blogTO | Posts by Dennis

Street Style: at the Burner Magazine launch party

Dennis Marciniak — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 10:09:23 EST

Name: Megan
Occupation: Consultant
Fav. Piece: Red Lipstick

Name: Alex
Occupation: Photographer
Fav. Piece: Suit

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Street Style: at the Toronto Fan Expo

Dennis Marciniak — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 15:10:43 EDT

Name: George
Occupation: Student
Fav. Piece: RPG
Supposed to be: Call of Duty: Modern Warefare 2: Op. 4 troop

Name: Brittany
Occupation: Student/Bartender
Fav. Piece: Gloves
Supposed to be: Jessica Rabbit

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Inside the Queen and Spadina detention zone

Dennis Marciniak — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 08:18:53 EDT

As a Torontonian and photographer, I set out this weekend to capture footage of the protests but never to interfere or intervene. After a few phone calls on Sunday, I made the decision to follow a group that was leaving Dundas Square. The protest was peaceful. In fact, the most violent act I witnessed until later that evening was a gentleman jumping on a bus shelter. He was asked down by police but not arrested.

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TTC May Raise Fares in Early 2010

Dennis Marciniak — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:46:54 EST

Facing another operating deficit, the TTC has predicted a $100 million shortfall for 2010. Nine city councillors are set to discuss the matter in a meeting now scheduled for Nov. 17. The remaining six-week period would give the commission just enough time to implement a fare hike for the New Year.

For every $0.25 increase in fare, the TTC raises roughly $45 million. TTC Chairman, Councillor Adam Giambrone, says that the current fare of $2.75 won't be increased to four or five dollars because that would "not [be] good for riders". But, I won't be surprised if I find myself throwing a Toonie, Loonie, and maybe even a quarter in the fare box in the near future.

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The 501 Queen Streetcar Splits in Two

Dennis Marciniak — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:31:18 EDT

Starting this morning, the TTC has split the 501 streetcar route, one of its longest routes and the one featured in a National Geographic "Top 10" of the most scenic streetcars rides in the world.

The existing 501 ride which currently moves about 43,500 people a day will be split in half as part of a test run in order to try to address long-standing concerns regarding the quality and timeliness of service along Queen.

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New TTC Downtown / Humber Bay Express Bus

Dennis Marciniak — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 21:38:16 EDT

This Monday, residents of the west end will have another option to make their way downtown. The TTC is launching another downtown-express bus that will pick passengers up along Lakeshore, and drop them off downtown on both Adelaide Street and Richmond Street.

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The TTC Metropass Mess

Dennis Marciniak — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 15:29:40 EDT

If you commute downtown to work on a daily basis, picking up a Metropass is a no brainer. It allows Torontonians to access the transit system whenever they please, even if the destination is only a few stops away. Since its introduction in the 1980s, the pass has been the preferred fare payment of TTC 'regulars.' It has, however, recently come under public scrutiny.

When the pass was made transferable, it definitely patched up a small hole in my pocket. Before I moved out, my roommate and I would split a pass every month. I worked during the day, and she worked during the night. Our household was able to use one Metropass - for the cost of two. With many similar living arrangements in the city (especially among students), I am not surprised that the TTC is projecting a $17.4m deficit.

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TTC to Pull an All-Nighter for Nuit Blanche 2009

Dennis Marciniak — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:54:44 EDT

The TTC is getting it right for this year's Nuit Blanche. With so much going on in just one night, finding cheap transportation options in previous years has been a challenge, but this year they've really stepped it up.

In previous years, people would buy a day pass to try to cover as much ground as possible. The problem? It expires at 5:30am, so if you plan to travel all night (which many do) one would have to buy two passes. This is why the TTC has made improvements this year in two big ways: by unveiling the 'Nuit Blanche Special Event TTC Day Pass', and by running (much of) the subway system - right through the night!

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CP24 Launches the Most Intuitive Online Traffic Report in Toronto

Dennis Marciniak — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 19:12:36 EDT

Just in time for the last long weekend of the summer, CP24 has launched a new online traffic report. Users can now view traffic congestion on all of Toronto's main arteries to find the quickest route in, out, or even through the city using a convenient chart that highlights deviations from normal transit times. Although other media outlets provide similar information, to me this seems to be the most accurate and is at your fingertips through the use of a mobile phone.

I can't say how many times I've gone to my phone (yes, before I begin driving) for a traffic report. But unfortunately the data is almost always incorrect as road conditions can change within minutes. My early experience with CP24's system, however, suggests that it doesn't suffer from this problem.

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Top Five Cycling Hazards in Toronto

Dennis Marciniak — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 01:22:42 EDT

With the recent cyclist tragedy, near Bloor and Avenue Road, burnt into the minds of Torontonians, the motorist vs. cyclist debate is on once again. Regardless of which side you may agree with, neither form of transportation will disappear from the streets of Toronto any time soon. Although the facts from Monday's incident aren't exactly clear just yet, the notion of safe biking in the cycling has definitely emerged.

Maintaining your bike is a no-brainer. The brakes, chain, gears, etc. should all be checked and in good working condition. Trust me, you don't want to find out you have no brakes going down a steep hill. Unfortunately, as a child, I learned the hard way. Once you've made sure your bicycle is road worthy, it's time to worry about urban utility biking.

Most people downtown aren't biking for recreation; they're biking with an objective in mind. Whether it's getting the groceries, or meeting a friend for coffee, the bike is simply another mode of transportation. As safe as someone's bike can be, the cyclist must always remember that there are other road hazards that can pose a threat. The following is a list of the top five bicycle hazards in our city.

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TTC Hybrid Buses: The Better Way?

Dennis Marciniak — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 14:55:45 EDT

While waiting for the bus in forty-degree weather, I kept reminding myself that I would be in air conditioning soon. Cold air conditioning on a TTC vehicle is just as rewarding as an ice-cold beer on a hot day. I didn't have to wait too long. Thankfully, it came as scheduled. After boarding, I glanced around and saw a lot of shiny faces. Commuters were fanning themselves left, right, and centre. There seemed to be no air conditioning circulating. Before sitting down, I went to open a window and discovered it had been nailed shut - on an almost brand-new diesel/electric hybrid.

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Union Station Re-modernization Approved

Dennis Marciniak — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 02:55:27 EDT

Union Station will finally get its long overdue remodel after years of talk. The 640 million dollar renovation is scheduled to take place over the next five years and is funded by city, provincial and federal governments. Go Transit has even chipped in 172 million, along with VIA Rail who put in 25 million to upgrade passenger lounges. The new station improvements come after approval from City Hall earlier this week - with an outstanding 35-1 result.

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The Eglinton LRT Needs a Re-Think

Dennis Marciniak — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 20:09:39 EDT

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.

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Splitting the 501 Queen Streetcar Route in Two

Dennis Marciniak — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 11:15:19 EDT

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.

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VIA Rail Services Cut in Preparation for Strike

Dennis Marciniak — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:14:23 EDT

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.

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