Metro Vancouver Transit Discussion

[SpongeG]

American Express now welcomed at TransLink

NEWS PROVIDED BY

American Express Canada
Sep 10, 2019

TORONTO, Sept. 10, 2019 /CNW/ - American Express Canada and TransLink are pleased to announce that riders on Vancouver's public transit system can now pay for fares with American Express. Cardmembers can now tap their Canadian contactless American Express® Card or their mobile wallet to pay at TransLink fare gates and on buses to get around the Metro Vancouver area. American Express Cards can also be used to purchase fares at Compass Vending Machines, online or by phone.

...

https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/american-express-now-welcomed-at-translink-806096983.html

[Express691]

https://m.translink.ca/RapidBus-Program/R2-Marine-Dr.aspx#launch-timelines

The launch timeline update confirmed the delay of implementation of the R2 RapidBus

[MIPS]

Originally Posted by SpongeG

Fed-up Metro Vancouver residents petition TransLink to stop the ‘screeching’
Burnaby Now

By Chris Campbell -September 7, 2019

Sedi Minachi is fed up with the noise. So are his neighbours.

...
https://www.vancouverisawesome.com/2019/09/07/metro-vancouver-petition-skytrain-screeching/

Remember that thing a while back?
You know, that thing where you pay a little bit extra in taxes for transit improvements? That thing that was overwhelmingly voted NO?

Screeching is a cosmetic issue. TransLink doesn't have the funding to deal with cosmetic rail grinding as it sits well below a lot of more critical maintenance. Deal with it.

[jollyburger]

Originally Posted by MIPS

Remember that thing a while back?
You know, that thing where you pay a little bit extra in taxes for transit improvements? That thing that was overwhelmingly voted NO?

Screeching is a cosmetic issue. TransLink doesn't have the funding to deal with cosmetic rail grinding as it sits well below a lot of more critical maintenance. Deal with it.

If they don't have funding then why are they doing the work in a few weeks?

[Migrant_Coconut]

Originally Posted by jollyburger

If they don't have funding then why are they doing the work in a few weeks?

To my understanding, the actual solution (complete rail replacement) would be too expensive. What they're doing is grinding work... which according to residents, often creates an even louder noise.

[MIPS]

Originally Posted by jollyburger

If they don't have funding then why are they doing the work in a few weeks?

Because that is the soonest they can accommodate it. These people want it fixed right now.

[Express691]

https://www.translink.ca/-/media/Documen...8879086EF3027AB1C2979AA9BFB0D51BD9ABB225

The transit fare review final recommendations were uploaded today.

Also in the file release department, we have next weekend's mayors council meeting minutes which includes rapidbus stuff

https://www.translink.ca/-/media/Documen...s-Council-PUBLIC-MTG---Sept-20-FINAL.pdf

==============

And the results of a survey for the next generation skytrain seating layout

https://www.translink.ca/About-Us/Media/...for-the-next-batch-of-SkyTrain-cars.aspx

[jollyburger]

Originally Posted by MIPS

Because that is the soonest they can accommodate it. These people want it fixed right now.

Different from "TransLink doesn't have the funding to deal with cosmetic rail grinding"

[Sheba]

Originally Posted by Express691

Also in the file release department, we have next weekend's mayors council meeting minutes which includes rapidbus stuff

https://www.translink.ca/-/media/Documen...s-Council-PUBLIC-MTG---Sept-20-FINAL.pdf

As I browse this:

(pg 9 / 10) Burnaby Mountain Gondola
The project would be funded through the Green Infrastructure Fund and not compete with any other transit project funding. Discussion ensued on pursing provincial and federal funding for 80% of project costs and potentially a partner, such as Simon Fraser University, to offset the remaining funding needs.


(pg 74) RapidBus
Each RapidBus stop will feature a distinctive triangular post, providing service branding, real-time next-bus countdown, and enhanced wayfinding information. At stops served by both RapidBus and local buses, real-time information will be provided for all routes serving that stop.

