That seems like a big deal but as usual Metrolinx is being less than transparent about what happened
They had hired Deutsche Bahn as an operator for the Go Train, some kind of private partnership to improve operations, it was called ONxpress. This was supposed to transition on Jan 1st 2025, and it never happened. Now few months later, the whole thing is cancelled.
Can't wait to hear of the behind the scenes (if we get lucky)
Some on Reddit with some inside knowledge were less than enthusiastic about this new operator and claimed they were really out of touch with our reality.
Some famous transit commentators are claiming Metrolinx fucked the whole thing up, unclear if they have inside knowledge or just use the reputation of the German operator.
Who's telling the truth?
8 days later, still no information from #Metrolinx GO Transit on the operating contract being canceled. It was a 1.6 billion dollar contract. They were apparently also in charge of starting the electrification.
No information. Nothing.
Finally an article where they got some leaked presentations of #Metrolinx and some details about what happened with ONxpress.
It seems to be bigger than just the failed contract with Deutsche Bahn.
Looks like Metrolinx is very undecided about the direction of the GO Expansion which was supposed to bring 15min service and electricification on most of the network. One of the largest rail extension project in North America
What we see is not only lack of decisions and leadership, but also an agency with not enough internal knowledge that needs consultants to execute.
End up with the classic consultants and outsourced firms fighting each other and not communicating, nobody empowered enough to fix things or move forward.
I really don't feel like Metrolinx has what it takes to execute this project, they seem overwhelmed and can't even decide what they want.
We are very far from the 15min network on #Gotransit
I hate that good money follows bad to pay Phil Verster–types to simultaneously sabotage all possible avenues of progress *and* conceal the details of how they're doing that.
These people need to be tossed in the lake, starting with the most senior and continuing until we get to someone genuinely eager to understand and serve public needs.
Jérôme
Paul 夏央 Kishimoto
Edwin G. 