UBCx - Millennium Line Extension Arbutus to UBC | Proposed

[madog222]

Originally Posted by chowhou

Small reminder that SoF is "getting" BRT down KGB and 200th at the same pace that the North Shore is likely getting Skytrain. Take that for what you will and whether that's sufficient compensation.

Nah, KGB and 200th are getting BRT at the same time that the North Shore and Burnaby is getting BRT.

Whenever BIRT happens is anyone’s guess but even if it becomes an election promise by the winning party this fall will still be around a decade away.

[chowhou]

Originally Posted by madog222

Nah, KGB and 200th are getting BRT at the same time that the North Shore and Burnaby is getting BRT.

Whenever BIRT happens is anyone’s guess but even if it becomes an election promise by the winning party this fall will still be around a decade away.

It's just as incorrect to say the North Shore is getting BRT as it is to say the North Shore is getting Skytrain. Translink has been very clear that they will go with whatever makes the most sense. They have no commitments to either, but the political powers at be at all levels have all signaled clear intent to push for Skytrain. The most likely scenario is currently Skytrain across the North Shore and no BRT.

[jollyburger]

Originally Posted by chowhou

It's just as incorrect to say the North Shore is getting BRT as it is to say the North Shore is getting Skytrain. Translink has been very clear that they will go with whatever makes the most sense. They have no commitments to either, but the political powers at be at all levels have all signaled clear intent to push for Skytrain. The most likely scenario is currently Skytrain across the North Shore and no BRT.

I thought they were clear that BRT will be a near term fix with concurrent "rapid transit"

The proposed BRT timeline is far too tight to build any kind of a new rapid transit crossing over Burrard Inlet, Quinn acknowledged, so work is happening simultaneously on a longer-term rapid transit solution for the North Shore, he said.

I haven't heard any federal commitments for funding it or what the rest of Metro Vancouver wants to do.

https://www.nsnews.com/local-news/north-...front-of-the-line-translink-says-7843788

[chowhou]

Originally Posted by jollyburger

I thought they were clear that BRT will be a near term fix with concurrent "rapid transit"

Translink plans on pushing the R2 past Phibbs down to Brentwood and Metrotown in the near term. If we're considering that BRT then sure; Otherwise, from the horse's mouth:

https://www.translink.ca/plans-and-projects/projects/rapid-transit-projects/bus-rapid-transit

The Metrotown – North Shore rapid transit corridor will connect major destinations such as Park Royal, Capilano Mall, Lower Lonsdale, Lower Lynn, Burnaby Heights, Brentwood, BCIT, and Metrotown. It will also improve connections to SkyTrain at Brentwood Town Centre on the Millennium Line and Metrotown Station on the Expo Line.

Recognizing the high transportation demand on this corridor, work has begun to extend the R2 Marine Drive RapidBus from Phibbs Exchange to Metrotown, providing a direct express connection between Burnaby and the North Shore. This will replace the limited, peak service 222 between Phibbs Exchange and Metrotown and provide all day service, higher capacity articulated buses, and enhanced stop amenities. For more information, visit the RapidBus page.

At the same time, an ultimate rapid transit connection will be determined through the Burrard Inlet Rapid Transit Program, which will plan for BRT and consider other rail alternatives. The study will evaluate technology, different route alignments, stop and station locations, and degree of roadway separation including options for a dedicated transit crossing of Burrard Inlet.

[GenWhy?]

Originally Posted by chowhou

Translink plans on pushing the R2 past Phibbs down to Brentwood and Metrotown in the near term. If we're considering that BRT then sure; Otherwise, from the horse's mouth:

https://www.translink.ca/plans-and-projects/projects/rapid-transit-projects/bus-rapid-transit

But isn't TransLink the one calling it a planned BRT route?

"Recognizing that this is a highly complex and constrained corridor, we will immediately begin the required planning work to advance a BRT option so that construction of rapid transit can begin within years 0–5."

