Metro Vancouver Transit Discussion

[waves]

Originally Posted by Express691

As far as I know, the changes on the 44/258 are not going thru.

Translink is being stubborn and refuses to change anything about the 44 without first trying to cannibalize the 258 which of course North Vancouverite UBC students will protest vigorously and rightly so.

In my view, here is what needs to happen:

• Keep the 258 AM express to UBC
• Have the 258 AM return to West Van as 44 to Georgia & 250A Dundarave (starting at Burrard and Georgia)
• Have the 258 PM out to UBC run as a 250A. Turn left at Seymour. Turn left at Cordova and continue from Waterfront as a 44 UBC.
• Keep the 258 PM return via Seymour and as 250A from Georgia and Granville.
• Add three stops for the 258 AM (Pickup Only Denman, Pickup Only Bute, Drop-off Only McDonald)
• Reduce the stops on the 44 in both directions to (1) Cordova/Seymour (2) Burrard Stn (3) Nelson (4) Harwood (5) 3rd (6) McDonald (7) UBC
• Stops 5,6 Pickup Only, 1-3 Dropoff Only for EB, 4 drop-off and pick up. Opposite for WB

[Gordon]

All Translink needs to do with the #44 stops in downtown is to reduce the number of stops between Burrard station & nelson Street 4 stops in 5 blocks makes no sense for an express route.

[GlassCity]

TransLink will be piloting all-door boarding on the 95 and 96 B-Lines. Glad this is finally happening; all-door boarding should be an expected feature of the B-Line designation.
https://www.translink.ca/Schedules-and-Maps/Transit-Service-Changes.aspx

Speaking of which - I don't know how many of you guys are on TransLink's e-mail survey list, but they had a very interesting one last week asking about enhanced bus service. Asking about improved stop infrastructure, on-board services, distinct livery, etc. There was more to it, but I'm having a hard time remembering exactly what they said, cause it was a bit, and I can't get back on the survey now that I've done it. Either way, got the impression that they were going for a Metro Rapid type service as in LA if anyone's familiar with that.

[Aroundtheworld]

Originally Posted by Reecemartin

Big news in Toronto today as the new Subway Extension Opened, I made a playlist of station walkthroughs enjoy: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwoYcvp1EGSdVxtiEcbscTRkh0PUVpBW-

These stations are truly unlike anything in a Canadian transit system before and I seriously hope the M-Line takes some inspiration from here.

I hope not. The Toronto subway extension was massively late and over budget. I would rather have a transit system that is clean, functional and built on time and on budget.

I do think if people in a neighbourhood want their station to be extra nice, they should be able to pay for the extra cost.

[Sheba]

Originally Posted by Reecemartin

Big news in Toronto today as the new Subway Extension Opened, I made a playlist of station walkthroughs enjoy: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwoYcvp1EGSdVxtiEcbscTRkh0PUVpBW-

These stations are truly unlike anything in a Canadian transit system before and I seriously hope the M-Line takes some inspiration from here.

The Broadway extension stations will be larger than the Canada Line stations (because it needs to be able to match with the existing Millennium and Expo stations) - but with our more frequent trains they don't need to be as long as the Toronto trains, so the platform won't be as spacious as in your videos. The ground level entrances here also won't be to the same scale. Most of the entrances in your videos have next to no buildings around them - that is most definitely not the case with Broadway.

I like the 'covered road' shown just over 30 seconds in for Vaughan Station. That's a nice detail, although I don't think it could be used on Broadway (maybe if they ever get a station out at UBC, but that's about it).

[Sheba]

Originally Posted by GlassCity

Speaking of which - I don't know how many of you guys are on TransLink's e-mail survey list, but they had a very interesting one last week asking about enhanced bus service. Asking about improved stop infrastructure, on-board services, distinct livery, etc. There was more to it, but I'm having a hard time remembering exactly what they said, cause it was a bit, and I can't get back on the survey now that I've done it. Either way, got the impression that they were going for a Metro Rapid type service as in LA if anyone's familiar with that.

I'm on their list too. I read it as they want to amp up the number of B-Line / Express routes and what would people want to see on those routes. It's not a bad idea as we can't afford to build Skytrain / subway everywhere.

