Long Branch Mike (LBM) 🇨🇦
@longbranchmike.bsky.social
Managing Editor of LondonReconnections.com. Open to colabs. Opinions are mine own. EN/FR (he/him/hine/il/lui)
Have the trainspotter's gaze.
Have the trainspotter's gaze.
Reposted by Long Branch Mike (LBM) 🇨🇦
It’s time for another edition of Expanded Public Transit for A Better Tomorrow: the new REM light rail line to Deux-Montagnes opened today and is free all weekend! Looks like I’m getting to explore new areas tomorrow!
CC: @aljodasch.bsky.social
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
CC: @aljodasch.bsky.social
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
REM's Deux-Montagnes branch finally opens, rides will be free all weekend | CBC News
The much anticipated branch of the REM connecting Deux-Montagnes to downtown Montreal will open after six years in the making.
www.cbc.ca
November 15, 2025 at 8:33 PM
It’s time for another edition of Expanded Public Transit for A Better Tomorrow: the new REM light rail line to Deux-Montagnes opened today and is free all weekend! Looks like I’m getting to explore new areas tomorrow!
CC: @aljodasch.bsky.social
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
CC: @aljodasch.bsky.social
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Reposted by Long Branch Mike (LBM) 🇨🇦
Congrats to Montréal where the next phase of their REM metro system opened today! Work started in 2017. Now 50-km of new transit is open for riders! 🎊
Meanwhile, a certain 19-km LRT in Toronto has been under construction since 2011 and there's no opening date in sight... 😤
Public Inquiry now!
Meanwhile, a certain 19-km LRT in Toronto has been under construction since 2011 and there's no opening date in sight... 😤
Public Inquiry now!
November 15, 2025 at 9:44 PM
Congrats to Montréal where the next phase of their REM metro system opened today! Work started in 2017. Now 50-km of new transit is open for riders! 🎊
Meanwhile, a certain 19-km LRT in Toronto has been under construction since 2011 and there's no opening date in sight... 😤
Public Inquiry now!
Meanwhile, a certain 19-km LRT in Toronto has been under construction since 2011 and there's no opening date in sight... 😤
Public Inquiry now!
Reposted by Long Branch Mike (LBM) 🇨🇦
There's two more days to speak up against cuts to federal transit funding.
No such thing as "Canada Strong" without transit linking our communities.
Tell the Carney government to protect and expand the Canada Public Transit Fund and fund transit operations for more affordable & frequent service ⬇️
No such thing as "Canada Strong" without transit linking our communities.
Tell the Carney government to protect and expand the Canada Public Transit Fund and fund transit operations for more affordable & frequent service ⬇️
November 15, 2025 at 10:12 PM
There's two more days to speak up against cuts to federal transit funding.
No such thing as "Canada Strong" without transit linking our communities.
Tell the Carney government to protect and expand the Canada Public Transit Fund and fund transit operations for more affordable & frequent service ⬇️
No such thing as "Canada Strong" without transit linking our communities.
Tell the Carney government to protect and expand the Canada Public Transit Fund and fund transit operations for more affordable & frequent service ⬇️
Now on TPR
Latest on the LRT saga
Federal Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Gregor Robertson has confirmed the final funding agreement between the Province of Ontario and the Government of Canada for the Hamilton Light Rail Transit (LRT) project has not been finalized.
No timeline #HamOnt
Latest on the LRT saga
Federal Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Gregor Robertson has confirmed the final funding agreement between the Province of Ontario and the Government of Canada for the Hamilton Light Rail Transit (LRT) project has not been finalized.
No timeline #HamOnt
Federal Hamilton LRT Funding Agreement Still Not Finalized
Federal Minister of Infrastructure says LRT remains a priority and he wants to see it built quicker.
thepublicrecord.ca
November 16, 2025 at 3:28 AM
I’m going to make an end-of-year update to my Canada intercity transportation map by the end of November. Let me know what bus and rail services I’m missing or changes I should be aware of.
It’s a big country and I’ll probably miss something.
seanmarshall.ca/transport-map/
It’s a big country and I’ll probably miss something.
seanmarshall.ca/transport-map/
Canada Intercity Transport Map
All of Canada’s transport links, in one map This map depicts all intercity and regional bus and rail connections in Canada. Information for each transit agency and intercity carrier is availa…
seanmarshall.ca
November 16, 2025 at 3:26 AM
Reposted by Long Branch Mike (LBM) 🇨🇦
REM Opening Day is here!
We’re boarding the first REM train from Brossard to Deux-Montagnes this Monday.
Meet us at 5:15 AM or watch live: meetup.railfans.ca
Hop on along the line and join the celebration.
#REM #Montreal #Transit #OpeningDay
We’re boarding the first REM train from Brossard to Deux-Montagnes this Monday.
