Millennium Line - Broadway Extension: Planning & Pre-Construction

[GlassCity]

Most tourists don't know the names of suburbs, so saying that a train is for Surrey or Coquitlam would be just as confusing. Realistically, if a tourist is using the SkyTrain, he will likely just look it up on google maps rather than just get on a train because the name sounds familiar.

[MIPS]

The maps and signage are a complete mess. We just updated the maps but the quality of said maps varies from station to station. You're often better getting the paper transit maps because they are a lot more complete, if you can find them.

The signage is no more helpful. We have FIVE different styles of signage used throughout the system, each with their own representation of how to display something. Burrard has the visual icon signs of 1986 ( prefer these because even if you can't read english you can understand TRAIN is THAT DIRECTION; ELEVATOR is OVER THERE; BUS is OVER THERE), the "blue and white with lots of text" signs from the late 90's and the new "white sign, black text and blue and yellow lines" from 2012 up to now. I still get lost connecting from the SkyTrain to the Canada Line via Granville. There's three or four different ways to do it and unless you walk up to the street you'll get lost in Pacific Center.

[VarBreStr18]

Originally Posted by GlassCity

Most tourists don't know the names of suburbs, so saying that a train is for Surrey or Coquitlam would be just as confusing. Realistically, if a tourist is using the SkyTrain, he will likely just look it up on google maps rather than just get on a train because the name sounds familiar.

If a tourist wants to go to Surrey, he most likely have to dig deeper to find out which is the line that service Surrey. If the line already labelled Surrey/downtown, don't you think that gives more clue?

[red-paladin]

I personally think this is the best map version:

http://davesgeekyideas.com/2013/10/21/updated-vancouver-skytrain-map-super-mario-3-style/

[Vancity]

Originally Posted by red-paladin

I personally think this is the best map version:

http://davesgeekyideas.com/2013/10/21/updated-vancouver-skytrain-map-super-mario-3-style/

you've got my vote haha

[GlassCity]

Originally Posted by VarBreStr18

If a tourist wants to go to Surrey, he most likely have to dig deeper to find out which is the line that service Surrey. If the line already labelled Surrey/downtown, don't you think that gives more clue?

What masochistic tourist would want to go to Surrey?

But more seriously, what if they wanted to go to New Westminster? I don't see what's so difficult about looking at a map that is clearly labeled with municipalities and station names.

[AudiA3]

Originally Posted by VarBreStr18

I totally agree with Kisai. Millenium line, Expo line,Evergreen line , Canada line are absolutely ridiculous confusing and meaningless to visitors. Only locals know what they are. Simply name the line according to the regions it covers.
Canada line becomes YVR /downtown line
Expo line becomes Surry/downtown line
Evergreen line becomes Coquitlam /Commercial line
After all these are transit routes .why not make it as user friendly as possible.
Not fancy name reflecting the period that it was built. All vistors will thank you for it.

No thanks.. I like the names the way they are now

[Kisai]

Originally Posted by GlassCity

What masochistic tourist would want to go to Surrey?

But more seriously, what if they wanted to go to New Westminster? I don't see what's so difficult about looking at a map that is clearly labeled with municipalities and station names.

The amount of times I've been on the Skytrain and there's been lost people on it... don't understand the signage.

The Expo/Millennium line messes with people because the transfer point at Broadway/Columbia doesn't make sense. Usually they want to get to Surrey, and don't know if they're on the right train, because they didn't stay on the platform long enough.

[Meraki]

Originally Posted by Kisai

The amount of times I've been on the Skytrain and there's been lost people on it... don't understand the signage.

The Expo/Millennium line messes with people because the transfer point at Broadway/Columbia doesn't make sense. Usually they want to get to Surrey, and don't know if they're on the right train, because they didn't stay on the platform long enough.

Explain how renaming large chunks of the system wayfinding would make it more clear for people, because nothing posted in the last few pages would seemingly make it easier. Particularly how you'd solve the transfer points of Commercial-Broadway and Columbia, which seem to be major issues in your opinion.

I don't want to assume the picture you posted is your preferred naming convention, so please clarify how you think it should be.

[GlassCity]

Originally Posted by Kisai

The amount of times I've been on the Skytrain and there's been lost people on it... don't understand the signage.

The Expo/Millennium line messes with people because the transfer point at Broadway/Columbia doesn't make sense. Usually they want to get to Surrey, and don't know if they're on the right train, because they didn't stay on the platform long enough.

I just don't see what's so complicated. Especially with the signage on the platforms now explicitly saying where what trains are going. I mean it's two lines interlining. This isn't exactly New York.

[red-paladin]

Originally Posted by GlassCity

What masochistic tourist would want to go to Surrey?

But more seriously, what if they wanted to go to New Westminster? I don't see what's so difficult about looking at a map that is clearly labeled with municipalities and station names.

HA! This one went to Surrey http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=212418

[Kisai]

Originally Posted by GlassCity

I just don't see what's so complicated. Especially with the signage on the platforms now explicitly saying where what trains are going. I mean it's two lines interlining. This isn't exactly New York.

"Does this train go to Surrey?" is the most frequently asked question asked by strangers when going in the eastbound direction.

