tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64411682130844993672024-03-18T15:28:45.230-04:00You. Me. Ride This Crazy Train - Adventures and Observations on The GOC.J. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03325979176373626807noreply@blogger.comBlogger5283125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6441168213084499367.post-4033802634889139912023-04-16T11:57:00.000-04:002023-04-20T09:41:32.841-04:00Editorial contact and following along with Cj!<br />I have made the difficult decision to permanently retire from blogging despite making an effort in November to pick it up again.<div><br /></div><div>I gave up Twitter once Elon Musk took it over. My account exists but I don't use it. <br />
<br />If you still want to stay in touch, find me on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@ridethiscrazytrain" target="_blank">TikTok</a> (it's the only social media app I use now) or shoot me a text 905-442-7423.<br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
Cindy (Cj)<br />
<br />
<br /></div>C.J. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03325979176373626807noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6441168213084499367.post-21452464690392052952019-05-13T12:22:00.002-04:002019-05-13T12:25:28.417-04:00Furious that we're back to the drawing board with the Lakeshore East extension<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
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The GO Train to Bowmanville has been killed for another generation and MPP Park is blaming the Liberals. No surprise! As one who worked with Metrolinx on this project, this spin is not true. <a href="https://twitter.com/lparkpc?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@lparkpc</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DavidPiccini?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DavidPiccini</a> <a href="https://t.co/rxx1TQ9PdK">pic.twitter.com/rxx1TQ9PdK</a></div>
— David Crome (@davidcrome) <a href="https://twitter.com/davidcrome/status/1125902593484632065?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<br />
David Crome
<a href="https://twitter.com/davidcrome/status/1125902593484632065/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Fsearch%3Fq%3DGO%2520bowmanville" target="_blank">@davidcrome</a><br />
The GO Train to Bowmanville has been killed for another generation and MPP Park is blaming the Liberals. No surprise! As one who worked with Metrolinx on this project, this spin is not true.C.J. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03325979176373626807noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6441168213084499367.post-53580270161470405462019-04-22T11:07:00.002-04:002019-04-22T11:07:57.564-04:00I don't think any of us were ready to pay moreI figured I'd be well into 20-plus years of commuting before I saw the day it would cost me more than $20 round-trip into work each day. But here we are - 2019 - and it's $10.31 one-way with Presto from Oshawa to Union Station.<br />
<br />
But wait! There's more!<br />
<br />
If you live less than 10 km away from Union Station and would like to avoid the TTC, for the bargain price of $3.70, down $2 prior to April 20th, you can cram onto a GO train and join us all. Ain't it grand all of us in the 905 are subsidizing this for you?<br />
<br />
You're welcome.<br />
<br />
Oh, and all the kids under 13 who ride for free, you're welcome, too.C.J. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03325979176373626807noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6441168213084499367.post-65221154846021371772019-04-18T22:12:00.002-04:002019-04-18T22:18:11.651-04:00RecoveryMost days I felt like I was floating. Floating in my own body and fighting waves of terror, terror of getting *that* call. The one where I'm told my mom didn't make it. Thankfully, it never came.<br />
<br />
Terror is an emotion I just learned about. I had never experienced such uncontrollable fear before. The kind of fear that if left unchecked, can lead to post traumatic stress disorder, and for some people, long-term disability. I vowed to get it under control. I made use of the services available through my group benefits plan at work and put myself in counselling. It helped to have my doctor and other professionals convince me that I wasn't crazy.<br />
<br />
I witnessed too much for my heart and soul to hold that night. Watching nurses and doctors flutter frantically around my mother... everything soaked in blood. Hearing her cry out for me and then drift into unconsciousness. Someone telling me she might not make it to Hamilton. Chatter about how she'd lost almost a litre of blood. My mom giving me her jewelry, delirious with pain and telling me she could hear her mother, who has been dead for 45 years, calling her name.<br />
<br />
My mom was so pale I could see every vein in her skin. Her belly was so huge from massive internal bleeding, she looked pregnant. It wasn't real. When I had arrived at the hospital in St. Catharines, my mom had been in their ER unit for four hours as they worked frantically to keep her stable, and waited for a specialized ambulance to become available to take her to Hamilton General, where they were better equipped to handle her injuries. It was absolutely surreal.<br />
<br />
There was a point, 8 days later, where I went on a tear through my home, screaming and crying uncontrollably, that I was convinced I'd throw myself out of a window just to make the terror stop. To not be in control of terror, of anxiety, is just plain awful. I had just received word that my mom had a blood clot in her lung, that she couldn't breathe, and was being rushed to ICU, after only being out of ICU for three days. I panicked. I couldn't get myself to understand that these things happen. All I could do was tremble uncontrollably, then I started to shake, and then I just started to wail. At one point, while I was on the kitchen floor feeling like I was falling, my husband had me in a bear hug to prevent me from hitting myself. It was fucking awful.<br />
<br />
It was too much. For two weeks I had struggled to keep it together. I was trying to process the nightmare my father and siblings, along with our own families, had suddenly been thrown into.<br />
<br />
Recovery is happening. We are in recovery. It's been 8 weeks since the near fatal car crash. I've thrown myself into work. I've lost 7 pounds. I barely eat actually. I sleep okay, but I remain on edge. My mother and sister are home. My mom may never be the person she was. She is forever changed by this car crash. She's extremely tired and that's completely normal. I worry about her mental health. My mom is from a generation of baby boomers where feelings aren't discussed, and strength is measured by how much emotion one holds in and hides from the world. It depresses me to talk to her because she holds how she really feels back from me. So, I just keep it pleasant, but it's frustrating.<br />
<br />
Easter is all about re-birth. My sister and mother nearly died. This is not lost on me. I feel for anyone who has ever experienced trauma. I'm part of a club I'd rather to have never known about.C.J. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03325979176373626807noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6441168213084499367.post-24877906300552029152019-03-01T01:03:00.003-05:002019-03-01T01:03:40.105-05:00Nine years later and my, how things have changedIt's hard to be a blog in today's Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat world. As most of you know, I live and breathe on Twitter, and have been for a while.<br />
<br />
Every so often I roll on here and post the odd thing or two. The rest of 2019 looks to be a rough go for me. On Feb 22, my mom and sister (who is cognitively delayed) were in a catastrophic head-on crash just outside of Fonthill, Ontario.<br />
<br />
This was a devastating collision with no real answer to the cause. My mother sustained life-threatening injuries and Jen was admitted in critical condition. Although it's only been six days, it feels like sixty.<br />
<br />
My mother's car did what it was designed to do. It was destroyed but it saved her life and the life of my sister. Unfortunately, a body in motion remains in motion and my mother's internal injuries were massive. She lost a lot of blood, was transported to a trauma centre in Hamilton, operated on and put into a medically-induced coma. Today was the first day where she's breathing on her own and awakens on her own. She is not out of danger just yet, but she's in the best place she could possibly be to have these complications taken care of.<br />
<br />
Jen experienced severe trauma to her body and although not life-threatening, her injuries are extensive enough that she can expect to be in the hospital for at least three months. Coupled with her mental delay and her inability to comprehend the magnitude of my mother's injuries and the crash itself, this whole ordeal has been immensely stressful and challenging for her.<br />
<br />
