With the preliminary planning completed, final details about how the Eglinton Crosstown LRT will operate are being solidified. Right of way, street level noise, and construction are just some of the issues that are keeping the project from completion. I have a strong feeling that this proposed route will cause a lot of controversial debate and anger in Toronto over the next few years.

There's no doubt that the St. Clair LRT has caused many headaches over the last few years -- in terms of construction and implementation. So much so, that in 2005 construction was brought to a complete stand still. The issue was quickly resolved, but lasting effects among local businesses and residents still exists. Now that the St. Clair line is under control, the focus has shifted to Eglinton.

At almost 25 kilometers in length, the 501 Queen is one of the TTC's longest routes. It is definitely one of the quickest ways to see much of Toronto in a few hours. As a kid I remember telling my parents that I was going to play at the park with friends. Once there, we would pool all the money we had and catch a ride on the 501. We weren't going anywhere specific; our eyes just wanted to see the city we never had the chance to see on our own. And it didn't matter that it was through the window of a streetcar.

Looking back at those experiences, I can't say it was the safest activity to do as a child, but it's certainly one that I'll never forget. Now that there's a resurgence of the idea of splitting the route into two, I'm not complaining. Although the trip is visually stimulating, there can be severe delays. If you've ever tried to use a schedule on the 501, you'll quickly realize how unreliable it actually is.

VIA Canada has begun to cancel long haul trips in fear of stranding passengers across the country. The company has ensured that customers already en-route or departing before the strike deadline will reach their destination by "train or alternative means." If VIA Rail workers don't reach an agreement by noon Friday, all services will be halted indefinitely.

The railway remains in talks with Teamsters Canada Rail Conference union, which represents the 340 engineers who are threatening to strike. Negotiations are currently ongoing with a mediator in place which was sent from Ottawa in an attempt to avert a strike. I am hoping that this will resolve the situation quickly. The union has been without a contract with the Montreal-based firm since December 31, 2006.

Ottawa will spend $300 million from the economic stimulus fund to upgrade Ontario's railway corridor. VIA Rail Canada will use the money on improving accessibility for the disabled, introducing fuel efficient locomotives, and reducing travel time between Montreal and Toronto by a whole 30 minutes. Construction is set to begin in the next few weeks.

New tracks will be laid in 8 locations along the corridor in hopes of resolving tie-ups between passenger and freight trains. These bottlenecks occur when VIA attempts to pass CNR (Canadian National Railway) trains but can't due to track restrictions. Additional railway will be strategically laid alongside the 539 kilometer route so VIA trains can pass by quickly and safely.

Mayor David Miller is still cleaning up the mess left in the wake of the TTC streetcar funding debacle. The full details of the deal have emerged, but the dust hasn't exactly settled. The $1.22 billion dollar deal with Bombardier was on the rocks in late June, but was saved at the last second by an emergency vote in city council on June 26. Although the project has got the go ahead, sacrifice had to be made to other areas in the city's transit system.

The original deal was to split the price tag among city, provincial, and federal governments three ways. Ontario agreed, and coined up $416 million in mid-June. The province agreed mainly due to the incentive that 5,000 direct, and 14,000 indirect jobs were to be created. With that in mind, the project started to make more sense to me. The streetcar deal seemed to be underway and moving ahead with full force until Ottawa became reluctant.

As Toronto's transportation expands, many citizens are finding new ways to get from point A to point B. Whether it's on a bike, rollerblades or a long board, Torontonians are trading their gas-powered wheels for muscle power. With the weather improving to summer-like conditions in the past week, it's no wonder Toronto is seeing more alternative modes of transportation on its streets.

Surprisingly, the kick scooter is popularizing among Torontonians. Some of this may be attributed to warmer weather. Many overlook this simple 'toy', and some may even laugh, but on closer inspection, it tends to be an efficient piece of machinery. I was especially shocked when I saw a businessman on his blackberry riding down Bay St. He flew by all the other pedestrians on his shiny red scooter. At that point, I began to look at the toy as a serious way to get around, particularly when used for shorter distances. With that in mind, I borrowed my friend's scooter to see what all the rave was about.