Transportation A Hassle For Everyone In Storm
Posted February 1, 2008 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Whether you travelled by plane, train, automobile, bike or just plain walked, people everywhere had a hard time commuting during Friday’s monster snowstorm.
You already know the trouble those behind the wheel had from morning till night. And even those taking the Better Way found it was the slower way, especially on its surface routes. Frustrated commuters were left waiting outside in the cold for 30 minutes or more. “I spent a half an hour and now I’m late,” gripes one. “It’s been 20 minutes here.” GO Transit service was also delayed, especially on its bus routes.
Over at Pearson International Airport, crews are still working at full capacity to try and keep the planes moving. While some jets were taking off, there were hundreds of delays and cancellations.
One couple has been waiting since 3am to board their plane. But despite the arduous jet lag, they’re still in good spirits. “What are you gonna do, it’s winter. We’re going to take it as it comes and we’re going to get to Africa,” said a very patient Bob Tippe at the passenger gate.
“A plane can function in this weather as long as the runways are clear,” explained Trish Krale, a GTAA spokesperson. “We have about 100 people out there doing snow removal and cleaning the airfield right now, so we’re well on top of it.”
To check on your flight status go to http://www.gtaa.com/.
And if you thought flying in the storm was bad, imagine trying to navigate through it on two wheels. “I’ve been working since 8am,” said bike courier Tony Lomas. “I don’t have braking power. I can’t see the streetcar tracks and my wheels can get caught. It’s just not that much fun at all.”
And even those who decided to stay home faced weather hurdles having to shovel their driveways, in some cases more than once. Many helped their neighbours. But senior Anna Piekarz turned the tables, announcing she was aiding the residents next door by letting them come to her rescue. “I have very good neighbours,” she agrees. “I’m doing them a favour. They said they were on their way to the gym.”
Whether you travelled by plane, train, automobile, bike or just plain walked, people everywhere had a hard time commuting during Friday’s monster snowstorm.
You already know the trouble those behind the wheel had from morning till night. And even those taking the Better Way found it was the slower way, especially on its surface routes. Frustrated commuters were left waiting outside in the cold for 30 minutes or more. “I spent a half an hour and now I’m late,” gripes one. “It’s been 20 minutes here.” GO Transit service was also delayed, especially on its bus routes.
Over at Pearson International Airport, crews are still working at full capacity to try and keep the planes moving. While some jets were taking off, there were hundreds of delays and cancellations.
One couple has been waiting since 3am to board their plane. But despite the arduous jet lag, they’re still in good spirits. “What are you gonna do, it’s winter. We’re going to take it as it comes and we’re going to get to Africa,” said a very patient Bob Tippe at the passenger gate.
“A plane can function in this weather as long as the runways are clear,” explained Trish Krale, a GTAA spokesperson. “We have about 100 people out there doing snow removal and cleaning the airfield right now, so we’re well on top of it.”
To check on your flight status go to http://www.gtaa.com/.
And if you thought flying in the storm was bad, imagine trying to navigate through it on two wheels. “I’ve been working since 8am,” said bike courier Tony Lomas. “I don’t have braking power. I can’t see the streetcar tracks and my wheels can get caught. It’s just not that much fun at all.”
And even those who decided to stay home faced weather hurdles having to shovel their driveways, in some cases more than once. Many helped their neighbours. But senior Anna Piekarz turned the tables, announcing she was aiding the residents next door by letting them come to her rescue. “I have very good neighbours,” she agrees. “I’m doing them a favour. They said they were on their way to the gym.”
Contacts and Websites
TTC service disruption advisories
Updates on plows
(416) 338-SNOW
Seniors/Disabled Free Sidewalk Clearing (City of Toronto only)
(416) 416-392-7768
Wheel-Trans (Under a snow contingency plan. Necessary trips only like medical or stranded trips.)
Reservation line: 416-393-4222
Contacts and Websites
TTC service disruption advisories
Updates on plows
(416) 338-SNOW
Seniors/Disabled Free Sidewalk Clearing (City of Toronto only)
(416) 416-392-7768
Wheel-Trans (Under a snow contingency plan. Necessary trips only like medical or stranded trips.)
Reservation line: 416-393-4222
