Transit Promises to BC

[Retrovision]

(From: www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080114.wbctransit0114/BNStory/National/home)

B.C. unveils huge transit plan
DARREN YOURK

Globe and Mail Update

January 14, 2008 at 2:48 PM EST

The British Columbia government unveiled a $14-billion transit and transportation strategy Monday, calling it a key measure in the province's plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Premier Gordon Campbell and Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon announced the plan in Vancouver.

The agreement is highlighted by $10.3-billion investment in four new rapid transit lines in Metro Vancouver — the Evergreen Line, the UBC Line, the upgraded Expo Line and the Canada Line. Another $1.2-billion has been earmarked for a new energy-efficient, high-capacity RapidBus BC service along nine major routes in Kelowna, Victoria and Metro Vancouver.

The plan, scheduled for completion in 2020, also includes a $1.6-billion investment in 1,500 new, clean energy buses and related maintenance infrastructure to provide communities with improved bus service.

“Our new plan will double transit ridership by increasing choice for people around the province, with new fleets, green technology, new lines and new innovative services like RapidBus BC,” Mr. Campbell said.

“The plan focuses on safe, comfortable, reliable services that will highlight green technologies and will reshape our communities by encouraging integration of work, home and recreational activities. It provides people with the choices they need to make a difference.”

The provincial government says the project will save 4.7 million tonnes in transportation greenhouse gases – about the equivalent of parking all the cars and light trucks in Metro Vancouver for a full year.

The province has committed $4.75-billion toward the project, with the remainder coming from partners including the federal government, TransLink and local governments.

There are also plans to increase security measures to enhance transit safety. Electronic gates and closed-circuit cameras will be installed at rapid transit and new RapidBus stations. A smart-card system for rapid transit and buses, which users can reload at vending machines or on the Internet, will also be implemented.

“The transit plan sets out innovative, integrated, customized solutions for individual communities to keep people and goods moving efficiently in B.C. as part of our broader transportation strategy,” said Mr. Falcon.

“Increased transit will allow people more choice, and often time savings. For example, during peak periods, transit riders travelling between Coquitlam Centre and Vancouver International Airport can save more than an hour every day compared to drivers.”

© Copyright 2008 CTVglobemedia Publishing Inc.

[Balfour]

This is all sounds very exciting and promising especially to those who commute on transit such as myself. Naturally, the new bus services should use all the new and upgraded roads that will be done in the Gateway Program.

[Dane]

qsandwich said:

This is all sounds very exciting and promising especially to those who commute on transit such as myself. Naturally, the new bus services should use all the new and upgraded roads that will be done in the Gateway Program.

I don't think that connection is correct, in fact I know for the highway upgrades it is not. I am somewhat in a hurrey to get to class, however I can explain my understanding of where this funding is directed.

First, some of it is overblown a bit. The province claims that the bus fleet in Vancouver will double as a result of this announcement. That is not correct. In afct Vancouver's current fleet, including CS's is about 1500, so an addition of 1500 buses for the entire province won't be quite as dramatic in Vancouver, but none the less it is exciting. Good to see the Evergreen Line finally be funded, and now the battles on broadway can begin. I am sure that will be a gong show. Hypothetically, both lines could be built simaltaneously as they use different technologies.

I imagine that both projects, perhaps not the Evergreen line, though, will begin after 2010? That is just a guess on my part.

Back to the highways.

The Gateway project is self standing and for all effective pruposes does not take transit into account at all. the first RapidBus announcement was based on buses using HOV lanes on existing roads, and the new roads of Gateway. from what I hear this new funding announcement brings with it provisions to develop side lands for express buses to operate with as little intrusion from other traffic as possible.

This is an exciting announcement, now let's just hope it comes quickly. Luckily, with the new format of the SCBCTA the province can jam its agenda down municipalities throats even more easily, not that they could not before anyways.

[Taxman]

I too am very excited to see this announcement, and I read the brochure on www.gov.bc.ca. The highlights for me is naturally the UBC Line, something that I believe is warranted. I hope they chose to use a more sensible alignment from VCC-Clark along the old rail corridor to Macdonald before tunnelling, but it looks like they are going to go up to Broadway.

The RapidBus idea is great, especially some of the more urban routes (41st).

Further, it looks like they are using Rapid Bus as the ground work for future SkyTrain routes (or other Ground or Elevated Light Rail systems), especially in the suburbs.

[kylefossett]

dane said:

qsandwich said:

This is all sounds very exciting and promising especially to those who commute on transit such as myself. Naturally, the new bus services should use all the new and upgraded roads that will be done in the Gateway Program.

First, some of it is overblown a bit. The province claims that the bus fleet in Vancouver will double as a result of this announcement. That is not correct. In afct Vancouver's current fleet, including CS's is about 1500, so an addition of 1500 buses for the entire province won't be quite as dramatic in Vancouver, but none the less it is exciting. Good to see the Evergreen Line finally be funded, and now the battles on broadway can begin. I am sure that will be a gong show. Hypothetically, both lines could be built simaltaneously as they use different technologies.


