Quote:
Originally Posted by frinkprof
I understand the dissatisfaction with the notice given and the level of alternative service (shuttle) as originally proposed. Could you confirm one way or the other the following though?
Are you of the opinion that the extension project and its benefits to capacity and service for either yourself or transit riders as group do not outweigh the inconveniences you and others have to endure over the next six weeks?
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For the general public: C-train's 4 cars long is needed in Calgary, yes. The benefits to capacity and services are substantial. It's unfortunate that Southland station is so ill-equipped to remain open while the upgrade is taking place. For example stations in the Northeast all have their handicap access inside the station, so when it comes time to upgrade each of them, their customers won't be inconvenienced like those out of Southland have been.
For my individual self: I don't give a flying fata what the excuse is, completely closing down Southland Station to upgrade it to a 4 car station -- while
apparently necessary -- is a total catastrophe. I'm not sure when the station itself was built, but clearly it was built during a time when handicap access was not at a priority in building construction and more like an afterthought. The closing of the at-grade section of the station was an unfortunate necessity for the upgrade as a whole. But that's where the line should have been drawn. This upgrade should have been done in such a way that the station would not need to be closed. Because of the seeming inability to do so, the upgrade is a blunder and the engineers behind it ought to learn well from its mistakes, because I am certain that there are some stations that will not tolerate full closures. SAIT/ACAD/Jubilee, University, and Chinook just off the top of my head. The former two will likely not need to be fully closed, but Chinook just might.
For my own personal needs, the station does not need an upgrade. I board the C-Train at Southland well before or after rush hour commences/concludes no matter what shift I'm working. This gives me a somewhat jaded perspective of things, I admit. I've had to take the C-train during rush hour in the past. I know it's nothing pleasant. The 4 car stations will improve rush hour congestion, but will do nothing to affect my individual commute.