TRENT_TRANSIT_SYSTEM

Anyone know if GO is retiring any buses in 2022??? I really need to pick up 5 buses this summer. If not GO, anyone know where I can get some used GO spec buses?

Yeah, it would be easy. Trains could and should thorough run at W. Harbour, but like I said... higher powers... People higher up simply don't want to put in the work. It's my suspicion that CN doesn't want to encourage more GO service in the area, hence the intentional incomplete state of W. Harbour and track works.

It's the same politics that prevent all-day service to GO Centre (the better station). Short term disruption to corridor owners isn't worth the long term efficiency of a transit system.

Oh for sure Novas are a close second place... they're not bad... just... they're not New Flyers. And in Hamilton in particular they fair poorly, but again that's Hamilton's fault for having unreasonably bad roads. If Novas had better suspension and more rigid tolerances, they would probably do better here too. Oakville's newest Novas were really nice to drive, and okay to ride... but they're also diesel.

Effectively, Metrolinx sucks at negotiating... especially with CP, but still with CN... CN pretty much thought it would be too inconvenient to allow the track work and schedule modifications required to put trains through on the main line... hence, an incomplete station. Put simply, the transit side of the negotiation lacked the jewls to push for a complete project.

This is an election promise more than a solid plan (as mentioned above). The money is being put on the table, but how it is used depends on who wins. This is the PC plan, and doesn't necessary reflect what may happen after the election. Most of those highway plans are highly protested, hence why they haven't already been built.

I like riding New Flyers better, I like working on New Flyers better, I like driving New Flyers better. Compared to Novas, New Flyers are Better By Design This Nova take over of the GTA is politics, not practically. Especially in Hamilton where the roads are garbage, the Novas are falling apart way faster than the New Flyers. Older Novas were pretty good actually, but recently the quality has slipped. Nova seems to push for quantity over quality these days.

Yes, it's a very expensive operation, but a fair bit less than budgeted for. As for "competition", I won't really be competing with any existing carriers for now. My goal is to break even or even run small loses for a while. This is more of passion project I am working on with some friends. We all already have good jobs, so income is our second concern. The company will be serving unserved markets, and does not focus on main routes like the 401. We do small towns and rural areas with very limited service where no other company wants to be. Know any initial contacts? I only know people at municipal systems with 40ft buses, ironically. I'm just gonna call up Metrolinx/GO and see if they can put me through.... but it wouldn't hurt to have an idea first. Thanks for the advice though

Hey, I've been working on a bus company for a while, but only completed it legally last year. I intend to grow (who doesn't) to serve all rural and fringe communities that can't afford to run their own public transit system. Now I'm at the point where I need drivers and equipment. I'm interested in buying used GO buses (45ft MCI D series buses in general). Some GO staff suggested that I can buy them in batches of 10 or so for a flat rate when units come up for retirement, but they were drivers and supervisors. Is there anyone here who might know who the best person to contact may be regarding used equipment? I'm looking to buy between March and June, and have them road ready for July.

Effective last summer, I formalized a corporation tasked with the purpose of providing transit solutions across all parts of Ontario that do not already have transit. This should help with the goal of "one big system" in the sense that there should be a "system" everywhere. For now, the goal is to bridge all gaps. My company aims to partner with rural and small communities, existing providers, and businesses partners, to develop a province wide transit solution all under one banner and one vision so that no community is left behind. In the long run, this company will promote amalgamations, legislation, market development and coordination so that transit can be a choice no matter where you live or where you're going. Currently, the public transit industry is fragmented and uncoordinated as a result of complex political environments and competing interests. This is where the benefit of a private venture with private capital seeking collaboration, efficiency, and growth can drive transit toward greater success in a more environmentally and socially conscious age. Hopefully in due time, services can start to begin as the country reopens and demand for transportation solutions stabilizes.

Hey, I'm interested in buying used GO buses. I need MCI buses for my company (single level). Some GO staff suggested that I can buy them in batches of 10 or so for a flat rate when units come up for retirement, but they were drivers and supervisors. Is there anyone here who might know who the best person to contact may be regarding used equipment? I'm looking to buy between March and June, and have them road ready for July.

Hey, I'm interested in buying used GO buses. I need MCI buses for my company (single level). Some GO staff suggested that I can buy them in batches of 10 or so for a flat rate when units come up for retirement, but they were drivers and supervisors. Is there anyone here who might know who the best person to contact may be regarding used equipment? I'm looking to buy between March and June, and have them road ready for July.

Given the shear number of people who don't pay for the bus (1/20 on a good day/route, 1/4 on some routes), fare revenue will be a non-starter on the LRT. Not like you have to walk by the driver and show proof of payment with an LRT. I hope the city authorizes fare checkers/special constables to ride the trains. And fare gates? Not possible. People already walk in the street to catch the bus, they'll walk the tracks to avoid the gates if they want. But yeah, I have my bias, but NO buses should be taken off the road. Any buses saved in the lower city should definitely be sent up the Mountain to improve service for everyone across the city. Mothballing buses would be a waste of resources we already have, and fuel the anti-LRT argument that "LRT is only for downtown". Okay, and HSR should run/drive the LRT. That's how it works in Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton, Calgary, etc. One transit system for Hamilton. No need for third-parties and private operators (equity stakes) given that the capital is paid for already.

No no, I wanted to see if anyone else heard otherwise or had more info. But the dealer did confirm that they're still taking orders this year and next. So, maybe a few more years still...

Good news! The dealer says they'll continue accepting orders for the D4500CT into at least 2023. MCI is only advertising the D4520 and D45CRT LE at this time to promote the new line-up. Brochures for older models are still available on request. CY2020 D Series Spec Email.pdf CY2020 Commuter Spec Email.pdf