Canada Line | Completed

[GeeCee]

Thanks. I figured that they wouldn't be so dumb as to use a flat out schedule, but with Translink you can never really be sure.

[BCPhil]

Originally Posted by deasine

It's most likely based on signaling and train control: something like this for SkyTrains are possible, except developing new infrastructure so that it fits on current trains is expensive. New SkyTrains use this too, except in a LED map form.

I'm 100% sure it's not GPS location based as there is no possible way that could work underground, not to mention, it's not needed. Time estimates are based on which station the next train is about to enter first + the time it takes to get to the station you are on now.

The Skytrain system already knows the exact position of every single train at all times. It couldn't be automated otherwise. Trains would run into each other if they couldn't communicate and would not know where they are going or what the safe speed is if they can't receive orders from a central control yard. So the central control knows where the trains are and their performance. It would be a simple matter to have LCD or LED screens at stations informing passengers of which trains are next and when.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it's the exact same train control system (SelTrac) on both the Canada Line and Expo/Millennium. So, the system used in Canada Line stations to tell passengers wait times could be used in Expo/Millennium stations. It's just a mater of communicating what central control knows to people on the platform (and money).

And there is a pseudo schedule. If you go to google maps and click on a station, it will tell you the "times" of the next trains and where they are going. Same with the Translink trip planner.

[deasine]

Originally Posted by BCPhil

The Skytrain system already knows the exact position of every single train at all times. It couldn't be automated otherwise. Trains would run into each other if they couldn't communicate and would not know where they are going or what the safe speed is if they can't receive orders from a central control yard. So the central control knows where the trains are and their performance. It would be a simple matter to have LCD or LED screens at stations informing passengers of which trains are next and when.

No my point is installing LED signs ON current trains would be expensive.

[DKaz]

Skytrain is somewhat scheduled. I know I have to make the Millennium Line train that leaves Burrard at 4:41pm to make the 791 at Braid and for about 10 straight working days so far, there it was the Millennium Line train leaving Burrard at 4:41pm.

[mr.x]

^ until some jackass decides to hold on to the doors...

[DKaz]

Originally Posted by mr.x

^ until some jackass decides to hold on to the doors...

I'm surprised it hasn't happened yet...

[David]

When I went to the Skytrain control centre, they said that every train follows a strict schedule, and the job of the operators is to ensure that the schedule is being followed. Trains that are ahead of schedule are marked green and trains that are behind are marked red.

[twoNeurons]

As David said, they are scheduled. It's just that the schedule is not published. Part of this is intentional. By not publishing it, SkyTrain seems like it's always on time. Also, it creates the perception that the train is practically waiting for you. You just go to the station. The M-Line is a little easier to time. I used to live near one of the M-Line stations and I could set my watch by the trains that went by. I knew that I had to catch a specific train to make the bus on time. That train was rarely late.

When someone holds the doors open for a longer period, they try to make up time by speeding up the train a bit.

[mrjauk]

Originally Posted by David

When I went to the Skytrain control centre, they said that every train follows a strict schedule, and the job of the operators is to ensure that the schedule is being followed. Trains that are ahead of schedule are marked green and trains that are behind are marked red.

I think you sort of answered a question that I was going to ask. So, I assume this means that if the train is behind schedule it speed will be increased in order to catch up? In other words, it does not always take the same amount of time to travel from, for example, Main Street to Broadway & Commercial?

[nova9]

Originally Posted by djmk

what is this "WAY OUT" business?

is this some sort of vancouver colloquialism?

what happened to "EXIT" or "SORTIE"?

All the signs in the London Underground say 'Way out'

[Pinion]

Originally Posted by nova9

All the signs in the London Underground say 'Way out'

So? People in London also say "Fancy a butcher's hook me ol China?" when they mean "would you like to look around?"

[WarrenC12]

Has anybody been close enough to the North Arm bridge to take a look at the cycling/pedestrian bridge? If so does it look ready to open with the rest of the line?

[AdamW]

I think it would be fairly straightforward for the expo / millenium lines to show the time until the next train arrives on the platform LCD displays (as the canada line displays will show). As you say, the central control system already knows where all the trains are, and I think there must also be some central control of what is displayed on the LCD screens. It is useful to have, especially for visitors or infrequent users as it confirms they are on the right platform and how long they have to wait. Would be almost identical to the London underground - it could show the next 2 trains on two lines, eg:

King George 2 min
VCC Clark 4 min

When a train arrives it would show the same as it does now (name of the line / destination in large font over both lines)

Does anybody know why this is not already in place? I am fairly sure all the hardware is in place, and it is just a case of modifying the control software.