When I first moved to Vancouver I made the same mistake as well. People get on/off at Broadway, not realizing there's another train platform or that there is an interlined train.

[GlassCity]

Originally Posted by red-paladin

HA! This one went to Surrey http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=212418

I was just kidding around, but in all seriousness most tourists probably wouldn't go to any suburbs at all. It was a fantastic set though!

Originally Posted by Kisai

"Does this train go to Surrey?" is the most frequently asked question asked by strangers when going in the eastbound direction.

When I first moved to Vancouver I made the same mistake as well. People get on/off at Broadway, not realizing there's another train platform or that there is an interlined train.

I'm sorry, but I think the map makes it clear enough which line goes where. There are signs on the walls of the platforms what stops that specific line hits, and the electronic signs show termini too. This proves that people don't even look at the maps provided, so the name you give to a line won't matter if they just get on any next train that comes.

[trofirhen]

I don't like "EVERGREEN LINE" simply because that name is so overused for so many things that it's clichéd.
I think maybe "CROSSTOWN LINE" would be more appropriate, as it crosses (or will cross), the city from east to west.

[Hourglass]

Originally Posted by VarBreStr18

I totally agree with Kisai. Millenium line, Expo line,Evergreen line , Canada line are absolutely ridiculous confusing and meaningless to visitors. Only locals know what they are. Simply name the line according to the regions it covers.
Canada line becomes YVR /downtown line
Expo line becomes Surry/downtown line
Evergreen line becomes Coquitlam /Commercial line
After all these are transit routes .why not make it as user friendly as possible.
Not fancy name reflecting the period that it was built. All vistors will thank you for it.

Well, cities like London must have it all wrong then, will ridiculous names like the Bakerloo, Picadilly and Metropolitan line.

Cities like Vienna go with a numbered system eg U1, U2, U3. Typical Teutonic no-nonsense efficiency, methinks. Other cities like HK name their lines based on terminating /origination station (Tsuen Wan and Tung Chung lines) and geographic (Island line, East Rail, West rail).

Candidly, I haven't noticed that names vs numbering of lines really makes any difference in how I navigate a metro system that I'm unfamiliar with. The system map is more important for me.

But seriously, if people are getting lost on Skytrain, heaven help them if they ever take the metro in London, Paris, Tokyo, Seoul or Shanghai....

[Pinion]

Originally Posted by Kisai

"Does this train go to Surrey?" is the most frequently asked question asked by strangers when going in the eastbound direction.

When I first moved to Vancouver I made the same mistake as well. People get on/off at Broadway, not realizing there's another train platform or that there is an interlined train.

As someone who drives and only used skytrain for a few jobs no father east than Stadium, I still don't really understand how the skytrain works at Broadway, or where the Expo/Millenium lines split. And even with my limited knowledge I still have helped dozens of confused people at Waterfront Station.

A lot of people on this forum seem to think that everyone is comfortable subway users and it just isn't true. My father in law has lived in Vancouver since the 50s and has never used public transit in his life - that is the norm on this continent.

Originally Posted by GlassCity

I was just kidding around, but in all seriousness most tourists probably wouldn't go to any suburbs at all. It was a fantastic set though!

I think pretty much every tourist that's here for nature goes to the north shore.

Originally Posted by trofirhen

I don't like "EVERGREEN LINE" simply because that name is so overused for so many things that it's clichéd.
I think maybe "CROSSTOWN LINE" would be more appropriate, as it crosses (or will cross), the city from east to west.

Considering the DTES is trying to re-brand itself as Crosstown that would be a bit confusing.

[WarrenC12]

Originally Posted by red-paladin

HA! This one went to Surrey http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=212418

This quote from his post says it all:

"Surrey reminded me of only the worst parts of Thunder Bay. Yeah."

[aberdeen5698]

Originally Posted by Pinion

I think pretty much every tourist that's here for nature goes to the north shore.

Skytrain is tremendously popular with tourists because if its spectacular views. Seabus too.

[Henbo]

Originally Posted by Hourglass

Well, cities like London must have it all wrong then, will ridiculous names like the Bakerloo, Picadilly and Metropolitan line.

Cities like Vienna go with a numbered system eg U1, U2, U3. Typical Teutonic no-nonsense efficiency, methinks. Other cities like HK name their lines based on terminating /origination station (Tsuen Wan and Tung Chung lines) and geographic (Island line, East Rail, West rail).

Candidly, I haven't noticed that names vs numbering of lines really makes any difference in how I navigate a metro system that I'm unfamiliar with. The system map is more important for me.

But seriously, if people are getting lost on Skytrain, heaven help them if they ever take the metro in London, Paris, Tokyo, Seoul or Shanghai....

The first experience I had with the numbering of lines and stations was in Seoul, and I loved it actually. For a foreigner who can't speak the local language, numbers are a huge help as most? (if not all?) of the world uses the same numerical system. I would support Skytrain adopting the numerical system for stations and lines as it would make things a lot easier for tourists (and some residents) who cannot speak english.

[Jebby]

Originally Posted by Henbo

For a foreigner who can't speak the local language, numbers are a huge help as most? (if not all?) of the world uses the same numerical system.

The Arabic and Persian world uses different numeral system than we do.