I'm un-tethered. The best way to describe how I feel is like untangling knots. I get through one only to be faced with another.C.J. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03325979176373626807noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6441168213084499367.post-90651143127972648462019-03-01T00:52:00.000-05:002019-03-01T00:51:59.979-05:00I know, it's almost March... I've done very little blogging but it's truly the year of the Park and Ride<header class="entry-header" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 1.7em;"><h1 class="entry-title" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #2d2d2d; font-family: Oswald, sans-serif; font-size: 4.5rem; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<a href="https://blog.metrolinx.com/2019/02/25/stop-and-go-courtice-park-and-ride-gets-high-marks-from-local-transit-blogger/" rel="bookmark" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2d2d2d; font-family: inherit; font-size: 45px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s; vertical-align: baseline;">Stop and GO – Courtice park and ride gets high marks from local transit blogger</a></h1>
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<span class="posted-on" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://blog.metrolinx.com/2019/02/25/stop-and-go-courtice-park-and-ride-gets-high-marks-from-local-transit-blogger/" rel="bookmark" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #6d6d6d; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s; vertical-align: baseline;">FEBRUARY 25, 2019</a></span><span class="byline" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px); display: inline; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; height: 1px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; position: absolute; vertical-align: baseline; width: 1px;"><span class="sep" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px 5px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">/</span><span class="author vcard" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a class="url fn n" href="https://blog.metrolinx.com/author/mxapprover/" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #6d6d6d; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s; vertical-align: baseline;">METROLINX</a></span></span></div>
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We asked for your feedback on the new GO Transit park and ride lot in Courtice, Ont., and you answered. Including hearing from CJ Smith, who has more time on her hands thanks to the new spots. The transit advocate, and This Crazy Train blog author, says the new lot is shaving 10 minutes off her … <a class="more-link" href="https://blog.metrolinx.com/2019/02/25/stop-and-go-courtice-park-and-ride-gets-high-marks-from-local-transit-blogger/" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(148, 156, 161); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-image: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-width: 0px 0px 2px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #8fd6bd; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s; vertical-align: baseline;">Continue reading</a></div>
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C.J. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03325979176373626807noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6441168213084499367.post-6060403773081351832019-02-18T14:13:00.001-05:002019-02-18T14:13:14.567-05:00I didn't get an invitation to this ribbon cutting ceremony at the new Courtice Park and Ride<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
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ATTN: East Durham Commuters <a href="https://t.co/e3KuxxVIp1">https://t.co/e3KuxxVIp1</a></div>
— Lindsey Park (@lparkpc) <a href="https://twitter.com/lparkpc/status/1097151364373929984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<br />
In the past, Metrolinx has been great with sending me notices about station openings and ribbon cutting events. I went through three months of email and I am positive I don't have a media advisory on this.<br />
<br />
I'm pretty angry. I would have liked to have been there to ask some questions about the service, accessibility and linking in local transit.<br />
<br />
I can't help but feel this was deliberate.C.J. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03325979176373626807noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6441168213084499367.post-23264808490811166572019-01-24T12:21:00.000-05:002019-10-28T11:11:04.396-04:00A short note to those who take the 91 Newcastle busHi,<br />
<br />
I'm a Courtice Park and Ride passenger. I know you loathe me. I know you loathe me because I've added 10 minutes to your already long commute. I know you'd prefer the park and ride had never been built. And, I also know that the 90 GO bus folks also hate the Ritson Road Park and Ride because it's completely changed how those buses run.<br />
<br />
I honestly don't know what to say here. I realize that most days I'm one of five cars parked in the Courtice lot and that causes so much resentment. But you see, the point of expanding transit and building park and rides is to get people off the highways and arterial roads and onto buses. It also frees up parking at the Oshawa GO lot for those who really need it.<br />
<br />
I dislike that I even have to DRIVE to the Park and Ride as there is no local transit that goes there. Nor can I walk or bike to it because it's located off a Regional Road with an 80 km/hr speed limit. It's too dangerous.<br />
<br />
One day, we will have train service to Bowmanville and that may mean that many people won't ever have to take a bus again. In the meantime, please don't roll your eyes at me when I board the bus. Or, sigh loudly when I exit.<br />
<br />
I'm not going anywhere and I really hope we can be friends.<br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
CjC.J. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03325979176373626807noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6441168213084499367.post-6786251208179749712019-01-01T14:47:00.001-05:002019-01-01T14:47:24.724-05:00Happy New Year to all my friends!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Bb9vo1ib2Q/XCvDj3aK1KI/AAAAAAAAMk4/uaM2jgt7YBUnkGlMfvVPnBp18sjZ2cY5wCLcBGAs/s1600/524486-PJ7DG3-587.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Bb9vo1ib2Q/XCvDj3aK1KI/AAAAAAAAMk4/uaM2jgt7YBUnkGlMfvVPnBp18sjZ2cY5wCLcBGAs/s1600/524486-PJ7DG3-587.jpg" width="520" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/flat-elements-new-year-background_3530838.htm">Designed by Freepik</a>C.J. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03325979176373626807noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6441168213084499367.post-84811866090584825662018-12-21T08:58:00.004-05:002018-12-21T08:58:47.380-05:00A note of appreciation from a Barrie passenger who has mobility issuesThis morning I was walking a bit slower than usual to get on the Go train due to a later pick-up from home with York Region transit. As a result, I did not make it into the accessible coach where I usually sit. Therefore, I just got on any coach and sat down. About 15 minutes later, the Barrie Customer Service Ambassador (CSA) that makes the stop announcements on the train arriving at Union at 7:03 came walking through the train. When he reached the coach where I was sitting he says to me, "Good morning, can I help you through the train coaches, Daniella?"<br />
My response? Don't mind if you do. As a result, he kindly helped me through the coaches until we got to the accessible coach.<br />
<br />
Barrie CSAs are awesome. To each and everyone of you, thank you for all you do, this passenger truly appreciates all your assistance.C.J. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03325979176373626807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6441168213084499367.post-3205061378083659512018-12-17T14:03:00.000-05:002018-12-17T14:03:12.993-05:00Planning for the future at the Courtice Park and Ride? Because it's sure not for the present!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
WHAT'S HAPPENING AT THE COURTICE GO TRANSIT PARK AND RIDE?</div>
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GLAD YOU ASKED (a pictorial)...</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4sLk4rvE0pc/XBfvoPupNKI/AAAAAAAAMkE/DNeeNU9v7xkvhwvIR5CH-3GWAlZPEcJ3ACLcBGAs/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4sLk4rvE0pc/XBfvoPupNKI/AAAAAAAAMkE/DNeeNU9v7xkvhwvIR5CH-3GWAlZPEcJ3ACLcBGAs/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The parking lot and driveway are in place. Posts for lighting have been installed...</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SHBS4kTkxB0/XBfvodzRL7I/AAAAAAAAMkM/7FKnRaethv8S5Wr32-2JDDoA61iDrT6ggCLcBGAs/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1022" data-original-width="1362" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SHBS4kTkxB0/XBfvodzRL7I/AAAAAAAAMkM/7FKnRaethv8S5Wr32-2JDDoA61iDrT6ggCLcBGAs/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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But wait... What's that in the middle of the parking lot?<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wI6FeRsLTiY/XBfvoZOWDUI/AAAAAAAAMkI/rwbO4hG1fqATTXLMwNm4mIKx2W9g8jCMACLcBGAs/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wI6FeRsLTiY/XBfvoZOWDUI/AAAAAAAAMkI/rwbO4hG1fqATTXLMwNm4mIKx2W9g8jCMACLcBGAs/s400/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Let's zoom in...<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gGCzYp9lmns/XBfvosO29KI/AAAAAAAAMkQ/7_sPnuyUTFMFMRwj2cC5au0XkfLj3p5IgCLcBGAs/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gGCzYp9lmns/XBfvosO29KI/AAAAAAAAMkQ/7_sPnuyUTFMFMRwj2cC5au0XkfLj3p5IgCLcBGAs/s400/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Why it's a bicycle station! This is great but problematic. Currently the station is accessible from Courtice Rd which is a regional highway with an 80 km/hr speed limit. There are very narrow shoulders and NO. BIKE. LANES.<br />
