Metro Vancouver Transit Discussion II

[Express691]

Mark V update:

619-620 10th formation arrived January 12
613-614 entered service January 13, 6 sets in service.

BRT update:

Phase 3 of consultation on the Haney-Langley BRT and King George BRT are released. Looks promising with dedicated BRT lanes being laid out for (according to Kenneth) 90%
for each route

https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/translink-king-george-langley-haney-place-brt-bus-lanes-proposal

Pointers: New Flyer has produced a number of 5-door buses over the last few years; the closest example to us is Rapidride G Line in Seattle.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euurA_dEIN4

If anything, a valid concern is the width of the center platforms, which is the main section for both of these lines. I think some of these stops are going to default to a 120ft long platform that is barely 10 ft wide. I have yet to review the actual survey. Using 5-door buses hampers fleet flexibility IMO - Seattle needs 13 buses (including spares) to operate the 3.5km G-line at every 6 minutes.

Another idea I have would be to use standard 3-door articulated buses but have them swap sides at each stop. E.g. northbound buses load to the left of the corridor and vice versa. I think this would require a speed restriction or a dedicated signalling system.

[cganuelas1995]

The SkyTrain attendants need to do a better job at crowd control during delays and shuttle train situations.

[madog222]

Originally Posted by Express691

If anything, a valid concern is the width of the center platforms, which is the main section for both of these lines. I think some of these stops are going to default to a 120ft long platform that is barely 10 ft wide. I have yet to review the actual survey. Using 5-door buses hampers fleet flexibility IMO - Seattle needs 13 buses (including spares) to operate the 3.5km G-line at every 6 minutes.

Another idea I have would be to use standard 3-door articulated buses but have them swap sides at each stop. E.g. northbound buses load to the left of the corridor and vice versa. I think this would require a speed restriction or a dedicated signalling system.

I don’t see any mention or depiction of centre platforms being used.
Stations for centre running BRT lanes are shown on the ‘outside’ of the lanes on the standard right side of the bus.


Information and survey here: https://translinklistens.ca/bus-rapid-transit-program









Images from Translink

[GenWhy?]

I think I read 10 years all in for planning and building, so earliest the two routes would be ready is 2036?

[jollyburger]

Originally Posted by GenWhy?

I think I read 10 years all in for planning and building, so earliest the two routes would be ready is 2036?

They have said 3-5 years and 10 years was in reference to all nine corridors

https://vancouversun.com/news/metro-vancouver-rapid-bus-surrey-langley-burnaby-costs

https://www.translink.ca/news/2025/janua...on%20for%20decades%20to%20come.%E2%80%9D

Big hole is the funding to build/operate it.

[GenWhy?]

"These BRT projects are currently unfunded. TransLink is working to secure funding for BRT implementation from all levels of government through future Investment Plans. Once funding is secured, TransLink estimates that BRT construction can be completed within five years"

But did it mention how much longer the two routes need to be consulted on and planned our prior to construction?

- Announced in 2023
- Engagement launched for two routes in 2026 (consultation and planning 2 year process?)
- Funding in place and maybe construction start in 2028 for Surrey and Langley routes
- Complete by 2033 at the earliest

[jollyburger]

Originally Posted by GenWhy?

"These BRT projects are currently unfunded. TransLink is working to secure funding for BRT implementation from all levels of government through future Investment Plans. Once funding is secured, TransLink estimates that BRT construction can be completed within five years"

But did it mention how much longer the two routes need to be consulted on and planned our prior to construction?

- Announced in 2023
- Engagement launched for two routes in 2026 (consultation and planning 2 year process?)
- Funding in place and maybe construction start in 2028 for Surrey and Langley routes
- Complete by 2033 at the earliest

They're already tendering work on some aspects of the BRT station design. I assume engagement finishes this year since they aren't going to really learn anything through these surveys.

