Quote:
Originally Posted by edmontonenthusiast
I don't think some turns are bad and they are likely inevitable, but I can see what you're saying...it was a little overkill. So, I created this new map with a brand new route. Just one this time, though. It connects to LRT (both future and current) which is key to making sure the Tram is very viable as it means it can be attached to the greater transportation system, allowing more people to use it and get to it easier. Going down 17th Ave and stopping at 4 St as well as creating a rail connection between Downtown and Mount Royal University will probably be key to creating high ridership on the C-Tram. These areas will likely really benefit from rail but it seems are unlikely to get the C-Train.
LRT is significantly better than trams or streetcars. But, you could say subways and other forms of HRT are superior to LRT. The trams have a benefit to them though over buses. They can carry much more people, require less memorization of routes (there's only 1 or 2 routes, depending on which of my maps you go by, and I doubt there will be a huge streetcar network in Calgary in reality), and look more stylish than a bus. Would you rather take a bus or tram, based solely on social stigma? And it's cheaper and requires less infrastructure than LRT.
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While the 'tram' as you laid out is more than fine, the main use of connecting MRC and downtown would be incredibly slow. The passage along 17th Ave would be incredibly bad, and using Macleod Tr is misguided. It is easy to understand how someone who (assuming here) hasn't really spent much time in the area would choose the alignment, but it doesn't make it good.
If the routes goal is transport between MRC and downtown / the core LRT network, there are numerous options that would be better and cheaper. (straight shots up 33rd or 37th to Westbrook, the unused freeway corridor & sandy beach to the south line being two of them). Especially since none of these routes are especially congested you could actually run a tram service without exclusive ROW without big problems.
If you want a service to encourage main street development, that is fine too. The only problem is Marda Loop is isolated from a develop-able corridor. You are not going to tear down $1million+ single family homes to build high density street front retail with condos above down 14th street. Running from Westbrooke to the Stampede grounds with a tram wouldn't be half bad down 17th, you might even run it as a continuation of the MRC tram. Now it wouldn't be faster than a bus, but it would certainly focus development and encourage a 'complete' main street. It would function in a similar role to the St Clair car in Toronto (before it was rebuilt with its own ROW)
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