ottawashadow.bsky.social @ottawashadow.bsky.social · 09/08/2026Actually the Ottawa LRT is Alstom stock, Siemens produced the new VIA trains, assembled in California. 000
ottawashadow.bsky.social @ottawashadow.bsky.social · 31/12/2025Not sure the meaning of this post other than the usual negative sputtering aligned with the cynical fringe on council. The mayor's constructive moves should be given the chance to show results. Anyone can be a critic, making things happen takes an effort. 010
ottawashadow.bsky.social @ottawashadow.bsky.social · 12/12/2025Actually it is easy to vote no to the budget while still cashing in on the parts that benefit your ward. As for being soft on crime, a walk down Bank St is evidence of the results of your type of safe and secure community, just step over another addicted body huddled on the corners, but raise taxes. 000
ottawashadow.bsky.social @ottawashadow.bsky.social · 30/11/2025Then the $$$ VIA vs Megabus $380 vs $61 Dec 26, 2025 OTTAWA To TORONTO - UNION #43 , 9:35 $154.69 Dec 29, 2025 TORONTO - UNION To OTTAWA #44 , 14:23 $183.79 Grand total $382.48 MegaBus OTT-TO return Ticket Price: $ 49.98 Booking Fee: $ 3.99 Tax HST: $ 7.02 Total Paid: $ 60.99 010
ottawashadow.bsky.social @ottawashadow.bsky.social · 30/11/2025If those communities are frustrated now, wait until the proposed Alto route is formalized and the realization kicks in that the ridership numbers will be so low that that service along Lake Ontario (Kingston?Be'ville) can not longer be justified. One can hear the gnashing of teeth already... 010
ottawashadow.bsky.social @ottawashadow.bsky.social · 30/11/2025From CBC, a few details: ...The city had been pursuing a Double-A team for the vacant stadium, but the one bidder that came forward wanted more than $40 million in stadium upgrades and a 20-year lease. Never let the facts get in the way of a good story! 100
ottawashadow.bsky.social @ottawashadow.bsky.social · 29/11/2025Alto, in collaboration... received the Best Transportation Project Award at the 2025 P3 Awards. 'This recognition reflects the ambition and expertise driving our work to modernize mobility and deliver a high-speed rail project that meets the needs of future generations.' No final route, no tracks... 010
ottawashadow.bsky.social @ottawashadow.bsky.social · 28/11/2025Sorry to hear this, you are a balanced voice of reason on transit. Your frustration is understandable given your personal circumstances. In the meanwhile, life goes on - Alto Awarded Best Transportation Project - Alto, with TC, PS&PC, and Cadence, received the Best Transport Project 2025 P3 Awards. 210
ottawashadow.bsky.social @ottawashadow.bsky.social · 21/09/2025This applies to all initiatives, including interprovincial bridges, here is the list for rail studies since 1970: www.highspeedrailcanada.com/p/all-canadi...highspeedrailcanada.comOntario - Quebec25 Ontario, Quebec high-speed rail, TGV studies. Windsor, Toronto, Ottawa Montreal, Quebec City. Certaines études à grande vitesse sont en français 000
ottawashadow.bsky.social @ottawashadow.bsky.social · 21/09/2025Actually not a complaint but lament, while every rail project is unique due to the above factors, the point is others are getting it done (even 3rd world regimes) leaving us as the only G7 without one. Our politics is an obstacle in making progress, we do studies not actual work, here is a list. 120
ottawashadow.bsky.social @ottawashadow.bsky.social · 18/09/2025Unfortunately our track record re transit and transportation is not stellar, too costly and lengthy delays and complications. 3rd world countries are moving ahead (Morocco) while we can't even fix what we have. VIA runs far below max speeds with lengthy delays, stations need updating etc. 100
ottawashadow.bsky.social @ottawashadow.bsky.social · 18/09/2025Legit to point out differences in jurisdictions ie China or Europe or the era from 150 years ago. However, the advances in engineering and construction design along with the terrain weigh in our favour. Existing corridors and no major geographic obstacles should facilitate any current project. 200
ottawashadow.bsky.social @ottawashadow.bsky.social · 16/09/2025Meanwhile, the current $ billion investment in VIA Siemens trains is totally underutilized due to CN intransigence on their tracks. Rarely do trains run on time with excessive delays costing VIA millions. Where is Freeland, sitting on her haunches. With the stroke of a pen, she could make a diff. 010
ottawashadow.bsky.social @ottawashadow.bsky.social · 16/09/2025So now, a gov't that was on the ropes, led by a lame duck announced a $4 billion study design project for a new HSR, seducing us with a shiny speedy electric train set. The media jumps on the bandwagon, no one asks show me what has been done so far. The name gets changed and a consortium is contract 110
