Metro Vancouver Transit Discussion

[Bcasey25raptor]

Originally Posted by AverageJoe

So am I. I hope this means it is being replaced by conventional buses. It didn't say so specifically.

Heres what the sign said at the stop near terminal

[idunno]

Very pleased with the downtown changes.

The C23 was the busiest community shuttle route ever - so glad it is now just the #6. Many West End commuters will be very happy.

[nname]

Originally Posted by AverageJoe

So am I. I hope this means it is being replaced by conventional buses. It didn't say so specifically.

Most likely shuttle though. TransLink had stopped using Cxx numbering schemes for new shuttle routes.

[Large Cat]

It looks like the new 23 won't even be going directly past Yaletown Station--there could be a couple reasons for this departure from the original C21 routing. The most likely imo is that they don't want people going all the way to English Bay to fill up all the spots on the community shuttles--assuming the 23 will still be partly or mostly shuttles. This was the most pressing rationale for the whole set of changes in the first place. Now the 6 can cover all of that traffic.

It could also be because the routing between Howe and Yaletown Stn would be too tight for conventional buses, so they decided to keep the route on Pacific all the way. This is assuming that they will either now or eventually put some 40 footers on the route.

In any case I'm really happy with the changes.

Also, it looks like 5/6 operators will now be taking their layovers exclusively at Cambie and Dunsmuir, from looking at the paddles. This will make it into a much better loop line--no more waiting at Davie and Denman or transferring to the bus in front! The bus will just keep going with a change in headsign. The Canada Line and 17 can cover most of the thru passengers in the Yaletown area, since it won't make much sense to get on somewhere on Cambie and ride it to the CBD, or get on somewhere on Pender and ride it to a destination prior to Yaletown Stn. (Because one would have to wait at Cambie and Dunsmuir on the way) In the West End if the layover were to remain there are less alternatives, especially for getting to Robson or the CBD.

[jsbertram]

Originally Posted by Bcasey25raptor

Heres what the sign said at the stop near terminal
<snip>

"travelling to the Expo Line? ... "

.. or take the 5 Robson to Burrard Stn.
(less walking)

[jsbertram]

Originally Posted by Large Cat

It looks like the new 23 won't even be going directly past Yaletown Station--there could be a couple reasons for this departure from the original C21 routing. The most likely imo is that they don't want people going all the way to English Bay to fill up all the spots on the community shuttles--assuming the 23 will still be partly or mostly shuttles. This was the most pressing rationale for the whole set of changes in the first place. Now the 6 can cover all of that traffic.

It could also be because the routing between Howe and Yaletown Stn would be too tight for conventional buses, so they decided to keep the route on Pacific all the way. This is assuming that they will either now or eventually put some 40 footers on the route.

In any case I'm really happy with the changes.

Also, it looks like 5/6 operators will now be taking their layovers exclusively at Cambie and Dunsmuir, from looking at the paddles. This will make it into a much better loop line--no more waiting at Davie and Denman or transferring to the bus in front! The bus will just keep going with a change in headsign. The Canada Line and 17 can cover most of the thru passengers in the Yaletown area, since it won't make much sense to get on somewhere on Cambie and ride it to the CBD, or get on somewhere on Pender and ride it to a destination prior to Yaletown Stn. (Because one would have to wait at Cambie and Dunsmuir on the way) In the West End if the layover were to remain there are less alternatives, especially for getting to Robson or the CBD.

Layups at Cambie and Dunsmuir may be a problem, since the 17 Oak has to get by them.

[TransitFreak]

My apologies if this was posted already, but didn't realize the WCE Trainbus will be now serviced by the 701. Says it will maintain same trainbus schedule, but not service Port Coquitlam or Port Haney. My question is, does anyone know if it provides return service to Coquitlam Station in the evening, or just deadheads back to the garage or to Maple Ridge, and continue regular service from there? Would provide an interesting option of riding the WCE for fun all the way out to Mission then come back via transit.

[nname]

Originally Posted by TransitFreak

My apologies if this was posted already, but didn't realize the WCE Trainbus will be now serviced by the 701. Says it will maintain same trainbus schedule, but not service Port Coquitlam or Port Haney. My question is, does anyone know if it provides return service to Coquitlam Station in the evening, or just deadheads back to the garage or to Maple Ridge, and continue regular service from there? Would provide an interesting option of riding the WCE for fun all the way out to Mission then come back via transit.

The bus will run in service from Coquitlam to Mission and back to Coquitlam for all 4 trips.

Lv	Lv	Ar		Lv	Lv	Ar
CoqCtrl	HaneyPl	Mission		Mission	HaneyPl	CoqCtrl
 9:17a	 9:53a	10:17a		10:39a	11:05a	11:50a
 1:47p	 2:27p	 2:54p		 3:05p	 3:31p	 4:24p
 7:50p	 8:26p	 8:52p		 9:04p	 9:30p	10:04p
 8:50p	 9:26p	 9:52p		10:04p	10:30p	11:04p

[Express691]

Originally Posted by nname

The bus will run in service from Coquitlam to Mission and back to Coquitlam for all 4 trips.

