing of a door. Saves heating and electricity on trains that arn't packed, or stops that arn't used the frequently and are outside like rosedale.

All TTC Needs to do is add some barriers to stop jumpers. Then make the yonge line 24hrs and I will have no problems with them.

For the most part, its on time, reliable and frequent. The only station in dire need of renovation is Union, since that platform is so narrow its a huge safety risk.

I wont get started on the busses and rt's but ease off the subways. Were lucky to have them.

[manixc]

Y'know what? Us in Vancouver would kill for what you have in Toronto. The transit system here sucks so bad. Not enough buses esp in the weekends.
Militant unions here as well :(

+1
Buses are non-existent in Surrey(at least Vancouver is better). There's only 1 bus/hr where I live for the last 10 years, but population has grown so much (all the forests near by have become condos or houses).

Having been to Europe, it is quite sad to see what we have in Vancouver.