More cars for rush-hour subway trains: Wilson Wan’s Big Idea
Wilson Wan has a great idea about infrastructure/transit: Increase the capacity of each train during rush hour by adding more cars extending beyond the platform to act as overflow compartments only to reduce crowding doors

TheStar.ca
June 10, 2014

Name: Wilson Wan

Issue: Infrastructure/Transit: How to make it easier to get around Toronto

What’s the big idea: What if Toronto’s subway added more cars per train (during rush hour; ie. rush hour extended train)? This will extend the capacity of each train, reduce congestion at the doorways, and increase comfort for passengers. This is similar to the idea of articulated buses.

How will the big idea work: Increased capacity of the TTC at minimal cost. Improve downtown relief.

How much will your big idea cost, and how would it be funded: Minimal additional marginal cost, part of TTC operating budget.

How will you implement your big idea: Add more cars per train (or use longer trains during rush hour), which extend beyond the platform. These extra cars will not load or offload passengers.

By adding additional cars per train, which extend beyond the platform, these extra cars will act as overflow compartments and additional space for passengers who wish to travel longer distances such as from terminal stations to terminal stations (Finch to Union, or Sheppard to Bloor etc.). These trains will not load passengers on or off at the platform. Passengers who wish to exit will walk to the front of the train to get off (new Toronto Rockets offer this option). It will reduce crowding at the doors. Those who are not getting off soon will be out of the way and allow more room for passengers getting on or off.

I am concerned with the overcapacity of the Yonge subway line. Furthermore, after reading into the TTC’s study of extending the Finch subway station into York Region to Richmond Hill Centre Terminal at Hwy. 7, I became increasingly concerned with overcapacity by additional riders from York Region. However, I saw this as an opportunity to increase capacity with minimal cost using the extended trains with additional cars. I suggest building a larger extended platform at the new terminal station/transfer hub at Richmond Hill Centre Terminal, which will allow on- and off-loading of all carriages.

Safety (evacuation during an emergency) is a concern. Another issue may be maintenance and train docking at the rail yards due to the length. Door operation is another concern.