Lv	Lv	Ar		Lv	Lv	Ar
CoqCtrl	HaneyPl	Mission		Mission	HaneyPl	CoqCtrl
 9:17a	 9:53a	10:17a		10:39a	11:05a	11:50a
 1:47p	 2:27p	 2:54p		 3:05p	 3:31p	 4:24p
 7:50p	 8:26p	 8:52p		 9:04p	 9:30p	10:04p
 8:50p	 9:26p	 9:52p		10:04p	10:30p	11:04p

Here's the 701 schedule if anyone's interested
http://infomaps.translink.ca/Public_Timetables/129/tt701.pdf

143
http://infomaps.translink.ca/Public_Timetables/129/tt143.pdf

188
http://infomaps.translink.ca/Public_Timetables/129/tt188.pdf

160
http://infomaps.translink.ca/Public_Timetables/129/tt160.pdf

95 B-line (temporary)
http://infomaps.translink.ca/Public_Timetables/129/tt095.pdf

180
http://infomaps.translink.ca/Public_Timetables/129/tt180.pdf

N9
http://infomaps.translink.ca/Public_Timetables/129/ttN9.pdf

[AverageJoe]

Originally Posted by nname

Most likely shuttle though. TransLink had stopped using Cxx numbering schemes for new shuttle routes.

That's great news about the Cxx numbers. Finally, they're doing away with them.

[GlassCity]

They'll be having to update the rapid transit maps pretty damn often over the next few years if the vote gets approved tomorrow and B-Lines start being implemented much more frequently.

[Kisai]

Translink Periscope feed
https://www.periscope.tv/w/1mrxmAEOgRQxy

I started watching as they started talking about Skytrain/Rail, and something about upgrading Burrard station.

Edit 11:10am: West Vancouver Mayor wants to pull out of Translink because the tax increases would be over $800 per property unit. "We could provide a completely free bus system for that"

[GlassCity]

Originally Posted by Kisai

Translink Periscope feed
https://www.periscope.tv/w/1mrxmAEOgRQxy

I started watching as they started talking about Skytrain/Rail, and something about upgrading Burrard station.

Edit 11:10am: West Vancouver Mayor wants to pull out of Translink because the tax increases would be over $800 per property unit. "We could provide a completely free bus system for that"

I'm following it along too, very interesting to hear all the comments from the mayors. I think it was also the West Van mayor, but I could be mistaken, that was talking about how this new revenue initiative is still just a bandaid, and until the province allows us to set our own, stable and permanent funding source, we're really just kicking the can further down the road.

[GlassCity]

The vote was just held and Phase 1 of the 10 year vision has been approved!

It was passed unanimously by those in attendance, though there were quite a few missing mayors.

I guess this was expected, but still a relief to finally have some plan going. Lots of bus service improvement to come in the next year, along with more frequent Canada Line and SeaBus and more funds for cycling and walking for the municipalities. Nothing too 🞵🞵🞵🞵, but at least we finally have a step forward.

[idunno]

So happy this has passed! (Though it was unlikely not to).

I can't wait to see the schedules for implementation of each aspect of Phase 1.

[Express691]

So that's 171 new buses in total - Can't wait to see what comes in April!

I wonder what and when the RFP for that will come out.

[Kisai]

Originally Posted by idunno

So happy this has passed! (Though it was unlikely not to).

I can't wait to see the schedules for implementation of each aspect of Phase 1.

It likely passed because those who obstruct (like the mayor of Burnaby,) everything didn't attend.

[Metro-One]

Sooooo

This means that they will be ordering the new rolling stock for both the M/E lines and the Canada line?

Also, does this mean that all the Canada Line stations will be expanded to their full 50 meters?

[SFUVancouver]

Very happy to hear that this has been approved.

As a refresher, here's the sound-bytes of what it includes:

PHASE 1

Plan approved: 2016
Roll-out: 2017-2026

• 10% increase in bus service across the region
• More frequent service on 50 different routes
• 5 new B-Line routes on Fraser Highway, Lougheed Highway, Marine Drive, 41st Avenue, and Hastings Street
• 171 new buses beginning in 2018

• 20% increase in rail service
• More frequent service on Expo/Millennium/Evergreen during mid-day, early evening, and weekends
• Increased Canada Line service during high-demand times
• 50 new SkyTrain cars
• 5 new passenger cars for West Coast Express, to expand capacity
• Pre-construction work on Broadway subway and Surrey light rail to keep projects on schedule

• One new SeaBus to increase service and improve reliability
• Service every 15 mins throughout the day, every day of the week
• Service every 10 mins during rush hour (once the new SeaBus is delivered)

• Expanded funding for operation, maintenance, and expansion of the Major Road Network (the first significant expansion of the MRN since 1999)
• $50 million in expanded funding over 3 years for MRN upgrades that will improve safety and reduce traffic bottlenecks
• $32.5 million over 3 years in new funding so municipalities can make MRN overpasses, retaining walls, and bridges safer and more earthquake-proof

• $12.5 million in new funding for municipalities to improve pathways around transit, like sidewalks, crosswalks, and pedestrian traffic signals
• $29.8 million in expanded funding to encourage/improve cycling, through projects like building new bike lanes and multi-use paths
• $11.5 million in expanded funding to invest in regionally-owned cycling facilities at and near major transit stations and exchanges

Source & details: http://tenyearvision.translink.ca/phase-one/

Incredible that a 10 cent fare increase and $3 measly bucks per household in additional property tax, on average, yields a substantial enhancement for the region, particularly with the SkyTrain fleet expansion and additional levels of service at peak times, particularly for the Canada Line, which is frequently bursting at the seams.

[dpogue]

Originally Posted by Metro-One

Sooooo

This means that they will be ordering the new rolling stock for both the M/E lines and the Canada line?

Yes.

Originally Posted by Metro-One

Also, does this mean that all the Canada Line stations will be expanded to their full 50 meters?

No, there will be an additional 11 2-car Canada Line trains, which likely won't be here for a 3 or 4 years because they need to start a bidding process and find a supplier.

The additional 7 4-car Mark III trains for the Expo Line should be ready in 1.5 to 2 years because they're part of an option on the existing supply contract with Bombardier.