"In parallel, we will advance business case development to confirm whether the ultimate technology will be Bus Rapid Transit, Light Rail Transit, or SkyTrain (or a combination), and to confirm the associated alignment, terminus locations, and degree of grade separation including options for a dedicated transit crossing of Burrard Inlet."

I understand this as BRT within 5 years (2022-2027), and maybe SkyTrain in the future once the business case and funding is secured. What appears to not be settled is whether BRT is the permanent solution for this route.

[GenWhy?]

But then again... it's just text in a document:

"Accordingly, subject to further planning and discussions, and an approved business case that includes a new funding model with third-party contributions and capturing the increase in land values, these 10-Year Priorities include extending the Millennium Line from Arbutus to UBC in years 6–10. "

2028-2032 UBC SkyTrain seems unlikely.

[madog222]

The exact details of Translink's BRT plan has been quite fluid while they have been figuring out how a the new type of service fits into the existing network within budget constraints.

While they previously called for BRT ASAP for the corridor their BRT page currently shows that the current plan is to extend the R2 Rapidbus to Metrotown while the BIRT program studies the corridor. Presumably this means if RRT is found to have a higher cost benefit ratio than BRT they won't invest in any BRT infrastructure on the corridor.

Pure speculation from me, this change may have to do with signals from a higher power that an ultimate solution to the corridor could happen sooner than later.

[chowhou]

Originally Posted by GenWhy?

But isn't TransLink the one calling it a planned BRT route?

Fixed your link.

"Recognizing that this is a highly complex and constrained corridor, we will immediately begin the required planning work to advance a BRT option so that construction of rapid transit can begin within years 0–5."

"In parallel, we will advance business case development to confirm whether the ultimate technology will be Bus Rapid Transit, Light Rail Transit, or SkyTrain (or a combination), and to confirm the associated alignment, terminus locations, and degree of grade separation including options for a dedicated transit crossing of Burrard Inlet."

I understand this as BRT within 5 years (2022-2027), and maybe SkyTrain in the future once the business case and funding is secured. What appears to not be settled is whether BRT is the permanent solution for this route.

I understand this as playing fast and loose with the definition of "BRT" and calling pushing the R2 RapidBus across the Second Narrows "BRT" for now.

[GenWhy?]

Originally Posted by chowhou

Fixed your link.

I understand this as playing fast and loose with the definition of "BRT" and calling pushing the R2 RapidBus across the Second Narrows "BRT" for now.

It is a bit loose on what they'll install (the extent of the dedicated lanes and signal priority), but my understanding is they are not simply doing extended R2 and calling it BRT. That's their Rapid Bus system and this Metrotown line is not a part of the Rapid Bus program.

[chowhou]

Originally Posted by GenWhy?

It is a bit loose on what they'll install (the extent of the dedicated lanes and signal priority), but my understanding is they are not simply doing extended R2 and calling it BRT. That's their Rapid Bus system and this Metrotown line is not a part of the Rapid Bus program.

They've explicitly stated that they will not be touching the Iron Workers' at all. No lanes will be touched by any bus service type. Doesn't sound like BRT to me.

https://www.nsnews.com/local-news/north-...front-of-the-line-translink-says-7843788

Neither the Bus Rapid Transit route nor the extension of the R2 will involve re-purposing any of the existing lanes on the Ironworkers Memorial Second Narrows Crossing for buses only, Quinn said.

Again from the horse's mouth in June:

https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/translink-ceo-kevin-quinn-interview

1. What’s the rationale behind starting with RapidBus expansion between the North Shore and Metrotown and then studying whether to proceed with Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) or rail rapid transit at a later date? Why not start with planning BRT or rail rapid transit immediately?

In the short term, what we’ve seen and what we’ve heard is that the North Shore needs a rapid transit connection as soon as possible. I think we see the quickest way to do that is by doing an extension of the R2 RapidBus.

