Metro Vancouver Transit Discussion

[duener]

^^how is that ironic? The Brits invented trains and underground metro railways; the first section of the London underground was built in 1863 vs. the MTR in 1979. Obviously like anything, lessons are learned over time, technology evolves and newer metros are/will be better than the MTR. Nothing ironic there.

As much as some people might complain about the tube, I think a number of its stations are far more elegant and charming than anything you would find on a post-WWII metro like the MTR. The trains are fast and frequent on most lines anyway.

[Metro-One]

I was on the WCE the other day and i could not help but notice how weathered the stations look. They are in desperate need of a power wash and there are many windows smudged by attempts to wash graffiti and many others are smashed (cracked)! Honestly, where is our pride?

[officedweller]

Originally Posted by Xerx

hey has any one seen this from the Honolulu rail RFI? it has some pretty interesting stuff, especially page 80 on interoperable cars.

http://www.honolulutransit.org/library/files/rfi_info_0308.pdf

Nice find!

Here's the particular response - check out the complete Bombardier response (i.e. proposal for ART) starting at page 55 of the document (download the doc before opening):

[mezzanine]

^NOTE TO UBC SKYTRAIN WEBMASTERS:

Proof positive that skytrain/AGT systems are not proprietary and open tendering is possible!!

[mr.x]

Nice find!


It'll be up on the website within a few minutes.

[mr.x]

Actually, i have to run and do some errands but if anyone is kind enough to maybe post a blurb for the website post please do.

[Xerx]

^hey has anyone posted it to the website yet?

[deasine]

Look and see. Looks like someone did.

[ravman]

and the site is?

[Spork]

http://ubcskytrain.wordpress.com/

[SpongeG]

Pickpockets target SkyTrain passengers

A rash of pick-pocket thefts at Vancouver SkyTrain stations has transit police warning the public to be on the lookout for the culprits.

Since April 1 there have been thirteen reported cases of pick pocketing, eleven of which have targeted females.

According to transit police the pickpockets may work in groups, with one of the thieves distracting the victim while the other reaches into your purse or pockets.

“These criminals are opportunists, and are looking for likely victims. The best offence is a good defence when it comes to personal safety and securing belongings”, said transit police chief Ward Clapham.

Since the rash of thefts one man was arrested on the Commercial SkyTrain station platform on April 30 after attempting to steal a wallet from a purse. The man was caught by a civilian who reported the crime to police. He is believed to be associated with a group of pickpockets known to police.

Clapham urges people using SkyTrain to keep an eye on their possessions, close their bags, remain attentive, and report the thieves to police.


A group of silent dancers groove to the music of their individual MP3 players as they ride the SkyTrain from Granville to King George stations and back again Saturday afternoon, inspired by a Facebook flash dance in Toronto last year. Local organizers expected up to 5,000 people, but less than 100 showed up
Photograph by: Ian Smith, Vancouver Sun, Vancouver Sun

http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Pickpockets+target+SkyTrain+passengers/1604228/story.html

[SpongeG]

Transportation: SkyTrain needs extensions

Langley Advance
Published: Friday, May 15, 2009

Dear Editor,

It really would be a great loss for Surrey and Vancouver if TransLink, because of funding shortages, is forced to shelve planned SkyTrain extensions - and especially so if more carbon-exhaust-producing buses must be put on the road as a result of SkyTrain extension cancellations or delays.

SkyTrain is the best transportation option available, especially environmentally. Commendable is the soon-to-come automated-rail Canada Line, connecting Richmond, the Airport and Vancouver.

And ALRT, unlike non-automated Light Rail Transit, will not negatively affect the flow of already-congested traffic, for SkyTrain's rail runs are all elevated and underground, and do not force road-vehicular traffic to a hault along SkyTrain's routes.

Here in the GVRD, research/polls reveal that what drivers - especially the Single Occupant Vehicle drivers - expect most of public transit in order for them to leave their cars at home, was the stipulation that the public transit be convenient and fast - both of which are the SkyTrain concept's prime aspects.

Frank G. Sterle Jr., White Rock

http://www2.canada.com/langleyadvance/ne...?id=2c476cd4-bc3a-4b82-b62c-0dffec71acb2

[argon007]

Originally Posted by SpongeG

Transportation: SkyTrain needs extensions

Langley Advance
Published: Friday, May 15, 2009

Dear Editor,

It really would be a great loss for Surrey and Vancouver if TransLink, because of funding shortages, is forced to shelve planned SkyTrain extensions - and especially so if more carbon-exhaust-producing buses must be put on the road as a result of SkyTrain extension cancellations or delays.

SkyTrain is the best transportation option available, especially environmentally. Commendable is the soon-to-come automated-rail Canada Line, connecting Richmond, the Airport and Vancouver.

And ALRT, unlike non-automated Light Rail Transit, will not negatively affect the flow of already-congested traffic, for SkyTrain's rail runs are all elevated and underground, and do not force road-vehicular traffic to a hault along SkyTrain's routes.

Here in the GVRD, research/polls reveal that what drivers - especially the Single Occupant Vehicle drivers - expect most of public transit in order for them to leave their cars at home, was the stipulation that the public transit be convenient and fast - both of which are the SkyTrain concept's prime aspects.

Frank G. Sterle Jr., White Rock

http://www2.canada.com/langleyadvance/ne...?id=2c476cd4-bc3a-4b82-b62c-0dffec71acb2

I don't see this article is related to Langley. can someone figure out what it is related to Langley please?

[Whalleyboy]

if surrey doesnt get its extension what would be the hopes of langley getting the skytrain.

thats the only way i can see it relate to them

[SpongeG]

it was written to the Langley newspaper - maybe the author wrote it to every paper and they are the only ones who printed it

[metroXpress]

^ I think I read the same thing in the Surrey Now as well. I know that the press sometimes share the articles/letters around...since these are all under Canwest.

[Gordon]

The Bus Driver's Union has a website www.morebusesnow.com that says Translink could get 100 used buses from California and have them in servce in months which would partially alieviate the 500 bus shortage.
It also says that 58% of Monteal's & Toronto's bus routes hae hedways of 10minutes or less whereas Vancouver has only 12% of it's routes with those heasways.

I think if all routes servicing Suburban Skytrain stations had these headways that would be a good start

Another way to get more buses on the road would be to not retire the the vehicles that the replacement buses will be replacing.

[djh]

Originally Posted by Gordon

Another way to get more buses on the road would be to not retire the the vehicles that the replacement buses will be replacing.

If the buses were in good enough condition to stay in service, they wouldn't be designated for retirement, so that's not a very practical suggestion.

[Gordon]

I Think Translink wants an al low-floor fleet, I've heard comments from bus drivers over the last couple of years wondering why some of the buses are being retired when they felt the vehilces were still usable.

[DKaz]

No, I think some buses are retired prematurely. Mind you there might be a good reason, old buses may be prone to breaking down causing a PR nightmare for Translink, but man were the old GM fishbowls for example ever workhorses. I wonder if they're just not building new buses like they used to.