Meet us at 5:15 AM or watch live: meetup.railfans.ca
Hop on along the line and join the celebration.
#REM #Montreal #Transit #OpeningDay
REM branch to Deux-Montagnes - Opening Day - Live on the Rails!
This Monday, we’re riding the very first REM train from Brossard all the way Deux-Montagnes, and everyone’s invited!
Meet us at Brossard Station at 5:15 AM.The first train departs at 5:30 AM and arri...
meetup.railfans.ca
November 16, 2025 at 12:34 AM
REM Opening Day is here!
We’re boarding the first REM train from Brossard to Deux-Montagnes this Monday.
Meet us at 5:15 AM or watch live: meetup.railfans.ca
Hop on along the line and join the celebration.
#REM #Montreal #Transit #OpeningDay
We’re boarding the first REM train from Brossard to Deux-Montagnes this Monday.
Meet us at 5:15 AM or watch live: meetup.railfans.ca
Hop on along the line and join the celebration.
#REM #Montreal #Transit #OpeningDay
Reposted by Long Branch Mike (LBM) 🇨🇦
Why I’ll mask on planes forever
Flu season is here and we know from experience that sick people are going to board your flight regardless. Learn how respiratory viruses spread on planes and give yourself and what precautions to take to minimize your chances. medicalnewsbulletin.com/up-air-how-r... 🧪 🦠 #virology #thanksgiving 🩺,⚕️
How Respiratory Viruses Spread on Plane Flights | Medical News Bulletin
Ten mathematicians model how respiratory diseases can spread during plane flights in a cabin thousands of feet in the air.
medicalnewsbulletin.com
November 15, 2025 at 4:22 AM
Why I’ll mask on planes forever
Reposted by Long Branch Mike (LBM) 🇨🇦
if you're attending the open house this weekend from 9 am to 6 pm, don't forget to bring your passport if you already have one! #remmtl
November 14, 2025 at 11:35 PM
if you're attending the open house this weekend from 9 am to 6 pm, don't forget to bring your passport if you already have one! #remmtl
Reposted by Long Branch Mike (LBM) 🇨🇦
Front-end view of the snowy first-day of service of the REM line to Deux-Montagnes.
#Montréal ‘s elevated automated light metro adds 14 stations this week. I’ll be getting a sneak-peek tomorrow. (This video from my man on the scene. Thanks, Dan!)
#Montréal ‘s elevated automated light metro adds 14 stations this week. I’ll be getting a sneak-peek tomorrow. (This video from my man on the scene. Thanks, Dan!)
November 14, 2025 at 5:28 PM
Front-end view of the snowy first-day of service of the REM line to Deux-Montagnes.
#Montréal ‘s elevated automated light metro adds 14 stations this week. I’ll be getting a sneak-peek tomorrow. (This video from my man on the scene. Thanks, Dan!)
#Montréal ‘s elevated automated light metro adds 14 stations this week. I’ll be getting a sneak-peek tomorrow. (This video from my man on the scene. Thanks, Dan!)
Reposted by Long Branch Mike (LBM) 🇨🇦
Brightline has been touted as future of rail in North America.
Latest reports show frequency in #Florida has been drastically reduced—to commuter rail levels. And costs of Las Vegas to LA line (Brightline West) have ballooned from $12.5B to $21B.
For-profit rail promises a lot...
🧵
Latest reports show frequency in #Florida has been drastically reduced—to commuter rail levels. And costs of Las Vegas to LA line (Brightline West) have ballooned from $12.5B to $21B.
For-profit rail promises a lot...
🧵
Brightline Financial Woes Continue
On Sept. 30, I reported on Brightline, the private-sector passenger railroad that currently operates in Florida and is building a high-speed railroad between Southern California and Las Vegas. I exami...
www.railwayage.com
November 14, 2025 at 2:23 PM
Brightline has been touted as future of rail in North America.
Latest reports show frequency in #Florida has been drastically reduced—to commuter rail levels. And costs of Las Vegas to LA line (Brightline West) have ballooned from $12.5B to $21B.
For-profit rail promises a lot...
🧵
Latest reports show frequency in #Florida has been drastically reduced—to commuter rail levels. And costs of Las Vegas to LA line (Brightline West) have ballooned from $12.5B to $21B.
For-profit rail promises a lot...
🧵
Reposted by Long Branch Mike (LBM) 🇨🇦
Eulogy for a Speed Camera.
open.substack.com/pub/nextmetr...
open.substack.com/pub/nextmetr...
Eulogy for a Speed Camera.
The Story of how Ontario further degraded our Hapless Transport System.
open.substack.com
November 14, 2025 at 2:42 PM
Eulogy for a Speed Camera.
open.substack.com/pub/nextmetr...
open.substack.com/pub/nextmetr...
