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Old 01-31-2011, 10:31 AM   #323
frinkprof
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A couple news stories.

Quote:
Restoring old LRT cars could save Calgary millions


By Richard Cuthbertson, Calgary Herald January 31, 2011 8:00 AM

CALGARY — As the city debates how the initial instalment of provincial transit cash will be spent, a new option is being floated that might salvage a significant number of LRT vehicles heading for retirement, leaving a larger pot of money to develop southeast transit.

Last week, Bombardier Transportation met with a number of council members, and two aldermen say the company pitched the idea of refurbishing old LRT vehicles that are ending their service years.

If the option does prove worthwhile, it could add 15 years to the life of the aging Siemens U2 vehicles, and cost a fraction of the price to purchase new cars.

Bombardier is currently refurbishing some of Edmonton’s LRT vehicles for about $1 million each, according to the two aldermen, although it is acknowledged Calgary cars are more corroded and have seen more use over the years.

Still, even if the cost is 50 per cent higher, it’s worth a close look, says Ald. Shane Keating.

It would be cheaper than buying new vehicles, which would last longer but cost $3.5 million or more.

If five or six vehicles were refurbished every year, the cost could be included in the city budget, allowing more Green Trip provincial transit funds to go to improving rapid transit in the southeast, said Keating.

[...]
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Quote:
Free fare zone to be extended?

JEREMY NOLAIS
METRO CALGARY
Published: January 31, 2011 5:25 a.m.
Last modified: January 31, 2011 12:28 a.m.

As three Calgary aldermen push to extend the LRT free-fare zone one stop south to Victoria-Stampede station, some local businesses near the northwest line are asking for the same reprieve.

Removing fare requirements for Sunnyside station — the first stop after 7th Avenue on the northwest line — would provide added incentive for shoppers in the nearby Kensington district, said Jonathan Kane, owner of The Naked Leaf.

[...]

But Ald. Ray Jones, who is pitching the Victoria extension along with Alds. Andre Chabot and Diane Colley-Urquhart, said the proposal is meant to aid groups hosting events at the BMO Centre on the Stampede grounds.

[...]
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