Metro Vancouver Transit Discussion II

[Glow Fun City]

Originally Posted by cganuelas1995

Is there a way to force Google maps or any other app to plan a transit trip using specific routes?

I don't know if Google Maps can, but I think you can do that with Transit app?

[libtard]

Why does translink do things like partnering with coffee companies? When they’re bleeding money. The optics of it aren’t good

[madog222]

Originally Posted by libtard

Why does translink do things like partnering with coffee companies? When they’re bleeding money. The optics of it aren’t good

You're talking about retail units at stations and exchanges? That's a revenue source, I can't imagine what your issue is with them increasing revenue.

[GenWhy?]

Originally Posted by madog222

You're talking about retail units at stations and exchanges? That's a revenue source, I can't imagine what your issue is with them increasing revenue.

They're talking about TransLink branding went on some special limited addition packs of coffee beans from Trees. Also revenue

[madog222]

Originally Posted by GenWhy?

They're talking about TransLink branding went on some special limited addition packs of coffee beans from Trees. Also revenue

So they're referring to a daily hive post published two minutes prior. No interest in sharing the information on the forum, just interested in complaining.

[Glow Fun City]

I think Translink should use whatever alternative revenue sources they can find to slow down fare increases…

I've been to transit gift shops in other cities that have all kinds of cool merch available (and they sell very well!). The fact that people will line up for hours to get limited run Compass Cards should indicate that there is more money to be made.

[seamusmcduff]

Originally Posted by GenWhy?

They're talking about TransLink branding went on some special limited addition packs of coffee beans from Trees. Also revenue

It's not clear from the article how this brings in revenue, but I'm assuming they're receiving a portion of the sales from the TransLink branded beans?

[mcj]

Originally Posted by Glow Fun City

I think Translink should use whatever alternative revenue sources they can find to slow down fare increases…

Probably should tackle the deficit in the operating budget before keeping fare increases even further below inflation.

[Migrant_Coconut]

On the third hand, the fares can only go so high before people start looking for alternatives.

[ssiguy]

Hate to say I told you so but............

The first quarter APTA ridership report is out and it covers the major Canadian systems. After being raked over the coals a few months ago for stating that Translink ridership would be showing significant declines, it turns out I was right on the money.

The first quarter states that Translink ridership was down 5% from the same quarter last year. It was not alone. Cal -1%, TTC & Edm -2%, Mont -5%, and Ottawa was down a whopping 9%.

This should not come as a surprise to anyone. Our population is shrinking and especially in our Big 3 cities. Cal/Edm saw the smallest declines because they are the only 2 that are still seeing significant population growth. Of course the devil is in the details. The population is declining but it is the demographic that is leaving ie TFW & students who are overwhelmingly more likely to be transit riders. Only GO in Toronto saw an increase of 5% and that was due to the fact that office workers are returning and TFW/students don't work in office occupations.

This quarter should see a bump for Translink, TTC & GO due to FIFA but it will be short lived. Depending on gov't policy we should expect to see further declines until the pop stabilizes and the exodus of foreigners runs it's course.

[chowhou]

Originally Posted by cganuelas1995

Is there a way to force Google maps or any other app to plan a transit trip using specific routes?

For Google Maps the best I believe you can do is prioritise or deprioritise bus/train/subway/tram+light rail. So that lets you specifically choose to take or not take the WCE, or the Skytrain, but all busses are just busses. I don't think ferries can be manipulated so Seabus is always at normal priority.

[Migrant_Coconut]

Originally Posted by ssiguy

The first quarter APTA ridership report is out and it covers the major Canadian systems. After being raked over the coals a few months ago for stating that Translink ridership would be showing significant declines, it turns out I was right on the money.

The first quarter states that Translink ridership was down 5% from the same quarter last year. It was not alone. Cal -1%, TTC & Edm -2%, Mont -5%, and Ottawa was down a whopping 9%.

Meanwhile:

TransLink says Wednesday saw the highest daily ridership, system-wide, in six years.

There's a reason why most people wait for the YoY report before they start gravedancing.

[ssiguy]

^^^ It was a year-on-year report comparing 1st quarter 2025 to 2026. Cherry picking one day has no significance.

As I stated this is a nation-wide phenomenon and was completely expected by anyone who doesn't thinks the rules don't apply to Vancouver and Translink. When 2 of your biggest consumer groups shrink, so will your sales. That applies to cars, appliances, lattes, and transit.

I do not think this will cause any long-term decline like it could in the US but it could still continue for the next couple of years until the TFW/student numbers get down to where Ottawa wants them to be. That said, the recovery could be quicker if oil prices remain elevated or go higher but that all depends on Netanyahu.

[Glow Fun City]

Originally Posted by ssiguy

That said, the recovery could be quicker if oil prices remain elevated or go higher but that all depends on Netanyahu.

Ah yes, the world's oil prices are controlled by… *checks notes* …the Jews.

[madog222]

Calm down there, clearly the comment was referring to the Iran War.

[Glow Fun City]

Originally Posted by madog222

Calm down there, clearly the comment was referring to the Iran War.

Which is still ridiculous to put the blame on Israel when Iran has been funding attacks on them for years… (and now ones on Canada too!)

[Migrant_Coconut]

Originally Posted by ssiguy

Cherry picking one day has no significance.

As opposed to cherrypicking a single quarter and assuming it's a "trend?" You do you, I guess.

[ssiguy]

Originally Posted by Glow Fun City

Ah yes, the world's oil prices are controlled by… *checks notes* …the Jews.

The fact that Netanyahu is Jewish is pure coincidence. His religious beliefs and ethnic roots do not define him but being a war criminal, mass murderer, and bloodthirsty warlord certainly do. The reality is that Netanyahu continues to destabilizes the Middle East and that automatically effects international oil prices.

Oil prices have a direct impact on transit ridership and the higher they go, the more likely people are to take transit and vice-versa. All transit agencies are down nationwide due to the significant lose of 2 key demographics........TFW & students. This is not unique to Vancouver and ages ago I stated that it would happen to nearly all Canadian transit systems and it has.........fewer people means fewer consumers.

The {only} good news about rising gas prices is that they may help more quickly regain those lost riders as more of the general population looks to transit as a more affordable transportation option.

[cganuelas1995]

Originally Posted by Glow Fun City

I don't know if Google Maps can, but I think you can do that with Transit app?

Tried that, didn't work

[officedweller]

Noticed these free shuttles at Lansdowne Station.

Pics by me August 7th.

Discovery Shuttle is only weekends and Holidays.