Metro Vancouver Transit Discussion

[ilikeredheads]

looks like they are just going turn some runs into "express". The existing nightbus routes already follow the skytrain route mostly.

Fwiw, anyone who says buses are "slow" hasn't really taken one during this time of the night. Traffic is basically non-existent during this time.

[cganuelas1995]

Originally Posted by Sheba

Late-night SkyTrain service on weekends not an option




no image credit included with article

That's weird to me. The nightbus express isn't going to UBC.

[Migrant_Coconut]

I guess TransLink thinks existing Nightbus service is good enough. Most of UBC/Broadway's ridership is during regular hours, though that might change if the corridor gets more nightlife.

[Dengler Avenue]

Hmm... Why is Richmond left out??

[cganuelas1995]

Originally Posted by Migrant_Coconut

I guess TransLink thinks existing Nightbus service is good enough. Most of UBC/Broadway's ridership is during regular hours, though that might change if the corridor gets more nightlife.

Well, I'm sure some UBC students living on campus might be returning home from the nightlife.

Albeit, they might be the rich ones that can afford a party bus or a limo or a taxi or a drunk driving ticket.

[ilikeredheads]

They aren't cutting the n17 so UBC will still have access to nightbus service. This whole "nightbus express" proposal is mainly there to shut the complaints of a entitled minority who are crying for 24/7 skytrain/seabus service.

The nightbuses aren't doing that great in terms of ridership if you look at the 2018 TSRP. N19 is best performing N route, with almost double ridership than the second place N20. N19, N20, N9, and N35 are the only routes with more than 100k boardings. The worst performing route is N15 with just 16k boardings, and is bottom 10 overall.

[Dengler Avenue]

I thought that people living along Cambie Street are rich.

[Sheba]

From TransLink:

TransLink is also acting immediately to expand its NightBus program:

• The NightBus District, launched as a pilot project last summer, has proven to be a success and is now a permanent hub in Vancouver's Granville entertainment district. Customers can wait at a central, well-lit environment at Granville and Georgia.
• As of September 2, the N17 Night Bus to UBC will be extended to run through the night until the start of regular service.
• We are adding trips to the N19 between Vancouver and Surrey this fall to address overcrowding.
• The N15 on Cambie is being simplified to provide more direct service to Vancouver International Airport.

Service is being increased on nine NightBus routes in 2020.

[WestCoastEcho]

Originally Posted by ilikeredheads

They aren't cutting the n17 so UBC will still have access to nightbus service. This whole "nightbus express" proposal is mainly there to shut the complaints of a entitled minority who are crying for 24/7 skytrain/seabus service.

The nightbuses aren't doing that great in terms of ridership if you look at the 2018 TSRP. N19 is best performing N route, with almost double ridership than the second place N20. N19, N20, N9, and N35 are the only routes with more than 100k boardings. The worst performing route is N15 with just 16k boardings, and is bottom 10 overall.

Wondering if the standard 40ft buses being used on the NightBus service is overkill for those less busy routes, with such low ridership numbers.

[Migrant_Coconut]

Originally Posted by cganuelas1995

Well, I'm sure some UBC students living on campus might be returning home from the nightlife.

Albeit, they might be the rich ones that can afford a party bus or a limo or a taxi or a drunk driving ticket.

Yeah, I've seen them crowding the buses on the way back - some from ski trips, no less - and they mostly do it before 9-10pm. Any later, and you can count the riders on a #4 or #14 with two hands or less.

[cganuelas1995]

Originally Posted by WestCoastEcho

Wondering if the standard 40ft buses being used on the NightBus service is overkill for those less busy routes, with such low ridership numbers.

Don't think it really matters, but it's just paying the driver to drive an empty bus that can be seen as "overkill"

[WestCoastEcho]

Originally Posted by cganuelas1995

Don't think it really matters, but it's just paying the driver to drive an empty bus that can be seen as "overkill"

If it's a regular bus driver, you are paying the driver the regular rates for him, along with the costs associated with a 40ft bus.

If they instead use something smaller and use the Community Shuttle operators to run some of the routes, the Community Shuttle drivers aren't paid as much as the normal bus drivers, and the vehicles are cheaper to run.

[Express691]

Here is the actual report:
https://www.translink.ca/-/media/Documen.../2019/2019-Late-Night-Service-Report.pdf

Originally Posted by WestCoastEcho

If it's a regular bus driver, you are paying the driver the regular rates for him, along with the costs associated with a 40ft bus.

If they instead use something smaller and use the Community Shuttle operators to run some of the routes, the Community Shuttle drivers aren't paid as much as the normal bus drivers, and the vehicles are cheaper to run.

You first need a way to get driver shields onto the shuttles. I believe that's part of the reason as to why shuttles are not being considered for late night runs (yet).

I'll also say that emissions from shorter 30' buses are relatively close (if not, equal) to those of a normal 40' bus built within the last 7-8 years.

[WestCoastEcho]

Originally Posted by Express691

Here is the actual report:
https://www.translink.ca/-/media/Documen.../2019/2019-Late-Night-Service-Report.pdf



You first need a way to get driver shields onto the shuttles. I believe that's part of the reason as to why shuttles are not being considered for late night runs (yet).

I'll also say that emissions from shorter 30' buses are relatively close (if not, equal) to those of a normal 40' bus built within the last 7-8 years.

I believe the barriers have already been developed for some of the Community Shuttle models by other companies and operators, and it is just a matter of CMBC ordering them.

[WarrenC12]

I noticed Gray Line has at least one electric bus in their fleet, it drove by me this morning. So quiet and free of gross fumes.

[dpogue]

Looks like more of the new shipment of SkyTrain vehicles are out in revenue service now. Got to ride train 448 today on the Expo Line, which means 5/14 new trains are in service.

[ryanmaccdn]

Originally Posted by ilikeredheads

looks like they are just going turn some runs into "express". The existing nightbus routes already follow the skytrain route mostly.

Fwiw, anyone who says buses are "slow" hasn't really taken one during this time of the night. Traffic is basically non-existent during this time.

Ummmm. No. Clearly you don't take the nightbus.

My 22 min Skytrain ride from New West to Downtown, becomes a 1.5 hour journey via bus/walk at night. That N19 stops at EVERY stop along kingsway.... and throw in a Tims break for the driver for 15 mins.

[Migrant_Coconut]

Originally Posted by ryanmaccdn

Ummmm. No. Clearly you don't take the nightbus.

My 22 min Skytrain ride from New West to Downtown, becomes a 1.5 hour journey via bus/walk at night. That N19 stops at EVERY stop along kingsway.... and throw in a Tims break for the driver for 15 mins.

Hence the express Nightbus. Imagine a B-Line down an empty Kingsway.

[Express691]

Originally Posted by Migrant_Coconut

Hence the express Nightbus. Imagine a B-Line down an empty Kingsway.

I'd say that forced timepoints could still be imposed for these services. E.g. instruct the N8 to meet with the Nightbus Express at Kingsway.

[g35]

I noticed the CNG buses make a weird sound when slowing down, at a speed of 10-30 km/h. It’s hard to explain...sounds like the muffled sound of a person laughing. What is this? The shocks? Brakes?