The real-time digital display will be backlit at night, and also available as an audio announcement at the push of a button, for the benefit of customers with impaired vision. Audio levels will be adjustable to suit the ambient conditions. This accessibility feature complements the tactile walking surface indicators (TWSIs) that will be installed at the front door boarding location, in municipalities where TWSIs are supported (currently all jurisdictions except Vancouver and Burnaby).

The real-time next-bus unit is powered by a self-monitoring three-year battery, instead of requiring conduit to a wired power source. This has enabled the project to deliver a flexible, cost-effective solution within the aggressive project schedule.

RapidBus information posts will begin to be installed on-street starting about September 2019. The poles will be under wraps until the launch in January. As with existing bus ID poles throughout the region, TransLink will install, monitor and maintain the new RapidBus posts.


(pg 96 / 97) Massey Crossing
Currently, the Province is in the second of a three-phase engagement process with Metro Vancouver, TransLink, municipalities, and First Nations (Phase 1 to be completed by Apr 2019, Phase 2 to be completed by the end of 2019, Phase 3 to be completed by Nov 2020)

TransLink staff will be involved in development of alternatives, including multimodal network considerations, transit priority, and implications on future potential rapid transit. Regional road pricing will be considered in evaluation as a sensitivity analysis.

[MIPS]

Originally Posted by jollyburger

Different from "TransLink doesn't have the funding to deal with cosmetic rail grinding"

TransLink likewise doesn't need to make it anything resembling a priority until the press come calling. Welcome to living next to a rail line. Where were they a few years back when they ground the rails and it got even louder?

[officedweller]

City of Richmond's wish list:

City of Richmond envisions Canada Line double-tracking and Steveston LRT
https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/richmond-translink-transport-2050-canada-line-steveston

[ilikeredheads]

hahahahahaha

let's not forget that they are the biggest reason it was single tracked in the first place, because they didn't want it to be an "eye-sore". Effing Brodie and his cronies. You reap what you sow.

[Metro-One]

Yeah, the single tracking portion was the direct result of Richmond. That is quite ironic.

[Tvisforme]

Originally Posted by officedweller

City of Richmond's wish list:

City of Richmond envisions Canada Line double-tracking and Steveston LRT
https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/richmond-translink-transport-2050-canada-line-steveston

One would hope that they build this station to accommodate a second track...

[Migrant_Coconut]

Originally Posted by Metro-One

Yeah, the single tracking portion was the direct result of Richmond. That is quite ironic.

Fortunately, those responsible are still in office. A thorough haranguing should be in order before they get to double-dip.

[Migrant_Coconut]

City staff have identified a need for a new rapid transit service between a Canada Line station and communities further south of the Fraser via the planned new George Massey crossing.

Three possible route alignments have been created for further comment. This includes one option running from Bridgeport Station and along Highway 99, a second option from Bridgeport Station via the existing CN Rail right-of-way, and a third option from Richmond-Brighouse Station via Steveston Highway.

Does this mean light rail, commuter rail, or something else? And how far?

The municipal government is suggesting a light rail transit (LRT) or bus rapid transit (BRT) service linking Richmond City Centre and Steveston.

Very early preliminary analysis identified two possible route options. The first option that currently sees the most bus ridership would run along Westminster Highway and No. 1 Road, while the second option would utilize Granville Avenue and the former railway corridor that parallels Railway Avenue.

My vote's for Railway. The preexisting ROW is literally in the street name.

[Sheba]

TransLink has their next open board meeting tomorrow, Weds Sept 25th, from 10am to noon.

[officedweller]

Originally Posted by Migrant_Coconut

Does this mean light rail, commuter rail, or something else? And how far?

My vote's for Railway. The preexisting ROW is literally in the street name.

I could see LRT/streetcar, along Railway would be my vote too.

[Sheba]

A couple things I've noted while listening to the board meeting. They have 49 low floor community shuttles that should be in use within the week. Also 32 double decker buses are starting up in mid-Oct on the 301 and 620 - early next year they're adding it to the 555 and they have about half a dozen routes in mind for them.

[ilikeredheads]

The ROW along railway wouldn't work because it has been removed years ago and turned into a green path. There's also the problem that a portion of it between Moncton and Stevetson has been zoned into residential, so you'll have to reacquire those properties back.