Metro Vancouver Transit Discussion

[Galaxy]

Originally Posted by Xerx

CBC News

Looks like we'll never have an integrated provincial smartcard/ticket for transit.

I don't get why BC Transit can't just talk to Translink and see if they can work out a deal to implement the compass card on the BC Transit network. The provincial government pays for both services. Translink could profit a little from the partnership and some users that utilize both services could just use one card instead of switching between the card(payment) systems. Once again a situation of more government agencies not working together to save all taxpayers money... BC transit doesn't need the extensive network the compass system in Metro Vancouver has but could implement parts of the existing compass system and therefore make the users in Victoria using the network life a whole lot less complicated.

[Meraki]

"She said Compass cards require expensive vending machines to load the cards, and a comprehensive database on the back end to avoid fraud."

The latter half about the back end makes me pause, because they're going to be taking in debit/credit transactions the same as Compass.

They won't have a "comprehensive database on the back end to avoid fraud" because they're using mobile phones instead of plastic cards?

[aberdeen5698]

Originally Posted by Meraki

They won't have a "comprehensive database on the back end to avoid fraud" because they're using mobile phones instead of plastic cards?

The two payment methods use entirely different concepts:

Compass cards "store" value - you preload money into the card using the web site or a Compass vending machine. So Translink needs to confirm that the value stored in the card was actually paid for to make sure you didn't somehow hack the card to increase its balance.

Phone transactions are just a way for you to authorize Translink to transfer money from your credit or your own funds stored elsewhere. If fraud happens, it's going to hurt you, not Translink.

[VancouverOfTheFuture]

i want to know when they'll let you put compass into Apple Pay/Android so the phone can be used for Compass.

[Millennium2002]

Originally Posted by Galaxy

I don't get why BC Transit can't just talk to Translink and see if they can work out a deal to implement the compass card on the BC Transit network. The provincial government pays for both services. Translink could profit a little from the partnership and some users that utilize both services could just use one card instead of switching between the card(payment) systems. Once again a situation of more government agencies not working together to save all taxpayers money... BC transit doesn't need the extensive network the compass system in Metro Vancouver has but could implement parts of the existing compass system and therefore make the users in Victoria using the network life a whole lot less complicated.

Maybe for Victoria and some of the more isolated cities, having a system not tied down to Compass Card makes sense. But then you hit edge cases like the Sea to Sky / Fraser Valley, where there already exist (or soon will be) connections to TransLink services...

This is starting to remind me of Toronto and its suburbs... IIRC Presto is widely accepted across the board, but then York Region (and possibly others) decided to also go with a smartphone-based fare app... So much for consistency...

[officedweller]

Originally Posted by waves

I need an elevation profile of the track itself, not the surface elevation.

BC EAO doesn't have any documents anymore - so don't know where else you'd find any info.

https://www.projects.eao.gov.bc.ca/p/canada-line-rapid-transit

Translink stuff is all predesign:

https://www.translink.ca/site-info/docum...B16E6D21B-BF1E-4B78-B31E-B7522CE29546%7D

Some tunnel info here:

https://www.tunneltalk.com/Canada-Line-March07-New-LRT-on-track.php

After launching on a down slope of 2% the alignment dived quickly to 5.5% to clear the foundations of a high rise building the TBM passed immediately into a downward left hand curve under False Creek.

https://www.tunneltalk.com/Canada-Line-March07-New-LRT-on-track.php

[Bdawe]

Originally Posted by Millennium2002

Maybe for Victoria and some of the more isolated cities, having a system not tied down to Compass Card makes sense. But then you hit edge cases like the Sea to Sky / Fraser Valley, where there already exist (or soon will be) connections to TransLink services...

This is starting to remind me of Toronto and its suburbs... IIRC Presto is widely accepted across the board, but then York Region (and possibly others) decided to also go with a smartphone-based fare app... So much for consistency...

It would be nice if they could fare-integrate Fraser Valley transit and the Horseshoe Bay ferries into compass, IMO

[Migrant_Coconut]

Originally Posted by Bdawe

It would be nice if they could fare-integrate Fraser Valley transit and the Horseshoe Bay ferries into compass, IMO

Integrating BC Ferries with Compass would be beautiful. Vancouver Island would get on board... eventually.