.

Ok I have read the government press release, watched the news, and read the above globe and mail update. Where does it mention that they are doubling the number of buses in vancouver? All I have found is the 1500 buses will be provincewide.
The battle on Broadway? They have not yet decided the route that the new line will take.
Between now and 2020 we will see atleast 3 provincial elections, how much of this plan will actually be completed?

[ferrytraveller]

well the best will be the expo line expansion for 2010. and a tentitive start date for the evergreen line could be 2009.

[Mac Write]

I hope it happens, but realistically I ain't holding my breath. I remember in 1990 "Skytrain down arbutus to start construction next year" litterly 50ft from my moms house. Never happened. Don't hold your breath.

[BreannaF]

I have been a fan of the "Rapid Bus" type system since I had the opportunity to ride on one that was recently built in Eugene, Oregon. We rode quickly past the morning commuter traffic on mostly exclusive bus lanes between my hotel and the University of Oregon campus where I was teaching a seminar one day last Spring. Lots of info on their EmX system HERE.

I likely wouldn't have considered making the same trip on a standard bus route, but this line had the same advantages as a light rail line in its speed through traffic and ease of use. It made more sense for a city of about 100,000 than a more expensive light rail system.

It would be pretty easy to picture such a system along a bunch of streets in Vancouver.

[Balfour]

When I was in Ottawa back in May, They're transit system also used rapid buses (New Flyer D60LF's) on roads built for buses only. It got us around very fast!

[Northern Exploration]

Yeah in Ottawa it works very well because the city has lots of room. Especially out in the suburbs where the buses often run in depressed "ditches" on their very own roadways. These ditches could easily be used in the future to run full scale trams or lightrail so they have been a good investment.

Mississauga is due to do the same running along highway 403 and Eglinton Avenue to and from the main hub at City Hall/Square One and is supposed to hook up with the TTC. Had the Eglinton Subway gone ahead it would have been a perfect hook up. I believe now it may link to the Kipling Subway. It has been in the works for about 35 years now believe it or not. 33% of the funding (from the Feds) has not been received yet and that is all that is holding it up from getting underway. Go Buses will also use the busway.

[Dane]

Remember for most of the routes RapidBus is B-Line, the Prov just wisely didn't use TL's branded name for the service - two of the routes announced for Vancouver weren't new at all. The Hastings route is funded already and almost ready to go and the 41st Route will be using the 98's equipment once the Canada Line is going.
Notably Hastings and 41st; I am not sure about the other yet.

[Balfour]

There has been talk about a B-Line out in Surrey along King George Highway but that wouldn't happen until after 2010.

[Nick]

I saw this on the internet today, and thought it was relevant to post here.

Adrian Raeside is my favourite political cartoonist, since his cartoons are always bang on the truth (in my opinion).

[Low Light Mike]

Here's some commuter-rail news re Victoria (ie. not re a decision made in Victoria, but actually re commuter-rail service IN Victoria)
===============
tinyurl.com/2b5pfh

A commuter train will be running on the E&N rail line within two years, Capital Regional District chairwoman Denise Blackwell predicted yesterday.

"In two years, I'm sure (it will be running)," Blackwell said. "Because I know my community of Langford always finds a way to get things done."

Municipal politicians from Langford, View Royal, Esquimalt and Victoria held a news conference yesterday to show they are united behind a consultant's report that says a commuter train service on the E&N rail line between Langford and downtown Victoria could be built for about $16 million, and cost less than $2 million a year to operate.

The assembled politicians, who had earlier in the day pitched the proposal to B.C. Transit officials, called the costs "modest" especially when compared to others facing the CRD such as a $1.2 billion sewage treatment plant.

Blackwell said if the municipalities can't get the support of the province through B.C. Transit, they might consider funding the train themselves, perhaps offsetting cost from casino revenues the municipalities share.

The report represents the first step to building a business case for the commuter train to take to the province, she said.

"We want to get the Ministry of Transportation at the table. So far we haven't been able to do that but what the ministry officials have said is if the region comes united, they'll look at proposals that we have," Blackwell said.

"We are unbelievably lucky in this region to have that corridor there in place with the steel in place. I think we can show the province that even looked at from their narrow budgetary point of view, shifting the region to this form of environmentally sound transportation will also save them dollars in terms of their contribution to the expanded highway network," Victoria Coun. Geoff Young said.

B.C. Transit vice president Ron Drolet said he hadn't had an opportunity to read the report so it would be premature for him to comment on it.

Commissioned by the C4CR (Communities for Commuter Rail), the Colledge Transportation Consulting report recommends starting small and growing the rail system as demand warrants.

To get the service up and running would cost about $16 million, the report estimates, which would cover building up to five stations, refurbishing the tracks and buying or leasing a rail car to ply the route. Assuming a daily ridership of between 1,400 and 2,300 round trips (at $5 per round trip), the service would need a subsidy of about $1.02 per passenger to cover costs - less than B.C. Transit's current $1.22 per bus rider subsidy.

