As Halifax's transit strike approaches its end, 'renegade' streetcar operator postpones beginning.
The Halifax Streetcar Conglomerate announced late Sunday that it would delay its introduction of light-rail transit on Monday in order to allow an orderly resumption of service by Metro Transit.
"I congratulate the Amalgamated Transit Union local 508 for its tenacity in dealing with Metro transit," said HSC CEO Gord McCord after both battling parties endorsed a tentative agreement reached after a five-week strike. "As a businessman with an appreciation of the cost of labour, I also congratulate management at HRM for its efforts to contain costs."
Given the sudden turn in conditions facing Halifax commuters this week, the HSC has decided to postpone Monday's introduction of streetcar service on routes 7, 20 and 80.
"At such a sensitive time, with ratification by labour and politicians just hours away, this is obviously not a prudent time to offer citizens a new transit modality that could disrupt the delicate balance that's been reached," said HSC Manager of Rolling Stock, T. Richard Astley.
"So, for now, we will focus our efforts on beginning discussions with Metro Transit or other interested parties about how we can integrate bus and streetcar service side-by-side or in some other complementary manner," said Astley. "We're not giving you up, and we're sorry if we've let you down. But please don't conclude that we've run around and deserted you. As I said previously, we will not do that. We're on rails."
This delay in launch plans could end up meaning more service will be available at a future launch date, as more track is finalized and more of Toronto's surplus 'Red Rocket' CLRV trams arrive and are refurbished.
"The dream is still alive, Halifax," said CEO McCord. "Steel wheels will roll again in this city. If not this Monday, then some Monday in the future."
- 30 -
For further information, please contact:
T. Richard Astley
Manager, Rolling Stock, HSC
985-655-2500
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Thursday, March 8, 2012
News release: TRANSIT STRIKE RELIEF COMING MONDAY AS STREETCARS RETURN TO HALIFAX
TRANSIT STRIKE RELIEF COMING MONDAY AS STREETCARS RETURN TO HALIFAX
Toronto's loss is a win for Halifax as "gravy train" trams arrive to serve commuters on key routes
Streetcar service is returning to Halifax for the first time in more than sixty years. The Halifax Streetcar Conglomerate (HSC) announced Thursday that it is taking delivery of dozens of surplus Toronto "red rocket" trams and will offer service on three routes. On Monday.
"Toronto Mayor Rob Ford lost some friends when he revealed that ending the 'Gravy Train' meant swapping his city's future from light rail to subways," said HSC CEO Gord McCord. "The disposal of Toronto's CLRV fleet and the dismissal of the TTC's General Manager have coincided with the Metro Transit strike to create a perfect storm for a city all too familiar with storms. We are proud to be taking Halifax into the future with a transit modality that served it so well in the past."
Thirty-five surplus tram cars, made in Thunder Bay, Ontario for the TTC, are arriving this week at the Ceres container terminal for the launch of Halifax streetcar service on what Metro Transit has traditionally called routes 7, 20 and 80.
Though track construction and overhead wiring went surprisingly unnoticed by some residents, an HSC manager is confident Haligonians will appreciate the difference made by the privately-funded startup.
"Riders feel hurt by the labour dispute, but we're not about to give the riders up," said HSC Manager of Rolling Stock, T. Richard Astley. "We're never going to let you down. Will we run around and desert you? We will not. Our trams are on rails."
HSC has committed to a five year plan with a goal of profitability at the end of year four. Fares for this premium service will be $4. Discount fares will not be available at launch time, but could be considered in the future.
Steel wheels will roll again in Halifax. On Monday.
- 30 -
For further information, please contact:
T. Richard Astley
Manager, Rolling Stock, HSC
985-655-2500
renegadestreetcars.blogspot.com
IN: Transportation, Labour, Atlantic
Toronto's loss is a win for Halifax as "gravy train" trams arrive to serve commuters on key routes
Streetcar service is returning to Halifax for the first time in more than sixty years. The Halifax Streetcar Conglomerate (HSC) announced Thursday that it is taking delivery of dozens of surplus Toronto "red rocket" trams and will offer service on three routes. On Monday.
"Toronto Mayor Rob Ford lost some friends when he revealed that ending the 'Gravy Train' meant swapping his city's future from light rail to subways," said HSC CEO Gord McCord. "The disposal of Toronto's CLRV fleet and the dismissal of the TTC's General Manager have coincided with the Metro Transit strike to create a perfect storm for a city all too familiar with storms. We are proud to be taking Halifax into the future with a transit modality that served it so well in the past."
Thirty-five surplus tram cars, made in Thunder Bay, Ontario for the TTC, are arriving this week at the Ceres container terminal for the launch of Halifax streetcar service on what Metro Transit has traditionally called routes 7, 20 and 80.
Though track construction and overhead wiring went surprisingly unnoticed by some residents, an HSC manager is confident Haligonians will appreciate the difference made by the privately-funded startup.
"Riders feel hurt by the labour dispute, but we're not about to give the riders up," said HSC Manager of Rolling Stock, T. Richard Astley. "We're never going to let you down. Will we run around and desert you? We will not. Our trams are on rails."
HSC has committed to a five year plan with a goal of profitability at the end of year four. Fares for this premium service will be $4. Discount fares will not be available at launch time, but could be considered in the future.
Steel wheels will roll again in Halifax. On Monday.
- 30 -
For further information, please contact:
T. Richard Astley
Manager, Rolling Stock, HSC
985-655-2500
renegadestreetcars.blogspot.com
IN: Transportation, Labour, Atlantic
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Video: Time for streetcars in Halifax
Patrick Klassen (MPlan) lays out the case for streetcars in Halifax in this YouTube video. Patrick is not compensated by HSC and this should not be considered an endorsement by him.
As you see, Mr. Klassen explains that Halifax is a great place for streetcars. We agree. You'll see the difference trams make in this city.
On Monday.
As you see, Mr. Klassen explains that Halifax is a great place for streetcars. We agree. You'll see the difference trams make in this city.
On Monday.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)