Calgary Public Transit II

[MasterG]

Originally Posted by CalgaryAlex

The potential for TOD around those stations is incredible, straight from downtown to the end of the line.

Yeah for sure. That video does serve as a pretty big reminder why the SE is different than the other legs. Without the whole ultimate length/massive TOD development the SELRT / SE transitway really going through nowhere for most of its route. No houses, few businesses and little density. The business case starts looking a lot better south of Quarry Park, at least there will be people around it.

Honestly, if all they are doing is a light transitway for a while, you probably don't even need to build half the stops for another decade as the trip demand must be next to nothing.

[suburbia]

Originally Posted by MasterG

Without the whole ultimate length/massive TOD development the SELRT / SE transitway really going through nowhere for most of its route. No houses, few businesses and little density. The business case starts looking a lot better south of Quarry Park, at least there will be people around it.

Honestly, if all they are doing is a light transitway for a while, you probably don't even need to build half the stops for another decade as the trip demand must be next to nothing.

This is one of the reasons I've previously highlighted that the SE portion should launch not as transit network, but as commuter, with a premium to ride that leg (perhaps two tickets instead of one).

Controversial undoubtedly, but this could actually help the business case.

[CalgaryAlex]

Originally Posted by MasterG

Yeah for sure. That video does serve as a pretty big reminder why the SE is different than the other legs. Without the whole ultimate length/massive TOD development the SELRT / SE transitway really going through nowhere for most of its route. No houses, few businesses and little density. The business case starts looking a lot better south of Quarry Park, at least there will be people around it.

Honestly, if all they are doing is a light transitway for a while, you probably don't even need to build half the stops for another decade as the trip demand must be next to nothing.

No kidding. A couple of those industrial zone stops might have a total of 50 jobs currently at locations within walking distance (and I bet walking in those warehouse areas isn't too enjoyable anyways).

I'm excited for this project, but even more excited to see what the areas around the stations will look like 10-15 years after the transitway is up and running. Exciting stuff!

[ByeByeBaby]

Originally Posted by CalgaryAlex

No kidding. A couple of those industrial zone stops might have a total of 50 jobs currently at locations within walking distance (and I bet walking in those warehouse areas isn't too enjoyable anyways).

I'm excited for this project, but even more excited to see what the areas around the stations will look like 10-15 years after the transitway is up and running. Exciting stuff!

Luckily, thanks to the combined benefits of 1) contaminated soil and environmental laws, 2) zoning laws, 3) hillsides, canals and other physical barriers and 4) no one clamouring to be first in to an industrial area, you can get a very close approximation to what the areas around most of those stations will look like in 10-15 years by driving there today!

(If you're not convinced, go to 39th Avenue or Franklin stations and see what has transpired after over 30 years of LRT service to either of those locations.)

[suburbia]

Originally Posted by ByeByeBaby

(If you're not convinced, go to 39th Avenue or Franklin stations and see what has transpired after over 30 years of LRT service to either of those locations.)

Franklin only because the narrow minded lobbyists keep knocking it when opportunities arise. A'las the best sporting/entertainment/commercial/residential development that never was

[J-D]

Originally Posted by CalgaryAlex

No kidding. A couple of those industrial zone stops might have a total of 50 jobs currently at locations within walking distance (and I bet walking in those warehouse areas isn't too enjoyable anyways).

I'm excited for this project, but even more excited to see what the areas around the stations will look like 10-15 years after the transitway is up and running. Exciting stuff!

By the time the SETWAY opens (non-LRT), it's going to be so desperately needed to fix traffic. I can't imagine what six more years of heavy growth are going to do to already strained transportation infrastructure in the area

[fusili]

I think the SE LRT is desperately needed, however, I am very skeptical of the level of TOD possible along the route, especially in the medium term. The sites are either right in the middle of an industrial area (Highfield, Crossroads, Ogden partially) or have serious contamination or environmental issues (Lynwood with Hub Oil, South Hill with the former Ogden dry waste landfill). It isn't exactly prime real estate for residential. When you compare it to West Campus, CFB West, Stadium Shopping Centre, Brentwood TOD, Anderson TOD, etc, it just doesn't compete. It will be a long, long time before TOD makes sense along this route.

[lineman]

Lynwood was Imperial Oil. Hub as on 17th before Elliston Park.

But you're absolutely correct in that there is limited TOD opportunities along this route. Lynwood Ridge was levelled because of Imperial, and Highfield is too close to the Bonnybrook WWTP and Iko.

[fusili]

Originally Posted by lineman

Lynwood was Imperial Oil. Hub as on 17th before Elliston Park.

But you're absolutely correct in that there is limited TOD opportunities along this route. Lynwood Ridge was levelled because of Imperial, and Highfield is too close to the Bonnybrook WWTP and Iko.

Thanks for the clarification.

[andasen]

Originally Posted by fusili

I think the SE LRT is desperately needed, however, I am very skeptical of the level of TOD possible along the route, especially in the medium term. The sites are either right in the middle of an industrial area (Highfield, Crossroads, Ogden partially) or have serious contamination or environmental issues (Lynwood with Hub Oil, South Hill with the former Ogden dry waste landfill). It isn't exactly prime real estate for residential. When you compare it to West Campus, CFB West, Stadium Shopping Centre, Brentwood TOD, Anderson TOD, etc, it just doesn't compete. It will be a long, long time before TOD makes sense along this route.