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Look at that shoulder width! Would you bike this? Not me!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4cRhK8YizH0/XBfvo74bWrI/AAAAAAAAMkU/TprIxM8GZsUA93NKQ9LLNIvdeCto9FJhgCLcBGAs/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4cRhK8YizH0/XBfvo74bWrI/AAAAAAAAMkU/TprIxM8GZsUA93NKQ9LLNIvdeCto9FJhgCLcBGAs/s400/5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here's Courtice Rd looking north. I've biked this stretch only a few times and never at night. Drivers aren't traveling at 80 km, more like 90... It's terrifying. Biking to the park and ride wouldn't be safe unless Metrolinx is working with the Region of Durham to install bike lanes?<br />
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I've sent Joe Neal, the regional councilor for Courtice a message via his office to call me to discuss this in the new year. Maybe he has some answers for how Go Transit passengers looking to cycle to the Park and Ride can do it safely.C.J. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03325979176373626807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6441168213084499367.post-83301924043475728922018-12-14T15:45:00.002-05:002018-12-14T15:55:35.680-05:00Why is this considered "historic"? It's GO Train service, not the invention of commuter rail into terrain that's never been traversed<b>News Release</b><br />
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<b>Ontario Delivers Historic Weekday GO Train Service to Niagara Falls</b><br />
<b>New Morning and Evening Train Service Will Start Four Years Ahead of Schedule</b><br />
<br />
December 14, 2018 11:00 A.M.<br />
<br />
ST. CATHARINES — Ontario's Government for the People continues to deliver on its promise to get people moving faster by adding regular weekday GO train service to Niagara Falls and St. Catharines for the first time.<br />
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Today, Jeff Yurek, Minister of Transportation, Kinga Surma, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Transportation, Sam Oosterhoff, MPP Niagara West, along with Leslie Woo, Chief Planning and Development Officer, Metrolinx, visited the rail station in St. Catharines to announce that the government will introduce long-asked-for weekday GO train service to Niagara Falls and St. Catharines on the Lakeshore West line.<br />
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“Our government is keeping our promise to get people moving and make life better for everyone in Ontario by expanding GO train service to Niagara Falls,” said Yurek. “We are working with our railway partner, CN, to use the existing rail infrastructure to expand GO Transit service for people in Niagara Falls and St. Catharines four years sooner than promised.”<br />
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Beginning on January 7, 2019, people travelling by GO Transit between Niagara Falls and Toronto's Union Station will benefit from a new morning trip with an evening return every weekday. The morning train that currently starts from West Harbour station in Hamilton at 6:39 a.m. will now start in Niagara Falls at 5:19 a.m., stopping at St. Catharines before continuing on to Toronto. In the evening, the existing train from Union Station at 5:15 p.m. to West Harbour will continue on to serve St. Catharines and Niagara Falls.<br />
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“This is great news for people in Niagara Region,” said Oosterhoff. “Weekday GO train service between Niagara Falls and Toronto will help connect the region and create new business opportunities.”<br />
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“We are very excited to introduce this essential commuter rail service to this market. Regular weekday GO trains have never operated out of Niagara Falls or St. Catharines before,” said Leslie Woo, Chief Planning and Development Officer of Metrolinx. “This is new territory and a sign of more great things to come.”<br />
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“Today's announcement is a demonstration of our commitment to improving the transportation experience and getting people moving. We make every decision with the customer – the Ontario taxpayer – in mind. Our Government for the People looks forward to continuing to provide better transportation across the province,” said Yurek.<br />
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Source: Ministry of TransportationC.J. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03325979176373626807noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6441168213084499367.post-65674097991124917172018-12-04T12:26:00.000-05:002018-12-04T12:26:26.725-05:00Fare increase for 2019 GO Transit passengers doesn't appear to be on the agenda for this Thursday's Metrolinx board meetingThis has been one of my biggest worries seeing as commuting by GO now carries the financial equivalent of making a third or second car payment for many commuters. I'm at $344 a month in fare for myself (using November as a reference point).<br />
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Generally it's around this time of year that GO Transit presents a case to Metrolinx for increasing fares. I went ahead and <b><a href="http://www.metrolinx.com/en/docs/agendas/agendas_2018_12_06.aspx" target="_blank">reviewed the agenda</a></b> for the December 6th board meeting and this isn't on it. There is a discussion about fare policy with 10 minutes allotted to the speakers, so I think we're safe to assume we've been spared an increase come February 2019.<br />
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But, we've been shafted before. The last increase happened in the <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/metrolinx-fare-increase-1.4182022" target="_blank"><b>fall of 2017</b></a> when we were all hit with a 3% hike, so we may not be completely out of the woods!C.J. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03325979176373626807noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6441168213084499367.post-42155320314342455172018-12-04T11:38:00.001-05:002018-12-04T11:38:23.781-05:00Better late than never for a feel good Go Transit Lost & Found story!This past weekend I received a DM on Twitter asking if I had the chance to read an email a person had sent me regarding GO RER and Toronto Mayor John Tory. I did not recall said email and decided to scroll through my Gmail spam folder and stumbled across not only the email in question, but also this email from MS who forgot his Apple laptop on the train back in July.<br />
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I suspect emails from readers found their way into spam due to the filters and mail rules I have set up to avoid Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Boxing Day emails. I apologized to MS who was very understanding. I also apologize to others whose emails were trapped.<br />
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from:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>MS <xxxxx gmail.com=""></xxxxx><br />
to:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>cj@thiscrazytrain.com<br />
date:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jun 13, 2018, 1:37 PM<br />
subject:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Love for Go Transit: Backpack with MacBook Pro returned intact<br />
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Hi CJ,<br />
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I found your blog when googling about GoTrain lost & found histories. I like your blog a lot. I've lived in Canada for ~8 years and never used Go trains until last weekend. My family and I (wife, one 3-yrd old and a 2-weeks baby) recently moved to Whitby and decided to try the Go Train to go to the aquarium on Saturday along with my inlaws that are visiting. I work as a software engineer and sometimes we need to be 'on call' in case systems break. I was on call so I took my laptop with me. A new MacBook pro 2017. On the way back, while chasing my kid (who was excited about riding the train and going up and down the stairs) I left my backpack on the upper level seat while chasing my kid downstairs. We arrived to Whitby and checked the seats so we don't forget anything (we were all sitting on the lower level), wife, inlaws, newborn baby, my 3-yrd old, stroller, diaper bag, etc; but as you can guess, forgot my backpack in the upper level!<br />