It would be much more useful than the translink information that are now used on those screens, such as elevators out of use (which can be shown on the new tv screens).

[officedweller]

Originally Posted by BCPhil

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it's the exact same train control system (SelTrac) on both the Canada Line and Expo/Millennium. So, the system used in Canada Line stations to tell passengers wait times could be used in Expo/Millennium stations. It's just a mater of communicating what central control knows to people on the platform (and money).

I think that the Canada Line ATC system is more up to date than the Expo/M-Line versions, but the Expo/M-Line ATC is in the process of being replaced/upgraded to accommodate the number of extra trains that have been purchased (and to allow for future expansion).

[officedweller]

From News 1130

WorkSafeBC imposes $315,000 in penalties after crane operator death on Canada Line bridge
Two firms faces fines after death of Andrew Slobodian

Connie Thiessen RICHMOND (NEWS1130) |
Tuesday, July 28th, 2009 11:12 am

RICHMOND (NEWS1130) - WorkSafeBC has imposed penalties totaling $315,343.71 against two firms involved
in construction of the Canada Line rapid transit route. The penalties are associated with the January 2008 death of a crane operator who was killed while working on the North Arm Bridge connecting the Vancouver and Richmond sections of the line.

SNC Lavalin has been fined $233,535.58 and RSL Joint Venture has been fined $81,808.13. On January 21, 2008, Andrew Slobodian was using a small carry-deck crane on the bridge. When he attempted to move a load by swinging it over the bridge guide-way, the crane tipped over on its driver side. Slobodian tried to exit the rear of the crane, but was pinched between the crane and the guide-way’s parapet wall and was killed instantly.

The WorkSafeBC investigation--released later in 2008--concluded that insufficient supervision and training and operator inexperience were to blame. The penalties are two of the highest ever imposed by WorkSafeBC.

[racc]

Originally Posted by WarrenC12

Has anybody been close enough to the North Arm bridge to take a look at the cycling/pedestrian bridge? If so does it look ready to open with the rest of the line?

It has been ready since last winter. Due to operational issues, they have waited to open it until the line starts running.

[SpongeG]

i was at the airport today dropping someoen fof i felt sorry for the people with their piles of luggage standing at the bus stop in the heat if theyonly came a month from now

[officedweller]

Yeah, the path looks good to go on Tafryn's pics.

[BCPhil]

I think it would be great to have LED screens showing the arrival time and destination of the next train outside some of the stations too, then that way you know if you have time to buy a coffee or if you should run to make your train.

And having a sign in the pedestrian connector between Commercial and Broadway could tell people that they don't need to run and hold the door open for others because the next train is only 90 seconds away, and the second train is only 3 minutes away. I always find that strange at Broadway when people try and cram into a full train when the next train is actually stopped and waiting to enter the station. I've actually pushed someone off the train who was in the door keeping it open trying to get on when there was no room thus keeping the train. I got the best WTF look ever as he didn't have time to get back in the way of the closing doors.

P.S.
I never realized that the bike path on the bridge was paved in blood; I totally missed that story when it happened. I'm not trying to make light of the situation, I actually think under skilled crane operators is a major problem in the lower mainland.

[Mac Write]

Originally Posted by BCPhil

I think it would be great to have LED screens showing the arrival time and destination of the next train outside some of the stations too, then that way you know if you have time to buy a coffee or if you should run to make your train.

And having a sign in the pedestrian connector between Commercial and Broadway could tell people that they don't need to run and hold the door open for others because the next train is only 90 seconds away, and the second train is only 3 minutes away. I always find that strange at Broadway when people try and cram into a full train when the next train is actually stopped and waiting to enter the station. I've actually pushed someone off the train who was in the door keeping it open trying to get on when there was no room thus keeping the train. I got the best WTF look ever as he didn't have time to get back in the way of the closing doors.

P.S.
I never realized that the bike path on the bridge was paved in blood; I totally missed that story when it happened. I'm not trying to make light of the situation, I actually think under skilled crane operators is a major problem in the lower mainland.

It's far far worse then that! you need ZERO I repeat ZERO training to legally operate a crane in Vancouver. Their was a Global story about that a few years back.