Canada Line | Completed

[TransitJack]

Originally Posted by Yume-sama

Perhaps, but they wouldn't have been traveling with a suitcase or 2 beside them, or perhaps they didn't take public transportation at all.

Also, they could conceivably sit with their backpack on a bus, either on their lap or at their feet, whereas the Canada Line has all seating gone after Waterfront Station (which unfortunately is the first one...)

Oddly, people who go to the airport tend to bring luggage.

I saw one backpacker yesterday with a HUGE backback on his back, and one just as big on his front (backpack put on backwards). needless to say he took up a lot of space.

Someone else from the airport had a large pack, a smaller one, and a mountain bike still in its huge box. Good thing it was later at night, he wouldn't have made friends if the train was full.

[TransitJack]

Originally Posted by DKaz

I'm pretty sure that someone could create a new company, charter a few buses with Cantrail etc., and create new express service.

I think this was tried before. The bus union is pretty powerful, I don't know if anyone will try that again anytime soon.

[TransitJack]

Originally Posted by mr.x

I assumed they were, Broadway Station sounds like a lawn mower.

Were they mowing the grass at city hall ?

[mr.x]

Originally Posted by DKaz

I'm sure some of the fans are for general air movement while the others are for smoke evacuation.

WIN. I love the TrainBus service, even moreso than the regular Train service at times other than the fact that the Trainbuses don't have laptop hookups or an onboard coffee shop even if it was one of those automatic vending machines. They're very comfy and they're reasonably fast. The Orion Suburbans are nice but full out highway coaches is just plain commuting in luxury.

I'm pretty sure that someone could create a new company, charter a few buses with Cantrail etc., and create new express service.

Wasn't there some talk of considering double-deckers for suburban express services? And perhaps, charging a premium for these "luxury" services?

"TrainBus" is an awful name for the service, it has an identity crisis.





edit:


Luxury bus service eyed to get commuters out of their cars

January 2, 2008

TransLink may launch a premium bus service for commuters heading to downtown Vancouver from outlying areas not already served by West Coast Express (WCE).

Consultants are being hired to explore the idea, get feedback from commuters and report back by spring with options.

The high-end service would be similar to what’s provided by WCE’s passenger rail service — only on buses.

But while WCE serves northeast sector communities out as far as Mission, the new concept would go much farther — potentially serving downtown-bound residents from as far as White Rock, Chilliwack and Whistler.

Prices would be subject to refinement, but TransLink says applying WCE per-kilometre prices means long-haul trips from Chilliwack or Whistler might cost $20, and shorter commutes from Ladner, Tsawwassen or the Tri-Cities might run $6.75.

The request for proposals issued by TransLink lays out four potential routes for study:

• White Rock/South Surrey to downtown Vancouver;

• Ladner and Tsawwassen to downtown;

• Pemberton, Whistler and Squamish to downtown;

• Chilliwack, Abbotsford and Mission to Surrey, Coquitlam or downtown Vancouver.

Much of the groundwork has already been laid by the WCE’s TrainBus service, which is a premium bus service that provides extra runs in addition to the five trains per day.

The experience there suggests there’s a regional market for similar service outside the northeast sector.

TransLink stats show WCE passengers are more likely than other transit users to be affluent, employed full time and commuting for work purposes.

Consultants would explore what service changes would be needed to move West Coast Express from being a “localized premium brand” to an “enhanced regional premium brand.”

The features should “offer drivers comparable comfort and convenience to a single occupant vehicle so that they would switch to the premium regional WCE service for their commute.”

Key attributes would include:

• Ride quality, including smoothness, leg room and seat type.

• Amenities like plug-ins for audio and TV, trays for computers, head phones, washrooms, reclining seats, individual temperature reading light controls; coffee and newspapers for sale.

• Ability to reserve a specific seat.

• Luggage and bike storage.

• Stations should be heated with wireless internet access and real-time arrival/departure information.

• They should have adequate parking and bike storage and may offer other services — from coffee/news stands to dry cleaning or other retail shops and services.

• Reserved parking should also be available — at a premium price of up to $60 per month.

Vehicles could include “premium highway coaches, double decker highway coaches and other premium transportation alternatives.”

The documents emphasize that current quality of WCE must be maintained.

