When I went to Carleton we used to call the O-Train the "quietest place on campus". I would usually ride the train on my spares and do my readings between classes because it was quiet and had a gentle rocking as it went along. Can't wait for it to reopen again, it'll cut a lot of time off my current commute back to the office. Right now I have to take a bus all the way to Hurdman to catch a Line train but once this line is open I can skip the whole downtown part.
Thanks for your comments. For people going to Carleton, it is a big deal for commuting, as well as other areas along the line. Its re-opening will certainly be very much appreciated. As you said, the loop around by Hurdman is longer and more drawn out than the more direct connection provided by Line 2.
Well done Shane! A good introductory history of the line and description of each Station and how it has evolved. Looking forward to Summer/Fall 2023 when the enhanced and extended Line 2 re-opens along with new Line 4 to the Airport and seeing the mix of both LINT and FLIRT trainsets operating.
Thanks for the comments. I too am looking forward to the line reopening, with the new trainsets and the link to the airport. There will be lots to see and explore when it does go into service.
Very informative video which I have viewed a couple of times now. One question. What happened to the original Bombardier Talents? They surely would have been too valuable an asset to scrap.
Unfortunately they were scrapped, none of the former Talent trainsets saw any use beyond their retirement on the O-Train. The units would have required some refurbishment to extend their service life, as well as repairs on the one that had derailed.
Are there still night-time freight trains along the line? Google Maps appears to show that the NRC south of Greenboro is a railway freight customer. The video seems to show foldable platform extenders at Greenboro and Mooney's Bay stations, presumably to allow wider freight cars to pass through.
Only complaint’s I’ve got is how they aren’t redoing the old stations, it makes it look super weird when it’s connected to new stations that have way bigger and fancier roofs. Another complaint is how they practically re-used the roof design for Leitrim, Bowesville and Uplands. and last, I’m not sure how I feel about this one but I thought they would install those small roofs with the glass on top like line one has, but instead we have a few shelters again
We think Line 2's biggest issue is the lack of funding for actually improving the line. There is a lot of low-hanging solutions that would allow to increase frequency and quality of service that are ignored because of the desire to keep the scope and cost of the project under a fixed target. For example, extending double tracked sections, rough-ins for a second platform at Carling, widening the trench on its entire length, interlining services to Bayview, etc.
Sorry the explanation was overly simplified, but the goal was to illustrate the difference between a diesel engine turning a electric generator, which in turn powers electric traction motors. But yes the train in the instance of the Trillium Line is more in line with the engine/transmission of a car.
