6688

Thanks Dan. I couldn't remember if the buttons were the same. It's been a long while since I've seen those buttons. As far as I remember, that's still the case. I distinctly remember a sticker in the operator cab stating that doors can only be opened on one side. For some reason, a good majority of those lights have been shut off. The ones in the terminals still work though. I seem to recall a brief discussion about the lights not working on the Transit-Toronto Yahoo group...

That's because GO and TTC do not have a "co-fare" arrangement, thus there is no discount. The only other thing I can think of that GO and TTC have an arrangement is for a program called "TTC Times Two." Which is where you would start your trip on the TTC, take a transfer, then use GO transit, and then continue your journey on the TTC. For example, if I were to take the 86 Scarborough from Kingston Rd/Lawrence, then hop on the GO train at Guildwood, take that to Union, then hop back on the subway, using that same transfer. But even that program has it's problems because most operators simply don't remember the programs existence.

That signal bell/buzzer you speak of is a little black button. On the H cars (can't remember if it's the same on the T1's) it's above the window, and it's used to communicate a few different things. When the operator uses it, the guard hears a bell, and if the guard uses it, the operator hears a buzz. 1 bell to the guard means the signal is red, and to hold the doors open. 2 means the signal is now green, and the train can go, so close the doors let's get the show on the road. 3 means that the train will be crossing over at the terminal, indicated to the operator by a double yellow signal, and the guard will assume the window position (assuming he is still in the 5th car). The operator/guard will then acknowledge the signal by repeating it back. Now this one you will never hear, but 4 rings means the train is moving in a reverse direction, and is for the guard at the "other front" of the train to acknowledge that the way is clear.. That's about all I know on that subject.

We were already sick of her when she was former mayor of the old City of Toronto. Thank goodness Mel Lastman got the Mayors chair when Toronto was amalgamated in 1998! Listening to her in speeches was almost a horror to live through...

The Fit isn't a bad little car. The main selling point on this car is cargo space. Being a hatchback, it inherently will already have more cargo space. The rear seats fold all the way down, similar to the Caravan Stow-n-Go seats. It's because they moved the gas tank to below the front passenger seat, that they were able to do that. The Fit also drives nicely, but lacks power. It's excellent on gas. The instrument panel and center console leave much to the imagination I find. It does have more cupholders than almost any car I've driven, being 2 up front, 1 in the center console for the rear, and 1 in each of the rear doors (2) for a total of 5. Of course, cupholders not being the make-or-break decision :angry: ... It does seem well built as well, and handles pretty good on the highway. Although it does have a slight swaying at highway speed. The one major problem with the car is price. Even trying to find a used one at this point is quite difficult, looking on autotrader.ca I have yet to yield more than 2 results, ever. But even for the high price, they are well equipped. If you're looking for a small car that is exceptional on gas, the Fit is GO. Otherwise, stick with the Civic or Accord. Also new for 2008 with the Civic was the Si trim for the 4 door sedan, previously only available on the 2 door coupe. The Si is by far the nicest trim, but I still have yet to see a 4 door with it..

The current generation of Civics I find are the absolute best. They look good, I love the electronic speedo, guages, etc, and they drive wonderfully. They have plenty of passing power, are quite peppy, and are really good on gas, even when driven to the floor the way I do. The small steering wheel is just the right size (go figure the Fit has the bigger wheel!) It handles as close to a sports car as you can get for a compact. The resale value on them is also quite high, which is typical for Honda. There are many things I really like about this generation of Civics, but I will stop short for now, otherwise, you'd probably stop reading it due to length... Overall, it's currently my favourite compact to drive. Try getting 3 people in the back seat of a 4 door Golf! It's doable (hehehe), but VERY cramped for whoever has to suffer in the back!

The current generation CR-V is marketed more as a crossover than an SUV. That said, it is still quite nice to drive, and is functional in its own right. It sounds like a beefier Civic, which I find hilarious. I've driven a few newer ones, and while newish (under 10000 kms) they seem like a solid vehicle. All I will say is you can't go wrong with a Subaru. Very well built they are

Well, the TTC does have this little tidbit on their website regarding transfer points from Wheel-Trans to other GTA Para-transit services... WheelTrans Transfer Points

I guess it wasn't as easy as say reprogramming the calendar database itself to match everything from the year 2000-2099, but having the system itself think its actually 1900 in 2000. I don't know if you see what I'm trying to get at here. Sorry Dan, but I'm having a hard time trying to express this in words.

I was thinking that would possibly be the problem. Too bad the system had to depend on having an actual date entered. Again, not knowing how the system operated, I guess the TTC did what they had to do. If they could have kept it running with a few changes, I'm sure it would still be around. Apparently cost was the issue that kept them from upgrading it. MT's system seems to be an IVR system that isn't as resource intensive as the TTC system was. While TTC's system required thousands of telephone numbers (539-XXXX all the way up to somewhere in the 7000-8000 range, I believe) Could it have also been bartering from the Telco to have the system abolished, simply to open up more telephone numbers?