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Needless to say it's a horrible situation. I'm 3 months into this new job and I lose the laptop! never happened to me in my life and just had to happen as I start a new job. I filed the lost & found report online that night, visited them on Sunday at Union Station and they said there was nothing else to do but wait. My backpack contained not only the laptop but also charger adapter, accessories, airpods, etc; Finally, they called me back Monday 2pm to tell me it was found!<br />
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It's a shame there's no reward for whoever found it and returned it. I'd gladly had paid a reward to whoever did this, even if people don't do it for the money, it's a huge favor done to those of us who accidentally forgot something and perhaps being able to share a reward and/or thank you note would encourage more people to report/return lost items.<br />
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Anyways, I figured this success story could help anxious people like myself when they wander at 3am in the morning if they'll see their lost items again.<br />
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Attached pic of the most important returned item.<br />
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Cheers!<br />
<br />
MS<br />
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<br />C.J. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03325979176373626807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6441168213084499367.post-67354584620076816892018-12-03T10:52:00.002-05:002018-12-03T11:09:38.070-05:00GO train to Courtice-Bowmanville in 2024? Don't hold your breath!The current Ontario government party in charge has put the brakes on the expansion into Niagara Region after <b><a href="https://www.thespec.com/news-story/9061055-grimsby-go-station-plan-will-be-stopped-/" target="_blank">Metrolinx sent a letter to the region</a></b> saying the project had been "halted".<br />
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This makes me nervous. As with the Mimico station renovation on the Lakeshore West corridor, where a <b><a href="https://toronto.citynews.ca/2018/10/25/metrolinx-mimico-go-station/" target="_blank">private developer was selected to build the new station</a></b>, I suspect this is what will happen in Courtice and Bowmanville since the letter outlines that Grimsby will only go ahead once a third party investor has been found.<br />
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The <b><a href="https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2018/11/30/ontario-to-tap-private-sector-for-new-go-stations-admits-strategy-may-delay-projects.html" target="_blank">Toronto Star also reported</a></b> this may be the new normal for regional transportation infrastructure where shovels haven't yet met dirt.<br />
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I have mixed feelings about this. The area where the Courtice station is to be built could benefit from this kind of partnership as it's in the middle of a field with no subdivisions or amenities within a 5 km radius. In Bowmanville, it's a different situation where the area is over-developed and traffic would be greatly impacted if say, a condo were to built on the station site. In Oshawa, the new station is to be built where a Knob Hill Farms grocery store once stood. The area would benefit from housing, especially if it's rental housing.<br />
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This all sounds great in theory but how long do we wait? That's the billion dollar question <b><a href="https://www.durhamregion.com/news-story/9055940-oshawa-mpp-jennifer-french-questions-government-commitment-to-bowmanville-go-extension/?fbclid=iwar0lyjcob6ocycvzijf9t-uqzqjzv0vxm88yj816lzs-gjgm824ilkbysgk#.XAVKqOZ-GS0.twitter" target="_blank">no one in the Ford government is willing to answer</a></b>.C.J. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03325979176373626807noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6441168213084499367.post-62089960442006454712018-11-28T09:26:00.001-05:002018-11-28T11:16:19.147-05:00Since Metrolinx employees can't stop raving about the new Union Station Food Court on Twitter, I decided to go check it out<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Where is it?</b> York Concourse, Basement, Toronto Union Station</div>
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<b>Hours:</b> Monday to Friday 7am to 10pm & Saturday to Sunday 10am to 10pm</div>
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<b>What's there to eat?</b> <a href="https://torontounion.ca/eatshop" target="_blank">https://torontounion.ca/eatshop</a>/</div>
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At first blush, I can appreciate the use of a vibrant colour and height so that the customer doesn't feel like he or she is trapped in a World War Two bunker, so A+ for that.</div>
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Moving stairs that actually work are an engineering marvel in this day in age. Five stars.</div>
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Tables. Chairs. Waste bins. Ambient lighting. Standing tables with charging stations really give off a, "Hey, we're here for you" kind of vibe. Almost like a hug from your favourite uncle. </div>
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My Ukranian heritage is too scared to ask what a Loaded Pierogi is.</div>
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Some things just shouldn't be messed with.</div>
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Violet is a strong colour theme down here. Clearly the designer spent some time researching colour theory. Purple happens to be my favourite colour. It's a colour that combines blue and red where blue is a stable colour and red is energetic. Purple is supposed to evoke a feeling of calm in its subjects. The color purple is also associated with royalty and ambition. It's always been interesting to me that car manufacturers never rolled out purple as a standard car colour.</div>
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Purple also represents wealth and the illusion of grandeur (cough).<br />
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There's plenty of seating and of course, Tim Horton's makes an appearance. </div>
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As does McDonald's. </div>
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Probably the most depressing area of the food court had to be this space right here. We've moved into Soviet-era territory with no paint, no colour, solitary tables and a ever practical ATM. It's almost mid-eighties mall-like. My advice? Paint the pillars. </div>
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In purple.</div>
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Photos too small? <b><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/wv2LKzNnjkXCXD2y8" target="_blank">Here's the album link</a></b>.C.J. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03325979176373626807noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6441168213084499367.post-91334441078616658942018-11-27T11:20:00.003-05:002018-11-27T11:27:08.499-05:00Time for some heartfelt thanks and remembrance<span style="font-family: inherit;">by Pete S.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US">My
</span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOK0g-qtnDM"><b>Decade-At-A-Glance</b></a></span><sup><span lang="EN-US">®</span></sup><span lang="EN-US"> tells me we
are fast approaching the sixth anniversary of </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.thiscrazytrain.com/2012/12/so-your-go-bus-driver-made-wrong-turn.html">my first article</a></span><span lang="EN-US"> for <b>This
Crazy Train</b>. I’d like to thank you,
Cj, for considering my submissions and publishing so many of them. It’s been a thrill writing the stories and
reading the comments to see how close I got to reporting the truth. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US">Thank
you for providing many of my noms de plume and allowing me to use some of my
own. Just as </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.canadianthinker.com/2009/04/its_with_heavy_heart_that.html"><b>David Haydu</b></a></span><span lang="EN-US"> filled the
airwaves with his plethora of zany characters, the pseudonyms allowed me to
write on a variety of topics from different perspectives. For those readers not familiar with David, I
loved listening to </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.discogs.com/artist/4514638-Pete-And-Geets"><b>Pete and Geets</b></a></span><span lang="EN-US"> on CHUM-FM
and later on CFNY-FM. Just as David
“borrowed” his main persona, Geets Romo, from a character on the 1961 Del Close
and John Brent album, </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLA99901B8B565F3DC"><b>How To Speak Hip</b></a></span><span lang="EN-US">, I used
Warren Downe based on David’s Warren Down.