South Hill is the 🞵🞵🞵🞵🞵🞵 crown jewel of TOD opportunities along the South East Line. The 300m setback from the old Ogden Landfill represents a small sliver of land along the southern edge of the area. By my calculations there is about 50 acres of land to play with that are not affected by the landfill set back. Perfect hub to anchor many of the Foothills industrial bus routes including the 23. There are opportunities for a solid mix of commercial, residential and institutional in that space with great transit and road access.

[ByeByeBaby]

Originally Posted by andasen

South Hill is the 🞵🞵🞵🞵🞵🞵 crown jewel of TOD opportunities along the South East Line. The 300m setback from the old Ogden Landfill represents a small sliver of land along the southern edge of the area. By my calculations there is about 50 acres of land to play with that are not affected by the landfill set back. Perfect hub to anchor many of the Foothills industrial bus routes including the 23. There are opportunities for a solid mix of commercial, residential and institutional in that space with great transit and road access.

South Hill is the crown jewel of SETWAY TOD opportunities, and Happy is the tallest of the Seven Dwarfs.

[fusili]

Originally Posted by andasen

South Hill is the 🞵🞵🞵🞵🞵🞵 crown jewel of TOD opportunities along the South East Line. The 300m setback from the old Ogden Landfill represents a small sliver of land along the southern edge of the area. By my calculations there is about 50 acres of land to play with that are not affected by the landfill set back. Perfect hub to anchor many of the Foothills industrial bus routes including the 23. There are opportunities for a solid mix of commercial, residential and institutional in that space with great transit and road access.

Are you talking about the east or west side of the irrigation canal. I can see potential on the west side, being close to Riverbend and with the new Ogden Road alignment. I will give you that.

[andasen]

Originally Posted by ByeByeBaby

South Hill is the crown jewel of SETWAY TOD opportunities, and Happy is the tallest of the Seven Dwarfs.

South Hill is a solid TOD opportunity by any standard. Predominantly vacant land immediately adjacent to the site on all directions with existing neighborhoods just beyond that. Good access to nearby employment hub & rec opportunities at Quarry Park. Access to existing amenities in Riverbend. Land parcels big enough to accommodate institutional uses. Potential to be a major bus terminal.

Please name one aspect which the area bounded by Glenmore, Riverbend, Sheppard Rd and the Ogden Landfill set back is not conducive to becoming a high quality TOD?

Originally Posted by fusili

Are you talking about the east or west side of the irrigation canal. I can see potential on the west side, being close to Riverbend and with the new Ogden Road alignment. I will give you that.

West Side. East side wouldn't be part of the TOD area anyways.

[Full Mountain]

Originally Posted by andasen

South Hill is a solid TOD opportunity by any standard. Predominantly vacant land immediately adjacent to the site on all directions with existing neighborhoods just beyond that. Good access to nearby employment hub & rec opportunities at Quarry Park. Access to existing amenities in Riverbend. Land parcels big enough to accommodate institutional uses. Potential to be a major bus terminal.

Please name one aspect which the area bounded by Glenmore, Riverbend, Sheppard Rd and the Ogden Landfill set back is not conducive to becoming a high quality TOD?



West Side. East side wouldn't be part of the TOD area anyways.

See bolded section above. Tell me you want to live next to either of those.

[North_Regina_Boy]

Originally Posted by Fuzz

That video makes me want to ride the whole damn thing on a road bike. droool.

That might be a good thing to add to the side of it... At least until LRT is built! I could see that being a good ride, and limited grade crossings. But there would have to be serious bike rules for interaction with the circuit.

[Full Mountain]

Originally Posted by North_Regina_Boy

That might be a good thing to add to the side of it... At least until LRT is built! I could see that being a good ride, and limited grade crossings. But there would have to be serious bike rules for interaction with the circuit.

I believe a multiuse path is part of the plan.

[andasen]

Originally Posted by Full Mountain

See bolded section above. Tell me you want to live next to either of those.

Ogden Landfill Setback. A setback for a retired landfill. AKA Parkland

[Policy Wonk]

I cracked up at this article:

Are you young, trendy and into pressed juices? If so, your luxury commuter bus has arrived.

Lauched Wednesday, Leap is San Francisco's latest attempt to #disrupt transit. The bus is a tech buzz word dream. It's WiFi-enabled, USB outlet-equipped, Blue Bottle Coffee-serving, Bluetooth-check-in ready and GPS-trackable. Oh, and it has its own social networking component.

If you want to get to know your new bus friends, you can hop on Leap's app and read the profiles of the people who are on your bus. Hopefully unlike BART or Muni, their hobbies do not include 🞵🞵🞵🞵🞵🞵🞵🞵🞵🞵🞵 with train cushions and public urination.

Rides cost $6 each (although there are pre-tax and bulk discounts available) and currently only run between Lombard St. and downtown. There are very few stops because speed is a priority, but Leap plans on adding more routes at a later date.

http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Luxury-bus-is-here-to-disrupt-your-S-F-commute-6142528.php

[mellbell416]

I checked out the City Greeen Line website to see what (sloooooow) progress we are making on the SE leg, and on the timeline it indicates that there is work that will begin in June of this year when "early roadwork begins to improve transit reliability in SE Calgary" - what will they be working on? What impact will it have, and when?

http://www.calgary.ca/Transportation/TI/Pages/Transit-projects/Green-line/timeline.aspx

[lineman]

They'll be working on what they like to call "small wins" (their words, i.e. Barlow and 114) which will actually be minor incremental improvements which the majority of the public won't even notice.