Train Whistle Bans

How do they work and are they really a solution?

My files go back over 5 years and I truly appreciate the concerns raised by our residents. Like many of my neighbours, I can hear the Go Train whistles from my house starting with the first southbound train 6:15 in the morning. Here is an update on the issue.

I live a block west of Main Street North on London Road, and when I say I can hear the train from my home, it’s not just as it approaches the Tannery station, but also when it arrives at the Green Lane station, including the warning signals it sends at the crossing near London Road and Main Street.

A recent staff report (Report ES2009-40) was circulated to residents who have asked to be kept up to date on the progress of our examination of the issue.  We were advised that our consultant has completed the design and tender request for the GO Rail Pedestrian Crossing, including a gate arm, flashing lights, bells etc. with an anticipated installation scheduled for the fall of 2009. Additionally, the design for the Main Street / London Road intersection signalization has been completed and is ready to be tendered. Both projects are expected to be within the 2009 budget allocations that town council has approved. 

A Public Information Meeting with respect to the GO Train pedestrian crossing was held at the Town Offices on June 25, 2009 and subject to any minor modifications, the project would proceed with tendering for construction this year. Based upon what we know at this time, a contract for construction could be awarded in 2009.

Many people believe that the installation of these safety measures will completely eliminate the whistle warnings, but you need to know that on a GO Train line, a whistle ban can only be implemented between 11:00 pm and 6:00 am.  The rail line in Newmarket is primarily serving GO Trains, although on occasion it also has provided overnight freight service. I am advised by staff that freight service was not provided in 2008 and that we are not able to determine the potential for rail freight traffic for this line in the future  The whistle ban, however, would apply during the stipulated hours, subject to the discretionary authority and obligations of the engineer.

With the increase in ridership, it is highly likely that the GO Train service in Newmarket will continue to grow, but will generally operate between the hours of 6 am and 11pm and therefore a whistle ban would not apply to the GO Train. The most recent information we received is that GO will begin increasing the level of service after November 2009 with the goal of eventually providing all day service in both directions.

The completion of the barriers and lights at the GO Pedestrian Crossing will provide a higher level of warning and safety for the residents using the trail and will position the Town to apply for a whistle ban at this location for trains between the hours of 11:00 pm and 6:00 am. I know from my many conversations with residents and neighbours, our shared top priority is the safety of those using the crossing. No one wants to see that compromised.

Please let me know if you want to receive further updates from me as more information becomes available.