The Translink press release says it'll be done in 3 by their "estimate".

https://www.translink.ca/news/2026/janua...o%20new%20bus%20rapid%20transit%20routes

EDIT: The engagement slides also says engagement wraps up in 2027

https://ehq-production-canada.s3.ca-cent...32b27da73f398e7ea66861de7abe518d27769bf7

[aberdeen5698]

Originally Posted by GenWhy?

I think I read 10 years all in for planning and building, so earliest the two routes would be ready is 2036?

They forgot to add a decade or two for procrastinating, as evidenced by the SFU gondola...

[GenWhy?]

Originally Posted by aberdeen5698

They forgot to add a decade or two for procrastinating, as evidenced by the SFU gondola...

To be fair I said "earliest" not "most realistic". I need to feel some optimism

[Migrant_Coconut]

Aside from the Heights businesses, I don't think there's any NIMBYs to slow any of these down like with the gondola.

[mcj]

Originally Posted by Migrant_Coconut

Aside from the Heights businesses, I don't think there's any NIMBYs to slow any of these down like with the gondola.

South Surrey NIMBYs should come out in force at some point soon.

[ilikeredheads]

Didn't expect the Canada Line disruption to still be going on. It's been almost 12 hours. They need more staff at the stations to direct what's going on as well as handle crowd control. Waterfront was staff-less. Marine Drive stn is a shit show due to huge crowds of people waiting for the bus bridge. Also too many idiots illegally stopping on Marine Drive in front of Shoppers to do pickups, blocking the already congested traffic.

[madog222]

Apparently a train dragged something a few hundred meters down the track, obviously did some damage. At this point, I wouldn’t expect service to resume tonight.

[jollyburger]

Reddit:

Yes. A cross passage door in the tunnel fell off its frame into the guideway, a train hit it and tore up a bunch of inductive loop. Apparently the guys worked all day and it’s nearly good to go.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Translink/comments/1qd7ips/canada_line_delays/

I guess it's the third rail or something in this case.

[madog222]

The inductive loop is the communication cable run between the tracks.

[jollyburger]

They said it's fixed now.

Upon inquiry, TransLink told Daily Hive Urbanized this afternoon that the technical issue specifically involved communications cables that are critical to operate the fully automated trains, and that these cables had to be replaced before normal service could be fully restored. Technicians with the Canada Line worked to achieve this as quickly as possible.

https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/skytrain-canada-line-service-disruptions-january-14-2026

[cganuelas1995]

Originally Posted by ilikeredheads

Didn't expect the Canada Line disruption to still be going on. It's been almost 12 hours. They need more staff at the stations to direct what's going on as well as handle crowd control. Waterfront was staff-less. Marine Drive stn is a shit show due to huge crowds of people waiting for the bus bridge. Also too many idiots illegally stopping on Marine Drive in front of Shoppers to do pickups, blocking the already congested traffic.

I was getting off at Oakridge and some other guy just stopped to talk to his buddy like hey buddy have some spacial awareness

[Sheba]

Originally Posted by jollyburger

They said it's fixed now.

https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/skytrain-canada-line-service-disruptions-january-14-2026

Another blurb from that I found interesting

As previously reported by Daily Hive Urbanized last week, there are plans to improve the train communications systems on the Canada Line to better ensure the system’s reliability — potentially reducing the likelihood of technical issues such as today’s disruptive incident.

As well, over the coming years, the Canada Line’s original fleet of trains that first began operating in 2009, when the line opened, will see refurbishment work related to numerous train systems and components to extend the lifespan of the trains and enhance reliability. No visible upgrades will be made to the train interior, such as passenger amenities and seating configurations.

[twoNeurons]

Question is... when does the Canada Line get more trains?

As for BRT, the sooner they can get shovel-ready, the better chance of securing federal funds.

[dpogue]

Originally Posted by twoNeurons

Question is... when does the Canada Line get more trains?

Canada Line got 12 additional trains (24 vehicles) ordered in 2018, delivered in 2019 and 2020.