06-22-2016, 10:54 PM
(06-22-2016, 01:19 PM)jwilliamson Wrote: After reading the list of Key Criteria, I'm surprised Breslau was recommended.
How many trips will start/end at this station? Would mostly cannibalize from Kitchener
Does the station connect to higher order transit and have potential to improve network/corridor service? No.
Does the station connect to key destinations? The airport
Time savings? Don't have to go downtown
Future market demand/development potential? If the region keeps following the Places to Grow Act, there shouldn't be much growth in the area.
Does the station align with Growth Plan policy? No, it will mostly make car-dependent suburban development easier.
Affordability/Ease of construction? Should be cheap.
If Metrolinx's goal is to turn all of southern Ontario into car-dependent bedroom communities for Toronto, this location makes sense. Otherwise, they should focus on putting stations where people and transit already are.
I think you're off on a couple of these.
'How many trips will start/end at this station?' I think there would be a lot of people that would be willing to take GO from a Breslau location that wouldn't be willing to drive downtown Kitchener. With the new highway 7 and the expected growth of Breslau there will be a lot of people within a 15 minute drive of a Breslau location that aren't within a 15 minute drive (or public transportation trip) of downtown Kitchener. It also opens up a reasonable public transportation option for people that live in Breslau (and area) and work downtown Kitchener/Guelph. With more frequent service (which we'll have by the time this ever opens), it won't just be about going to/from Toronto.
'Time savings?' Similar to above, lots of people would have a significantly shorter trip.
'Future market demand/development potential?' There's a ton of growth proposed for Breslau. The proposed location is part of a large subdivision that is planned and almost certainly won't be built until that subdivision is well under way.
'Does the station align with Growth Plan policy?' Yes. You can read about it in the Breslau Secondary Plan.