It’s important to note that our RapidBus lines share many of the same characteristics of BRT systems. In fact, if you go to some cities, I think what we found through our research is that what we call RapidBus, many systems call BRT. There’s a spectrum of RapidBus, Bus Rapid Transit, and transit priority corridors. So I guess I say that in the sense that in the short term, we think we can extend the RapidBus and have those same transit priority measures along the corridor to create that rapid transit solution that people need now.

At the same time, I think we also recognize that it’s a really complicated corridor. It’s very complex, and so there is very limited right of way. I think we’ve got to be very careful with what the more long-term more permanent build-out looks like. We’ve committed to an extension of the R2 RapidBus and then, really doing a study in the long run to look at whether BRT or rail make sense.”

[Migrant_Coconut]

"No bus lanes on the bridge," but the Burnaby Heights people have been complaining about possibly losing their parking lanes for months.

[GenWhy?]

Originally Posted by chowhou

Again from the horse's mouth in June:

https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/translink-ceo-kevin-quinn-interview

Ugggh whyyyy TransLink why?!

"It’s important to note that our RapidBus lines share many of the same characteristics of BRT systems"

No they effing don't you goon. We'll I'm glad I don't rely on this bus route. What a joke

[waves]

Dedicated bus lanes are not necessary for the R2 to maintain reliability so long as there are queue jumpers for the bus at each end. Fortunately they just built one on the north side going south bound, but they still need something for the south side going north bound. Perhaps merging the McGill and Hastings NB on ramp and extending the McGill bus jump all the way to Hastings.

[jollyburger]

Another road closure

Temporary Street Occupancy Permit TO-2024-05247Issued

Application Date: Aug, 23, 2024
Issue Date: Aug 27, 2024
Completed Date:

Details
Work Description: NO SIGNS REQUIRED:
• 2800-3100 blk W Broadway from MacDonald St to Trutch St

Effective Date /Time:
Tuesday, September 3, 2024 to Wednesday, September 18, 2024, including Saturdays
24 hrs

Permission is granted to the permit applicant to occupy/close a portion of the travel lane of 2800-3100 blk W Broadway to facilitate test hole drilling for UBC Skytrain Extension as per approved Traffic Management Plan.

Applicant to make arrangements with CMBC for impacted bus stop(s).

Accepted TMP and permit must be retained on site during working hours.
Pedestrian protection and proper traffic control to be maintained at all times to the satisfaction of the General Manager of Engineering Services.


UMB-1321


Permit Purpose: Utilities

Full/Part Time:
Short/Long Term:
Additional Signage Required: No


Start Date: Sep 3, 2024
End Date: Sep 18, 2024
Utility Company: No

https://plposweb.vancouver.ca/Public/Default.aspx?PossePresentation=Guest&PosseObjectId=239257063

[Jimbo604]

Something actually happening on the UBC extension, I don't believe it.

Is this the first set of test hole drills or have they done others previously?

[jollyburger]

Originally Posted by Jimbo604

Something actually happening on the UBC extension, I don't believe it.

Is this the first set of test hole drills or have they done others previously?

They did the section east of it recently.

[Jimbo604]

Originally Posted by jollyburger

They did the section east of it recently.

Ah... do we know how the applicant is specifically here? The permit does not mention.

It will be interesting to see where they drill tests west of Broadway and Alma.

[jollyburger]

Originally Posted by Jimbo604

Ah... do we know how the applicant is specifically here? The permit does not mention.

It will be interesting to see where they drill tests west of Broadway and Alma.

It's Golder Associates. They did geotechnical work on the rest of the Broadway Subway and Canada Line, Surrey Langley etc.

https://www.biv.com/news/transportation/contractors-train-sights-broadway-line-opportuniti-8250124

[Jimbo604]

Originally Posted by jollyburger

It's Golder Associates. They did geotechnical work on the rest of the Broadway Subway and Canada Line, Surrey Langley etc.

https://www.biv.com/news/transportation/contractors-train-sights-broadway-line-opportuniti-8250124

Thanks, Jolly. Based on length of this permit and if they continue westward, they could be at Broadway and Alma by the end of November potentially, by very rough estimate.

[Feathered Friend]

Wrong Thread