[Reecemartin]

Originally Posted by Aroundtheworld

I hope not. The Toronto subway extension was massively late and over budget. I would rather have a transit system that is clean, functional and built on time and on budget.

I do think if people in a neighbourhood want their station to be extra nice, they should be able to pay for the extra cost.

Obviously not referring to delays but to the final product...

Not favouring rich neighborhoods at all here are we... It's called PUBLIC transit for a reason.

[Reecemartin]

Originally Posted by Sheba

I'm on their list too. I read it as they want to amp up the number of B-Line / Express routes and what would people want to see on those routes. It's not a bad idea as we can't afford to build Skytrain / subway everywhere.

Thank God something like this is finally happening, the BLines would be much more rapid transit esque if they weren't just frequent service with infrequent stops.

Things on my personal wish list-

Next bus signs with the next 3 services or so
Proper maps
Distinctive bigger shelters maybe with CVMs at busier stops
A much larger T sign and logo
Possibly raised curb with a textured edge

[Reecemartin]

Originally Posted by Sheba

The Broadway extension stations will be larger than the Canada Line stations (because it needs to be able to match with the existing Millennium and Expo stations) - but with our more frequent trains they don't need to be as long as the Toronto trains, so the platform won't be as spacious as in your videos. The ground level entrances here also won't be to the same scale. Most of the entrances in your videos have next to no buildings around them - that is most definitely not the case with Broadway.

I like the 'covered road' shown just over 30 seconds in for Vaughan Station. That's a nice detail, although I don't think it could be used on Broadway (maybe if they ever get a station out at UBC, but that's about it).

In general it seems that (perhaps because of the climate) bus connections and facilities are wayyy nicer in Ontario. The station at Vaughan is for the York Viva BRT system which is really nice and worth taking a look at for what our B Lines should move towards.

[cganuelas1995]

I wonder how much loss TransLink would incur if they had the weekday schedule all week long.

[dandor31]

Regarding the 44 and 258, I think at the very least the 258 should provide pick-up only service along Burrard in the AM. This is when the 44 is the most full and it's frustrating for UBC students to see an almost empty bus drive by when you are being passed up by the 44.

West Van riders still get seats, and it provides more room for other 44 riders that are regularly being passed up.

[waves]

Originally Posted by dandor31

Regarding the 44 and 258, I think at the very least the 258 should provide pick-up only service along Burrard in the AM. This is when the 44 is the most full and it's frustrating for UBC students to see an almost empty bus drive by when you are being passed up by the 44.

West Van riders still get seats, and it provides more room for other 44 riders that are regularly being passed up.

I disagree. The one bus an hour even if it did pick up on the 44 route would have such a negligible impact on reducing crowding on the 44. You might fit 30 more people per hour at most. The 44 needs increased service and saying that the 258 will make up for that is absurd. It takes about 30 minutes to go from Park Royal to UBC and if the 258 stopped downtown it would likely add another 15min to an already long commute. Also West Vancouverites would start using it to go downtown rather than UBC.

The 258 also consistently fills up every seat and typically has a few people standing on every bus run. If anything, add a pick up stop at Denman, where there is no 44 service, for any UBC students/staff that might come from the west end.

[ClaytonA]

Whimsical article on a North Shore tram: https://thetyee.ca/Opinion/2017/12/11/Impractical-Idea-Solving-Gridlock/

Interesting only the 130 changed on the North Shore. In the roads thread, people are saying they would support tolling both Burrard Inlet bridges if Skytrain was built to and along the North Shore. Anecdotes, but still.

What about some queue jumps for buses? Dedicated transitways east-west (bridge's wouldn't fly)? Extending the HOV lanes from the PMH1 project west across the 2nd Narrows?

I get the argument it's supposed to be construction workers. What it highlights is that there aren't enough attractive options, choices, for North Shore residents. If they could choose, or felt choosing, transit, or walking/cycling for shorter trips, was attractive enough they wouldn't feel they have to drive. What solutions provide citizens more choices than just driving vehicles? What could be piloted relatively quickly, cheaply, and easily? What if it's only as a short term solution until the Seymour/Keith Rd construction is done.