If memory serves me correctly, Warren reported morning traffic, first
from the “mobile telephone booth”, and later “riding a John Deere tractor in
traffic”.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US">Most
of the experiences I shared stemmed from trips on GO Transit’s Route 12 between
Niagara Falls and Burlington. The ladies
and gentlemen who drive this route are very dedicated to their passengers. This became evident to me in my first month
(October 2010) riding the bus. The </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbXhDqrLOFU"><b>driver I rode with</b></a></span><span lang="EN-US"> remembered
me after only a couple of trips. I took
a later trip for a few of weeks, and when I reverted to his bus, he greeted me
with, “Hello stranger! Where have you
been?” I was astounded that he
remembered me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Commitment
to excellence is hard to find today. Allow
me to tip my hat and say thank you to the following drivers who I’ve been
introduced to, or who chauffeured me and allowed me to serve them by being
their lead hand (I managed the luggage), treasurer (I carried an emergency
float, as well as a “knuckle full of nickels” for the $x.05 fares of other pax),
waiter (drivers need their tea and coffee), and navigator (on demand):<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ali (Streetsville),
Anthony S, Bonnie J, Brandy-Jo B, Brenda M, Charlene (Steeprock), Charles T,
Christine H, Colin B, Dave W, Debbie I, Derek W, Frances D, Fred O, Garney T, Garry
S, Harley B, Heather K, Holly N, Izabela K, Jack-George M, Jack (Streetsville),
Janice N, Jason W, Jim C, John P, Joshua B, Jude (Hamilton), Ken
(Streetsville), Marjorie F, Mark A, Mark B, Mark K, Mark P, Mary-Jane M, Maureen
D, Nestor F, Nigel H, Paul L, Ray M, Richard (Brampton), Robert I, Robert L,
Rodney (Oshawa), Ron A, Ron C, Shawn S, Simon H, Steve D, Terry W, Tim C, Tim
K, Viktor A, and Wayne P.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I
apologize if I missed anyone or spelled your name incorrectly. There is one driver who I’ve chatted with
online, but I’ve never met, which is a little ironic, since we live in the same
town.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I’d
also like to thank drivers Randy (Megabus) and Frank N (St. Catharines Transit)
whose valuable insights during our early morning chats found their way into my
stories.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US">I
mustn’t forget the CSAs I met along the way.
You’ll recall the concerns over missing CSA </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.thiscrazytrain.com/2013/12/while-on-hunt-for-trespasser-at.html"><b>Daniel</b></a></span><span lang="EN-US">. I located Daniel on one of my Friday trips
home, and we had a good chuckle over the reports of his disappearance. Again, I must thank CSA Katelyn who got us
through the </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.thiscrazytrain.com/2015/04/all-aboard-ghost-train.html"><b>ghost train debacle</b></a></span><span lang="EN-US">. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I
would like to thank the ticket agents at Pickering station for their polite and
efficient handling of transactions. I always
found it nice to start my trips with a quick chat with Ilene and Jennifer. I always loaded my ePurse with them — never
auto-load.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My
thanks to fare inspectors Gerry (LSE) and Terry (LSW). These gentlemen not only conduct business
politely, they also take the time to answer passengers’ questions. I enjoyed my brief discussions with Terry
about bicycles and appreciated his tips on how to teach oneself to ride a
unicycle.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I
would also like to thank my neighbour, Walter at Greyhound, who mentored
several employees now at GO Transit. Because
of Walter, as well as GO’s drivers, I believe I am a better automobile driver.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US">I’ve
often wondered whether any of the stories that I wrote made a difference. Certainly not those articles about
renovations at Burlington station — six years on, and we still cannot buy a cup
of coffee there. GO Transit did mothball
Route 11, the seasonal money-losing shuttle between St. Catharines and Niagara-on-the-Lake. The manual procedure for loading funds to
ePurses changed after pilferage by a systemic PRESTO problem was exposed in the
</span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.thiscrazytrain.com/search/label/presto-chronicles"><b>Presto Chronicles</b></a></span><span lang="EN-US">. Passenger safety enhancements were
implemented on double decker buses to mitigate the hazards of luggage after the
risks were documented in </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.thiscrazytrain.com/search/label/Meet%20the%20Deckers"><b>Meet the Deckers</b></a></span><span lang="EN-US">. In the aftermath of the story about </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.thiscrazytrain.com/2018/04/whos-not-been-serving-us-lately-part-11.html"><b>the bus stop from hell</b></a></span><span lang="EN-US">, the Mayor
of St. Catharines reports that </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://twitter.com/WSendzik/status/1063795803444121600"><b>ticket vending machines
will be installed</b></a></span><span lang="EN-US"> at Fairview Mall, although Metrolinx is
dragging their feet again over “infrastructure” issues.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Is
there a story I wanted to write but didn’t?
Yes. I wanted to pen an article
about the double decker bus that was blown off Hwy 115 during inclement weather
and poor road conditions. I couldn’t
proceed because I was not in possession of a key piece of evidence — the photo
showing the bus off the road. The photo
exists, but no amount of begging and pleading could produce the picture, so no
story was written.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Now
it’s time to share with you, Cj, and the followers of your blog that this is
my last submission to This Crazy Train.
Thank you, all, for taking the time to read my articles and to write
your comments. I mean this sincerely. Hopefully we’ve had some fun along the
way. It’s been a blast for me! I encourage everyone to give it a whirl.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">On
behalf of Warren Downe, Ali Gator, Frank E Futor, Chris P. Bacon, A.L. Gorithm,
Billy Bob, Iona Pintó, Hy Perbole, Ian Cognito, Bea N. Counter, Yew
Wannanohooiam, and GO Voyageur, this is Peter signing off.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
C.J. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03325979176373626807noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6441168213084499367.post-77683575234658410732018-11-16T09:20:00.002-05:002018-11-16T09:20:25.333-05:00Hey - it's time for an update - right?Apologies everyone, as I know it's been pretty quiet as I continue to choose Twitter over Blogger but it's where I tend to live. I know some of you aren't on Twitter but you don't need an account to review what <a href="https://twitter.com/ThisCrazyTrain/with_replies" target="_blank"><b>I've been discussing</b></a>. I provide a feed on this blog and it's to the right.<br />
<br />
Anything investigative or worthy of words longer than what tweets can handle will be posted here.<br />
<br />
I appreciate that many continue to check the blog everyday. I'm restricted at work. It makes it difficult to post and blogging on a phone is still crappy!C.J. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03325979176373626807noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6441168213084499367.post-45214538617332174692018-10-15T12:13:00.001-04:002018-10-15T12:13:08.552-04:00Sit round the fire kids, it's time for another Presto card story kindly contributed by a reader of the blog<div id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11211" style="font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11212" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">There’s a special feeling you get in your gut when you try to deal with anything <span class="il">Presto</span>. It’s knotty and hollow and saps all of your energy. Like when you call the Bell helpdesk or ask Rogers about those pesky extra charges…</span></div>
<div id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11215" style="font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11216" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">But wait - that’s just being mean to Mama Bell and Ted.</span></div>
<div id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11219" style="font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11220" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">I honestly believe there is no other entity on the planet that can rival <span class="il">Presto</span> for sheer inanity.</span></div>
<div id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11223" style="font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11224" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">My hate-affair with the crappy piece of plastic goes back two years, to when I first signed up. And, I’m pleased to say, that after wrapping up yet another head shaking chit-chat chat with a <span class="il">Presto</span> Apologist Operator just 5 minutes ago, my hate is as strong as ever.</span></div>
<div id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11227" style="font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11228" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Why do I hate you <span class="il">Presto</span>? Let me count a few ways:</span></div>
<div id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11227" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">You use <b id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11234">two</b> tap machines for UP Express</span></div>
<div id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11237" style="font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11238" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">For a system that is supposed to be built on ease of use and consistency, it’s a sticky business hopping the train to the airport. Last week I ran to the Union platform and tapped on. I got a friendly green arrow punched the air and went on my merry way. It was only when I tried to tap on again the next day when green turned to red…</span></div>
<div id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11241" style="font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11242" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">What have I done?</span></div>
<div id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11245" style="font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11246" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The nice lady at the desk explained that I had ‘tapped the wrong machine’ the day before and now my account was in arrears.</span></div>
<div id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11249" style="font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11250" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">What?</span></div>
<div id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11253" style="font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11254" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">She explained that they’ve put two machines at Union, one for Bloor and Weston commuters and one for Pearson travelers.</span></div>
<div id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11257" style="font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11258" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">‘If you tap the wrong one it gets confused’</span></div>