[SpongeG]

if you buy a ticket at a machine, like a single-use fare, is it valid from the time of purchase at the machine or becomes valid from the first time you tap in?

[CanSpice]

Originally Posted by SpongeG

if you buy a ticket at a machine, like a single-use fare, is it valid from the time of purchase at the machine or becomes valid from the first time you tap in?

From the first time you tap in. However, they expire at the end of service on the day they're purchased so you can't purchase one from the machine and use it the next day.

[Dengler Avenue]

Originally Posted by CanSpice

From the first time you tap in. However, they expire at the end of service on the day they're purchased so you can't purchase one from the machine and use it the next day.

My friend and I learned it the hard way when we were visiting. There went $20~~~

[SpongeG]

ok. I was just thinking more in terms if what if you bought the ticket and you decided to run into a neighbouring store or something or forgot something and missed the next train or bus. thanks.

[officedweller]

That's how you can avoid the YVR surcharge if travelling to McArthur Glan Outlet Mall.
Buy a cash fare off of Sea Island on the way there and use that cash ticket when you leave (same day).

[waves]

Originally Posted by officedweller

BC EAO doesn't have any documents anymore - so don't know where else you'd find any info.

Thanks for all the links. I have sent the contact listed on the EAO page an email. We will see what comes of it. I have looked through most of the stuff on Translink's site but wasn't able to find anything; I was hoping that maybe it was only I that missed something.

As for the tunnel info article, that is very useful so Thank You!

[whatnext]

I didn't see these weekend protests covered elsewhere, sorry it if is a dupe. While it does seem rather silly to protest against it, I am surprised Translink sees a demand for a B-Line beyond Park Royal:

The proposed creation of a bus lane in West Vancouver brought residents on both sides of the issue onto the streets for duelling protests on Saturday.

Around 150 opponents of the Marine-Main B-Line walked down Marine Drive to 13th Street, blocking a lane of traffic each way. They came into contact with around 20 people in support of the proposal outside the West Vancouver Memorial Library.

The protests follow West Vancouver Council's approval last summer of a proposal by Translink to create a new B-Line rapid service bus line running on Marine Drive from Dundarave in West Vancouver to Phibbs Exchange in North Vancouver...

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/west-van-rallies-bline-1.5031507

[Migrant_Coconut]

There's a visible clump of density and retail at Dunderave/Ambleside... more importantly, there's room to loop around and head back. The gridlock at Park Royal is not pretty.

[officedweller]

Of interest.
You'll note that Doug Kelsey used to be head of BC Rapid Transit Co. - TransLink's SkyTrain operating subsidiary.

TriMet’s General Manager Is Fighting to Speed Up MAX Trains
Doug Kelsey explains why he wants to close MAX stations—but won't eliminate fares.
https://www.wweek.com/news/2019/02/13/trimets-general-manager-is-fighting-to-speed-up-max-trains/

Former SkyTrain manager trying to speed up Portland's street-level LRT
https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/portland-max-train-speeds-downtown-stations

[jollyburger]

Most interesting thing from the Portland article.

There was an argument on Twitter late last year whether Portlanders' tradition of thanking their drivers as they get off the bus is endearing or really annoying. Where do you stand?

I love it. This city has not lost its community care. And once you lose it, you won't get it back. I came from Vancouver, B.C., where you don't have the same community feel and the craving for connectedness. I'd say fight like heck to preserve it. I'm the one on the back of the bus going, "Thanks!"

[jollyburger]

Lonsdale Quay exchange improvement open houses

Feb. 28, 2019 4 to 7 p.m. MLA Bowinn Ma's Constituency Office 5 – 221 W Esplanade,
North Vancouver, BC, V7M 1A7


March 2, 2019 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. BCIT Marine Campus Room 110 265 W Esplanade,
North Vancouver, BC, V7M 1A5

[Dengler Avenue]

Originally Posted by jollyburger

Most interesting thing from the Portland article.

When I used to live in Richmond, it was a norm in decline over the years. Have Vancouverites lost this tradition completely???