Spokesman Ken Hardie said the potential commuter service to Abbotsford and Chilliwack may be one way to extend offerings east, in line with provincial expectations that Abbotsford and Chilliwack may join TransLink.

“This may be one way of getting those urban connections established,” he said.

http://www.bclocalnews.com/tri_city_maple_ridge/tricitynews/news/12907786.html

[TransitJack]

Originally Posted by DKaz

I'm sure some of the fans are for general air movement while the others are for smoke evacuation. A colleague of mine was involved in the ventilation design for the Canada Line, although I have not asked him the specifics. Maybe I should ask.

Normally not functioning. Can be to provide additional movement of air in non-emergencies if required, but generally the trains provide sufficient air circulation along the line in the tunnel.

[mr.x]

Originally Posted by TransitJack

Bridgeport is definitely too small. I also don't know why the entrance to the building is not orientated towards the street. If you get dropped off by car, you have to walk around the building. Also, is there going to be a drop off space by car? It seems like the area is going to be one bus-crazy zone.

I also hope they finally time the signals between Bridgeport and Sea Island Way. Great Canadian way is always backed up between these roads, preventing cars from going across Bridgeport on a green light because the cars are still waiting at the next light. Now, add in a whole bunch of buses trying to head to 99 south, yikes!

With the mezzaine/ticketing concourse level, and the narrow space between the guideways, i think that was the only way they could have built the entrance. There were also obviously financial constraints, and there's also the bus loop.

They really should have put both down and up escalators for this station for both the station entrance and the platform entrance, it speeds up passenger flow and increases stairway capacity.



Some of Bridgeport pics from Tafryn, way too small:
http://canadalinephotos.blogspot.com/2009/08/2009-08-17-bridgeport-station.html


















The entrance staircase/escalator seems a bit insufficient. It's not in proportion to the staircases to the platform level. I know there's also the car park and ride and the casino entrance on the mezzaine, but they couldn't possibly be expecting that much of the traffic going/coming from there. This is the only entrance for 15,000+ daily bus riders:

[mr.x]

They could have used the back of these signs to their advantage...as double signs, with signs that display the destination/direction of the platform.













you know who you are









There should be more roof overhang at the very least if they're not going to put up glass, there isn't much weather protection here.

[whatnext]

Another annoying thing about Bridgeport: when you approach it coming from YVR, there is no announcement to "change trains here for Richmond Centre". I guess they assume everyone coming from the airport is going to Vancouver.

[nname]

Originally Posted by mr.x

I suppose that concrete area at the end of the platform is the 5m future extension? They should just lay some tiles and finish it off right away even if its uncovered. I wonder if they can expand the platform all the way to the switch area later on...

[deasine]

Originally Posted by whatnext

Another annoying thing about Bridgeport: when you approach it coming from YVR, there is no announcement to "change trains here for Richmond Centre". I guess they assume everyone coming from the airport is going to Vancouver.

Agreed. Ironically, there are signs at all Sea Island Centre stations that tell you to "Change at Bridgeport for Richmond"

[mr.x]

Originally Posted by nname

I suppose that concrete area at the end of the platform is the 5m future extension? They should just lay some tiles and finish it off right away even if its uncovered. I wonder if they can expand the platform all the way to the switch area later on...

Yup, it is.



That's one massive bus loop.

[mr.A]

I just transferred from the Expo line to the new c-line. it was a most pleasant ride. Came from KG on the new MKII #309and it was a disaster. Very loud hum,probably the AC and a squealing noise,like a rubber belt, at he door mechanism. Phone Translink and complaint. Not acceptable for a new train!!!!.

[deasine]

Originally Posted by mr.x

Yup, it is.

[image here]

That's one massive bus loop.

Interestingly enough, the North stairs (or right-most stairs according to the floorplan) is built right out instead of leaving room for an escalator.


Photography by Deasine - Hosted on Picasa Web Albums - Creative Commons Protected

If overcrowding becomes a dangerous issue on Bridgeport, give it a few years for that to happen, they can actually build out the platform all the way out (beyond the 10 m extension) as much as the track switch, construct a new entrance from that side, and link it up with the ticket concourse, then remove the current stairs and escalators. That way, you can better take advantage of the entire platform.

[nname]

Originally Posted by deasine

Interestingly enough, the North stairs (or right-most stairs according to the floorplan) is built right out instead of leaving room for an escalator.