<div id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11261" style="font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11262" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">‘It’s not the only one.’</span></div>
<div id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11265" style="font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11266" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">As we watched my train chug away, she turned her head to yell at another errant customer about to tap into the abyss.</span></div>
<div id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11269" style="font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11270" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">‘Are you going to the airport?’</span></div>
<div id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11273" style="font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11274" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">‘Er, yes?’</span></div>
<div id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11277" style="font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11278" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">‘Wrong machine!’</span></div>
<div id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11281" style="font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11282" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">She showed me the error on her screen and gave me a number to call to fix it.</span></div>
<div id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11285" style="font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11286" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">‘Can’t you fix it?’ I asked</span></div>
<div id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11289" style="font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11290" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">‘No’</span></div>
<div id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11293" style="font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11294" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">‘Why not?’</span></div>
<div id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11297" style="font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11298" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">‘The system doesn’t let me’</span></div>
<div id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11301" style="font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11302" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">‘Oh’</span></div>
<div id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11305" style="font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11306" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">I called the number and a nice bloke told me he’d put the request through to Customer Service.</span></div>
<div id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11309" style="font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11310" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">‘They’ll call you back in 5-7 business days’</span></div>
<div id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11313" style="font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11314" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">‘Can’t you fix it?’ I asked him</span></div>
<div id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11317" style="font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11318" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">‘No’</span></div>
<div id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11321" style="font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11322" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">‘Why not’</span></div>
<div id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11325" style="font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11326" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">‘The system won’t let me’</span></div>
<div id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11329" style="font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11330" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">‘Oh’</span></div>
<div id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11329" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Everything takes 24 hours</span></b></div>
<div id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11336" style="font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">When I bought my new card I explained to the nice lady at the counter that I needed to transfer funds from a lost card and could she please give me very simple, super specific instructions because this happened once before and I ended up with</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> </span><b id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11340" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><i id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11341">three new cards</i></b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">because I went and registered the account and, you know, you can’t transfer $ to a registered card…And then I</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> </span><b id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11342" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><i id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11343">found</i></b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">my lost card but I couldn’t ‘un-lose’ it because somebody at</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> </span><span class="il" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Presto</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">had marked it as lost and when it’s lost, well – it’s gone forever.</span></div>
<div id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11344" style="font-size: 13px;">
<span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11345" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11346" style="font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11347" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">She looked at me sideways and gave me a little business card with very simple, super specific instructions.</span></div>
<div id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11350" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11351" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">I went home, signed on and followed the instructions...</span><div id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11352" style="font-size: 13px;">
<span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11351" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11351" style="font-size: small;"><span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11355" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"></span></span><div style="font-size: 13px;">
</div>
<div id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11356" style="font-size: 13px;">
<span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11357" style="font-size: small;"><span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11359" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Ah crap.</span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">It didn’t work.</span></span></div>
<div id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11360" style="font-size: 13px;">
<span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11361" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11362" style="font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11363" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The nice man on the phone told me that I’d have to wait 24 hours before I can transfer the funds.</span></div>
<div id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11366" style="font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11367" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">‘Why?’</span></div>
<div id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11370" style="font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11371" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">‘Because we don’t get the newly purchased card numbers until the end of each day’</span></div>
<div id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11374" style="font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11375" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">‘Why not?’</span></div>
<div id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11378" style="font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11379" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">‘I don’t know’</span></div>
<div id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11382" style="font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11383" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Regular <span class="il">Presto</span> users are all too familiar with the 24 hour rule.</span></div>
<div id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11386" style="font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11387"><span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11388" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11389"> </span>- Want to register your card? Wait 24 hours</span></span></div>
<div id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11392" style="font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11393"><span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11394" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11395"> </span>- Autoload? 24 hours.</span></span></div>
<div id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11398" style="font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11399"><span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11400" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11401"> </span>- Transfer funds? Sure! In 24 hours…</span></span></div>
<div id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11404" style="font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11405" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">For a transit system that prides itself on its on-time performance the payment system is pretty tardy.</span></div>
<div id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11406">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">You can’t tap on the train</span></b></span></div>
<div id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11411" style="font-size: 13px;">
<span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11412" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11414" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">I picked my wife up from the station the other day and she told me how she’d watched a whole slew of passengers getting fined for non-payment. They all had <span class="il">Presto</span> cards. And they all complained that they couldn’t tap on because they were running for the train.</span></div>
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<span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11418" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Were they lying?</span></div>