Our tram consultation closes this Monday (17 November).
Visit our consultation hub to read the proposals and have your say: consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/sfc/tram-nor...
Visit our consultation hub to read the proposals and have your say: consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/sfc/tram-nor...
November 14, 2025 at 1:27 PM
Reposted by Long Branch Mike (LBM) 🇨🇦
trying to switch off the AI bloatware that has been pinned to the top of every single menu in every single app
April 26, 2025 at 9:30 PM
trying to switch off the AI bloatware that has been pinned to the top of every single menu in every single app
Reposted by Long Branch Mike (LBM) 🇨🇦
Part 3 of my ongoing series about the incredible WW2 flight of the California Clipper is now up and free to read.
Imagine having to fly your aircraft on regular gasoline, which it has never used before.
Now imagine having to work out how to do that while you're flying over the vast Indian Ocean...
Imagine having to fly your aircraft on regular gasoline, which it has never used before.
Now imagine having to work out how to do that while you're flying over the vast Indian Ocean...
In 1941, Pan Am's California Clipper had to do something no commercial flight had done before: circumnavigate the world.
In Part 3 of our series looking at her journey, the crew must work out, mid-air, how to fly her on regular gasoline. Something her Wright Cyclone engines were never designed for.
In Part 3 of our series looking at her journey, the crew must work out, mid-air, how to fly her on regular gasoline. Something her Wright Cyclone engines were never designed for.
Into the unknown: The remarkable journey of the California Clipper, Part 3
Unable to source military-grade aviation fuel, our crew are forced to cross the Indian Ocean using regular gasoline. Something no Boeing 314 has ever flown on before.
theupfront.media
November 14, 2025 at 11:18 AM
Part 3 of my ongoing series about the incredible WW2 flight of the California Clipper is now up and free to read.
Imagine having to fly your aircraft on regular gasoline, which it has never used before.
Now imagine having to work out how to do that while you're flying over the vast Indian Ocean...
Imagine having to fly your aircraft on regular gasoline, which it has never used before.
Now imagine having to work out how to do that while you're flying over the vast Indian Ocean...
Reposted by Long Branch Mike (LBM) 🇨🇦
Friday Reads for 14 November:
Friday Reads – 14 November 2025 - London Reconnections
The leading source for independent news and analysis about transport in London and beyond. Award-winning coverage of transport infrastructure and politics alongside stories about the history of the Capital's transport networks.
www.londonreconnections.com
November 14, 2025 at 9:01 AM
Friday Reads for 14 November:
Reposted by Long Branch Mike (LBM) 🇨🇦
“New small shops and cafés will once again be allowed to open inside some of Toronto’s neighbourhoods, reversing decades of strict planning policy that kept businesses out of residential areas.” www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
New shops and cafés can open in Toronto neighbourhoods decades after being outlawed | CBC News
New small shops and cafés will once again be allowed to open inside some of Toronto’s neighbourhoods, reversing decades of strict planning policy that kept businesses out of residential areas.
na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com
November 14, 2025 at 12:31 PM
“New small shops and cafés will once again be allowed to open inside some of Toronto’s neighbourhoods, reversing decades of strict planning policy that kept businesses out of residential areas.” www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Reposted by Long Branch Mike (LBM) 🇨🇦
We're happy to announce that we're looking for a volunteer to lead our advocacy efforts for the TTC Streetcar network. Our streetcars are some of the slowest in the world, and on time performance was just 61% last month. As our streetcar lead, you will have the responsibility of:
1/3
1/3
November 14, 2025 at 11:57 AM
We're happy to announce that we're looking for a volunteer to lead our advocacy efforts for the TTC Streetcar network. Our streetcars are some of the slowest in the world, and on time performance was just 61% last month. As our streetcar lead, you will have the responsibility of:
1/3
1/3
Reposted by Long Branch Mike (LBM) 🇨🇦
Transit Oriented Development: From Design to Decision
This @sfucity.bsky.social workshop provides reality-tested, practical advice on how to plan, design + implement successful #Transit Oriented Development schemes
Mon Nov 20 | 9am-4:30pm | In-person @SFUVan | www.eventbrite.ca/e/transit-or...
This @sfucity.bsky.social workshop provides reality-tested, practical advice on how to plan, design + implement successful #Transit Oriented Development schemes
Mon Nov 20 | 9am-4:30pm | In-person @SFUVan | www.eventbrite.ca/e/transit-or...
Transit Oriented Development: From Design to Decision
Join SFU's City Program for a collaborative and engaging workshop on Transit Oriented Development schemes.
www.eventbrite.ca
November 14, 2025 at 1:02 AM
Transit Oriented Development: From Design to Decision
This @sfucity.bsky.social workshop provides reality-tested, practical advice on how to plan, design + implement successful #Transit Oriented Development schemes
Mon Nov 20 | 9am-4:30pm | In-person @SFUVan | www.eventbrite.ca/e/transit-or...