ottawashadow.bsky.social @ottawashadow.bsky.social · 16/09/2025Rome was not built in a day, but to compare a transcontinental rail system built from scratch in the 1800s to a 1000 km train in 2025 is like believing prunes are plums. Reality check, 10 yrs ago VIA HFR was announced, we have nothing to show but a name change- Alto HSR!johnnyrenton.substack.comThe VIA High Frequency Rail project: $600 million and counting and still nothing to show for it.How this project is fast becoming a once in a generation boondoggle and a scandal in the making 110
ottawashadow.bsky.social @ottawashadow.bsky.social · 14/09/2025Perhaps the Minister of Transport can get off her haunches and intervene in the standoff with CN and get the current trains rolling at their optimum capability. While she is at it, she could push some short term improvements to the existing corridor to eliminate bottlenecks and improve reliability. 010
ottawashadow.bsky.social @ottawashadow.bsky.social · 14/09/2025While dreaming of HSR, no ref to the ongoing dispute with CN and the priority given to freight over people. In the meantime, the $ billion investment in VIA Siemens trains is underutilized at far below the maximum speeds the new rolling stock is capable of. This is under the purview of the Fed Govt. 110
ottawashadow.bsky.social @ottawashadow.bsky.social · 14/09/2025Here we are a few years later, a lame duck PM makes a lame announcement to seduce us with a $4 billion design exercise with the vision of a sexy speedy electric rail system, meanwhile our new Siemens stock is running slower and less reliably. But Carney will list Alto for the "fast track"... 110
ottawashadow.bsky.social @ottawashadow.bsky.social · 14/09/2025While you are at it, might as well ask about any work done for the rest of the HFR other than changing one letter in the acronym HSR. You had a great overview a few years ago - "CDN600 million in public money spent. The result as of today? No construction of any kind has started, very few public... 110
ottawashadow.bsky.social @ottawashadow.bsky.social · 09/06/2025thetyee.ca/News/2025/06/06/Kelowna-New-Tent-City-Policies/?utm_source=daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=060625 Sound familiar?thetyee.caKelowna’s New Tent City Policies ‘Make People Want to Give Up’ | The TyeeUnhoused residents say decampments and new rules are affecting their autonomy, health and safety. 000
ottawashadow.bsky.social @ottawashadow.bsky.social · 09/06/2025I believe you misspoke, meant to say that the encampment protocol wasn't working. There has to be a better way, but certainly not your way. Strange how similar protocols are ending in disarray across the country with the same lament from homeless advocates such as you. You just don't get it. 000
ottawashadow.bsky.social @ottawashadow.bsky.social · 09/06/2025That might do it as a temporary solution until they figure it out. But would mean more empty seats than at present unless VIA drops prices to create more demand. In the meantime, how about Transport Canada do their job and intervene to resolve the impasse. 000
ottawashadow.bsky.social @ottawashadow.bsky.social · 05/06/2025Considering HSR has nothing to show but expenditures - www.ctvnews.ca/business/art... perhaps time to update, johnnyrenton.substack.com/p/the-via-hi... as in these discussions: youtube.com/watch?v=92IoyvTDddYctvnews.caVia Rail subsidiary paid Quebec marketing firm $330K as it pivoted to high-speed railA federal Crown corporation paid more than $330,000 to an outside marketing firm to rebrand a planned passenger rail project between Toronto and Quebec City and boost its popularity. 120
ottawashadow.bsky.social @ottawashadow.bsky.social · 05/06/2025Not sure if I can get less cynical about passenger rail, but starting to miss the concept of HFR, at least doable and affordable in my lifetime. As a monthly VIA rider, I am getting used to delays of up to an hour between TO and Ottawa (thanks CN and by default Transport Canada). Considering HSR...ctvnews.caVia Rail subsidiary paid Quebec marketing firm $330K as it pivoted to high-speed railA federal Crown corporation paid more than $330,000 to an outside marketing firm to rebrand a planned passenger rail project between Toronto and Quebec City and boost its popularity. 010
ottawashadow.bsky.social @ottawashadow.bsky.social · 09/04/2025You are on the right track, looking forward to your insightful analysis further to your " The VIA High Frequency Rail project: $600 million and counting and still nothing to show for it". This latest proposal is just a change in the acronym but the same crayon line on a map, minus a few stations. 000
ottawashadow.bsky.social @ottawashadow.bsky.social · 16/10/2024Getting this when trying to read your piece: Your connection is not private Attackers might be trying to steal your information from www.nextstopdowntowncanada.com (for example, passwords, messages or credit cards). Learn more about this warning net::ERR_CERT_COMMON_NAME_INVALIDnextstopdowntowncanada.com 000
ottawashadow.bsky.social @ottawashadow.bsky.social · 16/10/2024Looking forward to your take on the Duclos pronouncement re. HSR. The cynic in me sees/hears hollow words politically motivated. They may try to score some points as the election approaches in the QC, MTL, Ott, TO corridor. But there will be nothing to show for the money already spent. 000