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<span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11422" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Well, let’s see…1. Do people run for trains? Yup. 2. Are the <span class="il">Presto</span> machines plentiful, and stationed at regular intervals along the platform? Er, nope. 3. Do these customers have a history of skipping the fare? Well, we’ll never know because the TSOs didn’t check. This was a zero tolerance kind of a day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11426" style="font-size: small;">The GO fare payment model is unique and inane. In Europe gate-only access is the predominant mode. Either that or blind trust (Danke </span><span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11427" lang="EN" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14.2667px;">Wiener Straßenbahn</span><span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11428" style="font-size: small;">!). Metrolinx is neither of both and nothing of anything.</span></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Metrolinx needs to understand that their transit system is supposed to serve its customers - not the other way around. They need to remember what people are like: People don’t want to line up, people make mistakes, people are always in a rush and people are usually trustworthy.</span></div>
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<span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11432" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Metrolinx, if you want a fool proof spoof-proof system then put gates in. If you want a trust-based system then put readers everywhere and give your customers the benefit of the doubt. Don’t punish people for the mess you made.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11435" style="font-size: 13px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11436"><span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11437" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">I could add a dozen more how-do-I-hate-you reasons for this heart breaking piece of crappy plastic. <span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11438"> I could bemoan the:</span></span></span></div>
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<li id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11442" style="margin-left: 15px;"><div id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11443" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Alpha-numeric-online-<wbr></wbr>usernames? Ouch.</span></div>
</li>
<li id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11444" style="margin-left: 15px;"><div id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11445" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Replace-lost-card-doesn’t-<wbr></wbr>give-me-the-option-to-change-<wbr></wbr>the-card-type? Ah!</span></div>
</li>
<li id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11446" style="margin-left: 15px;"><div id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11447" style="margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Pre-boarding-ticket-<wbr></wbr>inspection-at-Pearson-but-<wbr></wbr>nowhere-else? <strong>Why??!</strong></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">But, I can’t dwell on our differences. I need to pull myself away. </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> </span><span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11453" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span id="m_-7608104976896507256yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1537195843587_11455" style="font-size: small;">After all, it’s not me, <span class="il">Presto</span> – it’s you.</span></span></div>
</div>
C.J. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03325979176373626807noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6441168213084499367.post-33059655374619632592018-10-15T12:05:00.002-04:002018-10-15T12:21:34.528-04:00It's Fall and I have a new phone with a fancy triple camera with a Leica lens, so here's my "Sunday morning in Courtice" album<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />C.J. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03325979176373626807noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6441168213084499367.post-64429669107374681842018-10-01T12:05:00.001-04:002018-10-01T12:05:27.847-04:00This Crazy Train's Presto Chronicles, Chapter 35: — Lost revenue<br />
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<span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.thiscrazytrain.com/search/label/presto-chronicles"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Read previous chapters
here</span></a></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><b>Special
to This Crazy Train</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">By
Bea N. Counter<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Classes
are back in session at TCT Academy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I teach
accounting, and I like to share with my students real life financial
situations, like the following two brought to light by Ben Spurr of the Toronto
Star:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><a href="https://twitter.com/BenSpurr/status/1038196726652268544">https://twitter.com/BenSpurr/status/1038196726652268544</a></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://twitter.com/BenSpurr/status/1043298159357714433"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">https://twitter.com/BenSpurr/status/1043298159357714433</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jqgZQMJsl_4/W7JFCOrSdoI/AAAAAAAAMhM/gSbdWpplCYY6HL-jaLTKc0dQ5nE6Qdo-QCLcBGAs/s1600/fare%2Bcard.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="602" data-original-width="577" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jqgZQMJsl_4/W7JFCOrSdoI/AAAAAAAAMhM/gSbdWpplCYY6HL-jaLTKc0dQ5nE6Qdo-QCLcBGAs/s400/fare%2Bcard.png" width="382" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">In
this article, I won’t dwell on what Mr. Spurr documented.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rather, I’ll look at how it is possible for PRESTO
technology (and some mismanagement) to shortchange GO Transit Bus Ops revenue.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">TCT
highlighted previously </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.thiscrazytrain.com/2014/04/did-your-presto-card-snap-submit-photo.html"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><b>the fragility of PRESTO
cards</b></span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What happens when
a GO Transit bus driver’s card becomes inoperable (or is lost)?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Quite simply, the bus point of sale device
cannot be activated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one can tap on;
no one can load funds to their card; no tickets can be issued — everyone rides
for free with that driver.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a case
of lost fare revenue until the driver has a new card.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In one case, it took the driver’s
supervisor(s) one and a half weeks to issue a replacement card.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Consider
a different scenario.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The PRESTO device
on a GO Transit bus synchronizes with the system via WiFi only when the bus is
at a garage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What happens when the WiFi
doesn’t work?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A passenger’s card cannot
be updated with online fund loads executed after the WiFi failed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bus trip(s) made by a passenger won’t
appear in their transaction history.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
what happens when the WiFi outage is for an extended period of time, say ten
days?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, the on board PRESTO device
disables itself, and we’re in a period of revenue loss, because everyone rides
for free, again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you think this is a
purely academic hypothetical scenario, it isn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Recently, four buses assigned to Route 12
were in service for over three days in this state of revenue loss.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">You
are no doubt wondering how GO Transit management could knowingly let the
garage’s WiFi sit in a state of disrepair for so long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And why couldn’t the supervisor(s) change-off
the affected buses with ones from Hamilton, or Streetsville, or Steeprock
garages?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.thiscrazytrain.com/2013/09/the-one-about-niagara-fall-bus-ride.html"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><b>GO Transit management
can authorize chauffeuring one passenger from Union Station to Niagara Falls</b></span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">, but they
won’t follow operational process and swap equipment at Burlington GO or P+R —
why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why did the escalation procedure(s)
fail?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">In the scenarios cited, will GO Transit’s finance department execute an
inquisition to identify the individual(s) responsible for lost revenue and garnishee
their wages?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I SURE HOPE NOT.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, it would behoove Phil Verster,
President and CEO at Metrolinx, to have “career discussions” with the GO
Transit managers who allow these debacles to play out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cost of continued non-compliance
outweighs the cost of compliance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">No
lesson at TCT Academy is complete without some homework to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seeing as the topic at hand is lost revenue,
your assignment is as follows:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">The
</span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.gotransit.com/en/travelling-with-us/promotions-and-events/niagara-seasonal-go-train-service"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"><b>last Niagara Falls
seasonal trains of the year</b></span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;"> will operate on Thanksgiving
weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Discuss how you would use your
PRESTO card <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>legitimately</u></b> to
travel to The Falls for said weekend and pay <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>less</u></b> than the discounted PRESTO fare.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Class
dismissed!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />C.J. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03325979176373626807noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6441168213084499367.post-37405686161064000952018-09-20T14:44:00.002-04:002018-09-20T14:44:08.949-04:00Ontario PC government takes credit for 15-minute GO train service on Lakeshore East and West lines. Service set to begin September 24 As the Toronto Star pointed out, Metrolinx has been adjusting its operations for months in order to add service to the Lakeshore corridors; these initiative predates the Conservatives’ election victory in June.<br />
<br />
We all knew this. The Liberals promised us all day GO train service years ago.<br />
<br />
The PC MPPs touting this announcement as a "Promises Made, Promises Kept" on Twitter is eye-rolling. Albeit, at least it wasn't cancelled.<br />
<br />
So there is that.C.J. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03325979176373626807noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6441168213084499367.post-74698713668022091402018-09-12T12:25:00.003-04:002018-09-12T12:47:44.595-04:00Apple picking in Durham. You can do it by GO train and GO bus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SznhwtEk4ps/W5k7agycZOI/AAAAAAAAMg8/5CtcIQKrp74q88hJATcyDlmkX53hmXuwwCLcBGAs/s1600/DmmOB85WwAEl1DP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SznhwtEk4ps/W5k7agycZOI/AAAAAAAAMg8/5CtcIQKrp74q88hJATcyDlmkX53hmXuwwCLcBGAs/s1600/DmmOB85WwAEl1DP.jpg" width="520" /></a></div>