This @sfucity.bsky.social workshop provides reality-tested, practical advice on how to plan, design + implement successful #Transit Oriented Development schemes
Mon Nov 20 | 9am-4:30pm | In-person @SFUVan | www.eventbrite.ca/e/transit-or...
Reposted by Long Branch Mike (LBM) 🇨🇦
During elections NDP keep vote splitting so Ford wins. If LIBNDP stopped running in 30 ridings they lose anyway, use GRN as a coalition vote, then they can all form a coalition government and oust Ford from power. You don't have to like each other but a coalition is needed. It's on you
November 13, 2025 at 10:41 PM
During elections NDP keep vote splitting so Ford wins. If LIBNDP stopped running in 30 ridings they lose anyway, use GRN as a coalition vote, then they can all form a coalition government and oust Ford from power. You don't have to like each other but a coalition is needed. It's on you
Reposted by Long Branch Mike (LBM) 🇨🇦
🚨 BREAKING 🚨
My office just uncovered that, buried in their Fall Economic Statement, Ford’s Conservatives are quietly seizing control of Exhibition Place.
#ONpoli
My office just uncovered that, buried in their Fall Economic Statement, Ford’s Conservatives are quietly seizing control of Exhibition Place.
#ONpoli
November 13, 2025 at 9:22 PM
🚨 BREAKING 🚨
My office just uncovered that, buried in their Fall Economic Statement, Ford’s Conservatives are quietly seizing control of Exhibition Place.
#ONpoli
My office just uncovered that, buried in their Fall Economic Statement, Ford’s Conservatives are quietly seizing control of Exhibition Place.
#ONpoli
Reposted by Long Branch Mike (LBM) 🇨🇦
Widening highways over and over again, expecting that to fix traffic is that definition of insanity: doing the same thing over and over again, expecting different results
November 13, 2025 at 11:06 PM
Widening highways over and over again, expecting that to fix traffic is that definition of insanity: doing the same thing over and over again, expecting different results
Reposted by Long Branch Mike (LBM) 🇨🇦
Reposted by Long Branch Mike (LBM) 🇨🇦
Good reporting of course, and sad that telling the truth to the public still isn't just standard operating procedure, and yet . . .
November 13, 2025 at 2:32 PM
Good reporting of course, and sad that telling the truth to the public still isn't just standard operating procedure, and yet . . .
Reposted by Long Branch Mike (LBM) 🇨🇦
Wait! This was the issue TTC’s new CEO refused to reveal to the TTC Board at their last meeting. The issue he refused to acknowledge he was aware of.
How long is Toronto going to be stuck with this TTC CEO? Of Chow loses the next election, could/would a new mayor boot him?
How long is Toronto going to be stuck with this TTC CEO? Of Chow loses the next election, could/would a new mayor boot him?
Internal documents obtained by the NDP reveal Metrolinx covered up serious problems tunnelling under Highway 401 for the Scarborough Subway Extension, forcing highway lane closures & months of repairs that were not disclosed to the public globalnews.ca/news/1152183... #onpoli
Metrolinx struggled to tunnel under Hwy. 401, forcing lane closure and repairs | Globalnews.ca
Since early 2023, a tunnel boring machine has been slowly making its way south from Sheppard Avenue and McCowan Road, digging out a route for the Scarborough Subway Extension.
globalnews.ca
November 12, 2025 at 7:21 PM
Wait! This was the issue TTC’s new CEO refused to reveal to the TTC Board at their last meeting. The issue he refused to acknowledge he was aware of.
How long is Toronto going to be stuck with this TTC CEO? Of Chow loses the next election, could/would a new mayor boot him?
How long is Toronto going to be stuck with this TTC CEO? Of Chow loses the next election, could/would a new mayor boot him?
Reposted by Long Branch Mike (LBM) 🇨🇦
Internal documents obtained by the NDP reveal Metrolinx covered up serious problems tunnelling under Highway 401 for the Scarborough Subway Extension, forcing highway lane closures & months of repairs that were not disclosed to the public globalnews.ca/news/1152183... #onpoli
Metrolinx struggled to tunnel under Hwy. 401, forcing lane closure and repairs | Globalnews.ca
Since early 2023, a tunnel boring machine has been slowly making its way south from Sheppard Avenue and McCowan Road, digging out a route for the Scarborough Subway Extension.
globalnews.ca
November 12, 2025 at 1:39 PM
Internal documents obtained by the NDP reveal Metrolinx covered up serious problems tunnelling under Highway 401 for the Scarborough Subway Extension, forcing highway lane closures & months of repairs that were not disclosed to the public globalnews.ca/news/1152183... #onpoli