The report's findings come just two weeks after the provincial government unveiled a $14-billion blueprint for public transit across B.C. that called for new, dedicated bus lanes along Douglas Street and the highway between Victoria and Langford, but not commuter rail. The buses are deemed to cost less than commuter rail.

Young said the commuter line would not be a replacement for the bus lanes but an enhancement.

"I certainly do not see those two as competing projects but rather as complementary projects. It's certainly my hope that this region will move toward to these new public transportation options," he said.

The report suggests a 98-seat push-pull car, similar to the O-Train in Ottawa. With an engine at either end, such a tram could initially carry one passenger car but has the ability to move three passenger cars so additional cars could be added at a nominal cost.

One or two spurs would have to be built to allow for the Via Dayliner to pass on its daily trip up and down the Island or used in the event more trains are added to the commuter system.

The politicians said the opportunity to build the commuter line at an affordable cost comes because the Island Corridor Foundation (a coalition of Island regional districts and First Nations) had the foresight to acquire the rail line right of way.

Malahat Juan de Fuca New Democrat MLA John Horgan said success of a commuter train on the line could ultimately see the service expanded over the Malahat.

A bonus is that doing the work won't slow people up, he said.

"You're not going to have traffic delays because of construction along Highway 1. You're not going to have delays because of construction on the Douglas Street corridor. This can be done behind the scenes, as it were, on the track where no one is paying attention," he said.

[e-mail]

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

Costs for commuter rail "aren't scary," says Langford mayor
Monday, January, 28, 2008

A commuter train service on the E&N rail line between Langford and downtown Victoria could be built for about $16 million, and cost less than $2 million a year to operate, says a consultant's report to be released Tuesday.

"It's easily fundable; the whole thing," Langford Mayor Stew Young said yesterday. "The numbers aren't scary. It's not $1 billion."

And it could be up and operating in two years or less, according to the report commissioned by the C4CR (Communities For Commuter Rail) that will be released at a news conference at the Capital Regional District office Tuesday.

The report's findings come just two weeks after the provincial government unveiled a $14-billion blueprint for public transit across B.C. that called for new, dedicated bus lanes along Douglas Street and the highway between Victoria and Langford, but not commuter rail. The buses are deemed to cost less than commuter rail.

But the new report suggests that a rail system could carry a lower price tag than some fear. Assuming a daily ridership of between 1,400 and 2,300 round trips (at $5 per round trip), Young said the service would need only a subsidy of about $1.02 per passenger to cover costs - less than B.C. Transit's current $1.22 per bus rider subsidy.

To get the service up and running would cost about $16 million, the report estimates, which would cover building up to five stations, and buying or leasing a rail car to ply the route.

The report suggests a 98-seat push-pull car, similar to the O-Train in Ottawa.

The train initially would run weekdays on the half hour, between the Westhills development south of Langford Lake and the train station near the Johnson Street Bridge in downtown Victoria.

Ultimately, the line could be extended to city hall, closer to the Douglas Street corridor in order to connect with buses, the report says.

To offset some of the costs, Young and mayors Graham Hill of View Royal and Jody Twa of Colwood have discussed using casino revenues.

So far, those talks are preliminary, Hill said.

"I can't second-guess the will of our three councils, but I can say if it worked to the benefit of the region and if council saw that, it's a pretty cool idea," he said.

The West Shore municipalities currently share about $4 million a year in revenues from the View Royal casino, which could increase by 30 to 35 per cent if the facility expands as planned.

Capital Regional District parks chairman Christopher Causton, a longtime advocate of commuter rail, said the timing of the report is opportune given the CRD recently received $12 million in funding to develop a walking and biking trail along the E&N corridor.

He noted that it would also be a good time for municipalities and the CRD to discuss what to do with the 25 rail crossings along the 18-kilometre stretch between Langford and Victoria. It's been suggested many of the crossings should be eliminated with either overpasses or by turning the streets into cul-de-sacs for safety reasons.

The rail line is also being pushed as a way to revitalize "dead zones" along the tracks.

Langford has already begun planning around the train service by increasing allowable density near areas where the tracks run. Young said other communities can do the same.

"It will revitalize Esquimalt. It will revitalize some of these dead areas where they could use that as a benefit to build the economy," he said.

He hopes the report will spur some action.

"What we want is, realistically, from this report is a solid commitment from the municipalities, the CRD, B.C. Transit and the provincial government to help us," Young said.

[e-mail]

© Times Colonist 2008
========================

...And here's a link to a route-map:
tinyurl.com/ywzqm8

[Mike C]

$2 million a year? That isn't bad at all. Do you know what kind of schedule and frequency will it be running on?

Also, for comparison, how much is the annual cost of the West Coast Express?

[ruddernut]

Langford-Victoria is quite a short distance for a commuter train. That's about the equivalent distance of Downtown Vancouver-Burnaby.

I think it should run at least as far as Duncan.