| WarrenC12 |
Sep 5, 2008 4:09 PM |
Quote:
Originally Posted by geoff's two cents
(Post 3779724)
I agree wholeheartedly :yes: , but I think there are many out there who would consider the tracks to be an eyesore. I really like the way parts of greater Vancouver have grown around the skytrain. The efforts of Surrey and New Westminster to integrate the elevated track into the urban aesthetic demonstrate, in my opinion, that much can be done with this way of building. The views from the train are also incredible - much more enjoyable than taking the Toronto subway, believe me. I don't even necessarily think space would be an issue on Broadway. The street would lose at most one lane in order to run the system down the middle (I can't recall if there is on-street parking on Broadway - if this is the case, then the street would only lose that - and only on one side). I personally do not mind the sound of trains whizzing by while I shop - actually kind of adds to the experience, if you ask me.
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I think you are bang on with most points. One other thing that often gets overlooked is the experience of the station, getting on and off the train, etc. Visiting London and NYC in the summer, the waits for the trains, and the walking to and from the street, are hot, stuffy, painful experiences. In an elevated station you get a breeze, much more of an open feeling, and more things to look at and occupy your time. In NYC you can be at Times Square station and you might as well be in a cave somewhere. The problem is only worse during rush hour crunch times.
Now I contrast that with Chicago, that has a lot of elevated lines. Unfortunately they are built with steel and they cross the entire street, creating a dark and weird feeling at street level. But there are lots of great stations, interesting views, etc on the lines there.
Quote:
Originally Posted by geoff's two cents
(Post 3779724)
The protests from residents (who presumably do not use skytrain much) and the business community would be significant, however, and the disruptions associated with building an above-ground line, coupled with the fact that the city probably could not "pull a Cambie" here - particularly in the the more upscale districts - means that it's likely to be a less exciting, and much more expensive, tunnel. Doesn't make it any less imperative though. The idea of an airport line was great, but the lack of a skytrain line along this corridor strikes me as a glaring inadequacy. Should have been done years ago.
Having said that, has an elevated Broadway line been considered at all?
Does anybody know if there is any UBC activism to start building the line at an earlier date?
In my ideal, dictatorial universe, the province would run roughshod over the opposition and build an elevated line as soon as humanly possibly.
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Who says we don't live in a dictatorial province? Considering the recent transit announcements, nothing would surprise me. Although Campbell might have to change from his Point Grey riding if he wants to get re-elected after that.
I don't think that we need to go all elevated or all tunnel, but I'd like to see elevated as the first choice, tunnel as a last resort.
The Canada line should have been the same but they went overboard with the tunnel.. Cambie was a perfect street for an above ground line. Of course Arbutus would have been even better. :notacrook: |
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