Canada Line | Completed

[Zassk]

^ I read somewhere on this forum that the agreement with YVR stipulates direct trains to Waterfront, so a shuttle service won't do, but I wonder if every second trip could be a shuttle.

Also, the $2.50 surcharge wasn't YVR's idea, it is ProTransBC's way of addressing a shortfall for constructing that portion of the line (as YVR's contribution was fixed).

[WarrenC12]

Originally Posted by Zassk

^ I read somewhere on this forum that the agreement with YVR stipulates direct trains to Waterfront, so a shuttle service won't do, but I wonder if every second trip could be a shuttle.

Also, the $2.50 surcharge wasn't YVR's idea, it is ProTransBC's way of addressing a shortfall for constructing that portion of the line (as YVR's contribution was fixed).

Ok, fair enough. But now Translink is looking for "ideas" on the surcharge, so things aren't set in stone. Now I don't know whether Translink has simply agreed to pay protrans $X per month to run the line to YVR and needs to recoup that, or there's something else going on.

Who bit the bullet on the surcharge issue anyway? Why wasn't YVR approached about a bigger contribution, or less stations, or whatever.

[deasine]

Originally Posted by WarrenC12

Who bit the bullet on the surcharge issue anyway? Why wasn't YVR approached about a bigger contribution, or less stations, or whatever.

That's the work of TransLink. YVR is against the surcharge.

[officedweller]

The news said that the surcharge is not a cash paryment YVR - but it does offset the additional operating cost (borne by TransLink) for running a frequent service on the YVR branch.
Maybe they are rethinking the amount of the surcharge given that ridership is higher than expected?

[NucksFanInVan]

Originally Posted by Zassk

^ Good call. That's exactly the kind of setup that we need today... the "unexpected volume" on the Canada Line is all from Brighouse from what I've observed, so this spur really needs some extra trains.

We should be looking at trains north of Bridgeport rather than at YVR/Brighouse. If Bridgeport is a chokepoint they need every 2nd train coming in empty from YVR during rush hour. So while you could make an argument for increasing service to Brighouse I don't think *reducing* service to YVR would make any sense, contract requirements notwithstanding.

[SpongeG]

i thought they were just going to make the airport a 3rd zone and charge the 3 zone price

[Zassk]

Originally Posted by NucksFanInVan

We should be looking at trains north of Bridgeport rather than at YVR/Brighouse. If Bridgeport is a chokepoint they need every 2nd train coming in empty from YVR during rush hour. So while you could make an argument for increasing service to Brighouse I don't think *reducing* service to YVR would make any sense, contract requirements notwithstanding.

No, I am serious, Brighouse is a major chokepoint despite being the end of the line. It gets a massive amount of transfers from buses, and I think it has caught Translink by surprise.

Bridgeport already gets nearly-empty trains from YVR, and they already clear out Bridgeport every time they arrive. People at Bridgeport usually only wait 1 extra train.

There is a problem at Brighouse, more so than at Bridgeport, and it has everything to do with frequency.

[WarrenC12]

Originally Posted by SpongeG

i thought they were just going to make the airport a 3rd zone and charge the 3 zone price

That would make too much sense.

I indicated that to translink in my feedback. They want a full $2.50 per trip though, which is almost double the "extra zone" $1.50 charge.

[mr.x]

^ i believe it's going to be a 3-zone fare. It was originally planned to be more than that, but a Translink official - i forgot who - mentioned in a news article a few weeks ago that they were going to make it a three zone.

[SpongeG]

yah thats where I heard it from

it makes the most sense

but what i don't get is how do they enforce it? do people get on board at bridgeport and check the people going to YVR? and start handing out tickets?

[mooks28]

The same way they enforce every other fare zone in the city -- random checks

[officedweller]

A 3rd zone is much easier to understand.

[CLC]

Originally Posted by Zassk

No, I am serious, Brighouse is a major chokepoint despite being the end of the line. It gets a massive amount of transfers from buses, and I think it has caught Translink by surprise.

I don't think Translink is surprised, it is only that many people who seldom/never use transit in/to Richmond is surprised. Translink's news releases before Sept bus integration always mentioned Brighouse as potential "line-up" station. Of course the area is now at least twice more busy than the so-called "Richmond Centre exchange" in the past

[CLC]

Originally Posted by SpongeG

yah thats where I heard it from

it makes the most sense

but what i don't get is how do they enforce it? do people get on board at bridgeport and check the people going to YVR? and start handing out tickets?

or on-train check between Bridgeport and Templeton, there are more than 2 minutes between the stations.
it is just like how they regularly check passenger tickets on-train on E-/M- line (particularly between zone border) and the Canada Line (I've been checked while on Canada Line train)

[SpongeG]

Originally Posted by mooks28

The same way they enforce every other fare zone in the city -- random checks

do those even happen? i don't think i've had my ticket checked onboard since the 1990's

i never see them do it onboard the trains - stations yes but never on the trains

[deasine]

If you ride the Canada Line on a daily basis, you must've been checked on the trains before. Though yes, most are stationed at stations to check for fares.

[SpongeG]

not on the train - i was on the platform at the station but not on the train even though i saw uniformed people get on teh trains they never checked anyone at all

[mooks28]

I always get checked on the trains, particularly if I'm travelling after 10pm. Usually once every three times I'm on board, and I'm not a super-frequent rider by any stretch.

[Metro-One]

I have still only been checked once! I guess I just have an honest looking face

[CLC]

as mooks28 mentioned, on-the-train checks are usually done in non-rush hour. And there is "nearly no way" you can get away from it, the staff (or transit police in the case of Canada Line) simply check everyone, including seniors.