Thanks guys!

Not being too familiar with the MT routine when there is a fare hike, will they take existing tickets? Is a TTC style "top-up" required?

Hehehe! Even when 6688 retires, it's staying with me as a username. It's memory has to live on somehow. I was fortunate enough to have ridden the 66xx-67xx's right when they were new from childhood, and to the many different areas I've lived and worked. From riding them on 86 Scarborough, to 6 Bay, and yet again on 6 Bay. That series has always been my favourite. Are your choices of username being limited to only active buses? Because I'm sure there are lots of great choices of buses from the recently retired, soon to be retired, and retired long ago fleets. Perhaps something along the lines of "FmrQsy6737" could be considered?

Indeed it was. And it was very handy when it was around. I don't know what sort of heyday technology it used, but I wondered why they couldn't just fool the system by using dates such as 1900=2000 or something to that extent. The person calling never actually heard the date. Now that more and more people have cell phones compared to the late '90s, this service would be indispensable today. I don't see why they couldn't set up something similar to Mississauga's phone system. Being able to get a schedule for those mid-point stops in Toronto is also a lost cause. I see the new TTC website has all stops finally listed on routes, but only the transfer points, and terminal stops have schedules. Blue Night schedules for the 300 and 320, streetcar schedules never showing legitimate run-in trips, and the dreaded "FS" tags on schedules, all of this is really something the TTC needs to work on correcting. Now if only it were as simple as it really could be...

Sansa e280 here. 8 GBs of music is more than enough for me. It has a few quirks, and transferring music via USB mode can be troublesome. You can't create a playlist on the fly (the exception is the dreaded "Go List" but that is nothing but trouble), but I do have a freeware program that does playlists on the computer. Sound quality isn't too bad. No DRM crap to worry about either.

The Casino in Montreal has a few of these. As I'm sure there are a few other properties in Quebec that run Classics with the S50 engines. The ones used at the Casino were still in really good shape, and is a testament to how well built a Classic is, even if those ones were built by Nova. And boy do they fly with an S50!

After almost 6 months, and only one answer, I suppose I shall now give away the answers on these still outstanding pictures.

And I'm still waiting for my government bailout! I did the gift card thing this year for almost everyone. 2 of the fathers I had to buy for, I got them each a bottle of Crown Royal Limited Edition, which is usually never a bad choice for the older fellows. I got my GF some earrings and a stuffed bear from Godiva that comes with a little box of chocolates. I wrapped the earrings in their tiny gift box, then put them in a much bigger box stuffed with packing peanuts. The look on everyone's face trying to figure out what it was was priceless. I think the box itself weighed more than everything in it! Minutes of suspense ensued after she managed to get the box open. I wanted to get my cat a cat condo, but I got no room to put a big one anywhere. That one will have to wait a while yet before I get one. But i got him a cheap ratty stocking that I sprayed with catnip, and some toys inside. Needless to say, the stocking is torn into a million little pieces, and cat toys strewn throughout the place

I'm using Dakota steel toed shoes at work, and they don't seem too bad in terms of grip on normal flat surfaces, even when slightly wet. The treads on them are also pretty good in snow. But on ice, they are absolutely terrible compared to the winter boots I got at Marks.

I've shopped in Heartland on regular weekends and the traffic is still pretty hectic around there. I can only imagine what it was like there today ... One of my co-workers gave me some tips for Boxing Day shopping at Heartland. Arrive early, pack a lunch, park at Loblaws for the day (we work there and we got passes for parking so no worries about getting towed ), and just walk everywhere. I wanted to go out there just to see it, but nothing beats staying away from work for 4 days. Ditto on the lack of good deals. I was quite disappointed with the flyers for Best Buy and Future Shop. Even Danier was quite a disappointment as they usually do really good sales for Boxing Day.

The problem I've had with taking the bus is carrying everything back. There's always that last really good deal you find, but can't take advantage of it because you have no more room in your hands to carry it all. The strategy I've used in previous years was to be in line at 3 AM of the place of the deal that I wanted the most. Even at 3 AM, there can be some crazy lineups.. But I have never left empty handed that way

I'm at home, I'm staying home. I used to love boxing day shopping, but now it's just too crazy for me with all the crowds, finding parking, etc etc... I prefer to stay nice and toasty at home thank you very much

The only 2 things I can suggest are: Call TTC Customer Service at 416-393-3030 during typical business hours and suggest it over the phone. Or you can try contacting the councilor of the local ward the stop would be located in. In this case it appears to be in ward 24, where David Shiner is the councilor. Try contacting him via e-mail (councillor_shiner@toronto.ca) and see what kind of response you get. Let us know if you plan to further pursue this, and keep us posted on any responses you get from the red taped laden city, or the TTC!

Nothing specific, no. But still worth the trip. Best of all it's free to visit.

6 Bay is also a good place to find them. As well as GMs. A good place to watch some older videos is at the Toronto Archives on Spadina Rd. just north of Dupont. Also be sure to check out the image collections they have if you do happen to swing by there.