[SpongeG]

Going places in Metro Vancouver

Ongoing improvements mean it's easier than ever to travel across the region without owning a car

By Peter Mitham | Dec. 19, 2017, noon


Passengers wait for a train at the Burquitlam station of the new Evergreen Extension of SkyTrain’s Millennium Line from Vancouver to Coquitlam | Sodake/Shutterstock

Twenty years ago, getting around Metro Vancouver took time. Going by car was fastest, although traffic on Highway 1 through Surrey and Langley often slowed things down. Since then, rush-hour traffic has only worsened. Road capacity in Metro Vancouver simply hasn’t kept pace with population growth, with the region having the least amount of highway per capita in a Colliers International survey of major metropolitan areas across North America.

...

https://www.biv.com/article/2017/12/going-places-metro-vancouver/

[SpongeG]

Outlook 2018: New year could bring springtime for transit plans

Regional projects stalled in 2017, but change of government could accelerate 2018 action

By Patrick Blennerhassett | Dec. 19, 2017, 6 a.m.


Lon LaClaire, Vancouver’s director of transportation, says the city is hoping to take lessons learned from Canada Line SkyTrain construction and apply it to the Broadway subway line extension | Chung Chow

The past 12 months “could be characterized as the year of the second opinion when it comes to transportation futures for the region,” said Anthony Perl, a professor of urban studies and political science at Simon Fraser University.


But 2018 could bring a thaw in the long winter that has frozen in place plans for major public transit infrastructure projects in Greater Vancouver.

...

https://www.biv.com/article/2017/12/outlook-2018-new-year-could-bring-springtime-trans/

[Metro-One]

I hope Surrey takes note of the Canada Line, since they are proposing an LRT project that makes the Canada Line look like a Tokyo Subway in capacity and design...

Seriously, a lot of mixed messages here...

[Reecemartin]

Originally Posted by Metro-One

I hope Surrey takes note of the Canada Line, since they are proposing an LRT project that makes the Canada Line look like a Tokyo Subway in capacity and design...

Seriously, a lot of mixed messages here...

I mean its really apples to oranges, and with a decent headway and 2 car trains they can actually exceed current Canada Line capacity...

[Metro-One]

Originally Posted by Reecemartin

I mean its really apples to oranges, and with a decent headway and 2 car trains they can actually exceed current Canada Line capacity...

Ummm, nope.

The initial project will only be 2700 pphpd, using 40 meter platforms.

The ultimate build out will be 4080 pphpd after extending the platforms to 60 meters (which would involve a second round of construction).

That is less than a third of the Canada Line’s ultimate build out of 15 000 pphpd. (Not to mention the other aspects)

I am not completely against LRT (it can be built right) but this specific project has a terrible cost benefit ratio and is inferior to nearly all other LRT projects in North America.

It should be noted that back in 2012 this projected was promised to be over 10 000 ppdph... now we are getting less than half of that.

[Colin4567]

Originally Posted by Metro-One

Ummm, nope.

The initial project will only be 2700 pphpd, using 40 meter platforms.

The ultimate build out will be 4080 pphpd after extending the platforms to 60 meters (which would involve a second round of construction).

That is less than a third of the Canada Line’s ultimate build out of 15 000 pphpd. (Not to mention the other aspects)

I am not completely against LRT (it can be built right) but this specific project has a terrible cost benefit ratio and is inferior to nearly all other LRT projects in North America.

It should be noted that back in 2012 this projected was promised to be over 10 000 ppdph... now we are getting less than half of that.

Metro, don't waste your time. Reece is the poster boy of blind support for LRT, and he even carries the stereotypical Toronto arrogance with him. I didn't believe Torontonians could truly be arrogant until I met him. "LRT works for Waterloo" yeah ok but this is Surrey here buddy.

[SpongeG]

they are installing a lighting feature along the skytrain along the north road section, big lights at the austin/north road intersection

Does translink do this or does the city do it? I imagine this is a shared thing between burnaby and coquitlam since it is the border

will look good when its all up and going

2017-12-20_11-45-27 by snub_you, on Flickr

and than smaller ones on each column, they have been working on it the past few days

2017-12-20_11-46-10 by snub_you, on Flickr
2017-12-20_11-46-33 by snub_you, on Flickr