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When I posted this photo on Instagram, I had to make sure I pointed out that it was staged. I did *not* throw an apple. Problem is, I was a real trouble-maker as a kid and hands down, my mom and dad, when shown the picture, would have called me, tsking, "Some things never change". It's a legacy I can't live down.<br />
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I've become a huge supporter of local area farms within a cycling or GO bus distance to my house in Courtice. The photo above was taken at Archibald Orchard on North Liberty Street in Bowmanville, a 35km round-trip bicycle ride from my house. Because I can't ride back with a 1/2 bushel of apples, hubby met me there with the car. Recently I was asked by a follower on Twitter if he were to gather the family and travel from their downtown condo to apple pick without renting a car, how would this be done, on a Saturday?<br />
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And surprisingly, it can be. GO train to Oshawa, catch the Newcastle 90 and exit the bus at Maple Grove Road on Highway 2 in Bowmanville. <b><a href="http://watsonfarms.ca/" target="_blank">Watson Farms</a></b> is just west of the bus stop. You can't miss it as the bus travels right past it. There's all kinds of "pick your own" produce and a play area for kids. Bring a suitcase for easier transport of your fruits and vegetables!<br />
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I have no idea how one would use GO Transit to apple pick anywhere else in the GTA but this farm is right on a route, and if you're also a downtown Toronto dweller that randomly reads my site, please try the Paula Reds, they are delicious at this time of year!C.J. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03325979176373626807noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6441168213084499367.post-31944834633787308212018-09-12T12:09:00.002-04:002018-09-12T12:09:38.068-04:00Yep, the video circulating on instagram of a dude riding on top of a GO train is legit<iframe width="520" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/63wZiSsBnpo" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>C.J. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03325979176373626807noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6441168213084499367.post-88530397210301742572018-09-12T10:43:00.002-04:002018-09-12T10:47:45.928-04:00Mr. Rogers could teach a thing or two to Metrolinx about being a good neighbour<b><a href="http://www.thiscrazytrain.com/2017/10/the-aliens-are-coming.html" target="_blank">Back in December</a></b> I published a report from a resident who lives next to the east rail corridor that feeds Go trains into Union Station. Here is an update of how things are progressing:<br />
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<b>You're gonna need more than peashooters when Metrolinx brings out a weapon like TPAP</b><br />
Submitted by Anonymous<br />
<b>Exclusive to ThisCrazyTrain.com</b><br />
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Metrolinx has a secret weapon. It’s called a ‘TPAP’. It is big and heavy and if you get in its line of fire - prepare to be eviscerated!<br />
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TPAP stands for ‘Transit Project Assessment Process’. It’s the process Metrolinx uses to evaluate the impact of RER (Metrolinx Regional Express Rail) on surrounding neighbourhoods.<br />
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Our neighbourhood recently stared down both barrels of this bazooka and wow – did we ever get burned.<br />
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The TPAP was locked and loaded to assess the impacts of electrification along the GTA rail corridors. My neighbours and I live close to the tracks – something we’ve done for years with no major problems. But - just as any other resident would worry when their neighbour talks about moving the fence, chopping down a tree or, ‘running some power to the shed so I can rock out to Death Metal’ - we were keen to know what 3 new tracks, lots of big electricity poles, and trains every 15 minutes would mean to our everyday lives.<br />
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So we called Metrolinx.<br />
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Metrolinx sent us their TPAP report and then held a series of public meetings to talk to us about their plans.<br />
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The meetings did not go well.<br />
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The main problem Metrolinx has with its community relations is that they cannot seem to answer very basic questions. TCT readers know this all too well. During one particularly memorable exchange, when a resident asked why Metrolinx was allowed to circumvent its own guidelines which stipulate no new construction within 100 metres of a track, the response was:<br />
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‘Well this isn’t new construction and you’re already within 50 metres so…’ <br />
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Cue the shouting and the swearing.<br />
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One resident was actually standing on a sofa, shaking his fist...<br />
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In the meeting we learned that one of the new tracks, 'Track E-Zero', will run 13 feet north of the existing northernmost track, between Parliament and Sherbourne (that's right after the Distillery if you're heading in from the east).<br />
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TCT readers may be familiar with the already intimate experience of riding along the northerly tracks as you approach Union from the east. Perhaps you saw one of us bending over while doing our laundry, eating our cornflakes or getting our kids ready for school.<br />
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Well cuddle up folks - we're about to get a lot closer!<br />
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Building E-Zero will not only bring us closer together, it will also decimate our beloved tree canopy. As the pictures below show, this canopy helps to transform our sleepy back laneway (named after the First Nations Marathon runner, Tom Longboat) into a virtual back-yard.<br />
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E-Zero will be used for the Richmond Hill line which operates diesel trains. We're all familiar with the noise and vibration of diesel engines - there's a reason we're happy to stand back of that yellow line at the station. It's a shame for us all that, despite being closer and more visible, we won't be able to stop and chat.<br />
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After the public meeting debacle we asked for a copy of the TPAP report.<br />
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And that's when the barrage began:<br />
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- Kalop! The weight of the report knocked us back. It was massive - too big for one person to absorb. As we flailed around under the 1000+ pages, we realized that we needed help. So we formed a neighbourhood association to divvy up the work and spread the pain.<br />
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- Ker-huh? The TPAP is technical. Holy crap. It is supposedly scripted for a general audience but the subject matter involves egg-headed engineering principles, mind-numbing electrification specifications and oddball environmental jargon I doubt even David Suzuki would comprehend.<br />
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How is an ‘ordinary’ person supposed to review this...?<br />
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- Be-oing! The metrics in the TPAP are backwards. For example - if you live close to the tracks and the noise levels are already above federal guidelines – like ours are – the TPAP doesn’t care! It only flags increases in current levels above 5 decibels. So, if your already loud noise is going to get just 4 louder - tough luck!<br />
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- Wooosh! Just as with the public meetings, most of our typed out TPAP questions flew over Metrolinx’s heads.<br />
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Metrolinx does not listen too well. The Q&A process with the Metrolinx Community Relations Department reminded me of that scene in Seinfeld where Jerry tries to pick up his hire car.<br />
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'Sure you can take a question, but if it's not here when I come to pick it up...'<br />
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It's not just Metrolinx that has trouble shooting straight. When the TPAP got approved last December, more than 30 of our questions were greeted by garbled answers. But when our group complained to the MoE, they ignored us for several weeks, approved the report, and then sent us an answer to someone else’s question.<br />
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After plucking out the TPAP shrapnel and licking our wounds, we decided to seek out another form of defense. Surely the law will defend us? We have rights - right?<br />
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Hmm...not really. We've got useless ammunition!<br />
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It turns out that when it comes to railways - there are no laws. Not for us anyway. Municipal bylaws are powder-less. Federal laws are blanks (because they are actually only guidelines). The only legislation with any penetration is the Railway Act, which is built to protect railways from people and not the other way around.<br />
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No wonder Metrolinx treats us like cannon fodder...Fire at will!<br />
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Knowing we were effectively defenseless, we re-grouped and tried to fire back with our little pea-shooters:<br />
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'Why do you not have to meet federal guidelines on noise and vibration levels?' we squeaked.<br />
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‘Well, we do our best,' boomed Metrolinx<br />
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'Er, h-how do you do your best?' we stuttered, 'Because you are not doing too good right now.'<br />
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'They aren't laws, they’re guidelines’, they blasted.<br />
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Battling with Metrolinx is exhausting. They have bigger guns, better equipment and more manpower.<br />
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We are battle-worn, bloodied and weary. The TPAP weapon alone is wearing us down never mind all the other little skirmishes.<br />
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But the white flags are not going up just yet. The sirens have sounded again - another TPAP has landed and we are hoping this one doesn't blow up in our faces.<br />
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We're not asking for a war with Metrolinx. We support rail expansion. But when it comes to preserving our environment, our safety and our neighbourhood - we just want a fighting chance.C.J. Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03325979176373626807noreply@blogger.com1