If overcrowding becomes a dangerous issue on Bridgeport, give it a few years for that to happen, they can actually build out the platform all the way out (beyond the 10 m extension) as much as the track switch, construct a new entrance from that side, and link it up with the ticket concourse, then remove the current stairs and escalators. That way, you can better take advantage of the entire platform.

An easier and cheaper solution is probably just build the station full width all the way to the switch (that is about 20 to 25m?), leave the entrance as-is, but park the trains to that end, so 75% of the trains are in the wide platform area.

[mr.x]

Originally Posted by deasine

If overcrowding becomes a dangerous issue on Bridgeport, give it a few years for that to happen, they can actually build out the platform all the way out (beyond the 10 m extension) as much as the track switch, construct a new entrance from that side, and link it up with the ticket concourse, then remove the current stairs and escalators. That way, you can better take advantage of the entire platform.

Certainly doable, but it'll be years and years before that's considered and even more years after that before construction gets going. Just look at how bad they let Metrotown become.

There's no doubt it'll cost millions, perhaps $15-million or so...and it's not money Translink has available in the short-term.

[CLC]

I think how Bridgeport station would perform in AM rush hour would depend on whether the trains from YVR between 7-9AM are really empty. If the platform can be cleared every 6-7 minutes, then probably it will not mimic the scene in Metrotown or Broadway.

It is not necessary a bad thing if some suburban riders dislike crowds (like Mr. Stephee Rees) and move back to their private cars, it will leave more space for people down the stretch of the line to ride on

[CLC]

To balance the view, here's a article from Delta news that praise Canada Line

By Andrew Bucholtz

Black Press

After four years of construction and $2 billion in costs, the 19-kilometre Canada Line SkyTrain expansion officially opened Monday (August 17). Five South Delta residents were among the first to ride the new trains from Richmond's Bridgeport Station, including transit advocacy group Safe Route Tsawwassen coordinator Carol Vignale and Tsawwassen First Nation elder Ruth Adams.

Some South Delta residents have questioned the value of the new line, as it will replace the old direct bus routes to downtown Vancouver, but Vignale said the group came to the opening because they feel the new line will benefit South Delta residents.

"We're here to celebrate the opening of the Canada Line," she said. "We feel this is going to be a real benefit to the people of South Delta, to allow them to travel more efficiently to Vancouver and Richmond."

The new line features wider trains, larger seats, fancier stations and newer decor than the existing SkyTrain Expo and Millennium Lines. Vignale said she thinks the new line will encourage South Delta residents to take transit to Richmond, the airport and downtown Vancouver instead of driving.

"I think it will mean that people will begin to rely on transit more than today," she said. "When they get on the Canada Line, it's a classy facility. It's a high-speed way to travel to destinations in Vancouver and to the airport. I think they will become transit users when they see how easy and efficient it is to use."

Vignale said they chose Bridgeport Station because it will be the new destination hub for buses from South Delta starting in September. Existing bus routes to downtown Vancouver will continue until then.

Before travelling on the line, Adams christened it with a traditional song of blessing. She said she feels the line will be a valuable resource for members of the Tsawwassen First Nation, allowing them easier access to workplaces and entertainment destinations in Vancouver.

"There will be more jobs and more opportunities," she said. "We have so many artists, and they'll be able to go to all the different places downtown to do their art, the museum and Canada Place and the airport. It will be good, especially for our young ones."

http://www.bclocalnews.com/richmond_southdelta/southdeltaleader/community/54558992.html

[mr.x]

Originally Posted by CLC

It is not necessary a bad thing if some suburban riders dislike crowds (like Mr. Stephee Rees) and move back to their private cars, it will leave more space for people down the stretch of the line to ride on

I think it's a loss, no matter what, whenever we lose transit ridership. I mean, our goal is to increase transit ridership use in this region - not decrease it.

[officedweller]

Originally Posted by mr.x

They could have used the back of these signs to their advantage...as double signs, with signs that display the destination/direction of the platform.

Good point - especially when there's a train in the station - you can't tell which way it is going because it blocks the sign on the far wall - and the LED screen is blocked by that long sign.

[mr.x]

^ yea, now that everything is built I do hope they will look at all their stations carefully and re-do the entire signage.

Either that or just hire some of the members here!