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Post by Starsteward on Feb 12, 2015 12:54:13 GMT -8
This move will help restore public trust in TransLink. I'm afraid it will do the exact opposite. That's putting it very mildly John H.
I'm surprised that there wasn't a call made by all the Lower Mainland mayors to have Translink totally dismantled and restructured, ie. without its many boards of directors etc. Like BC Ferries, Translink is top-heavy with highly paid administrators and each time a 'salary story' emerges from Translink, the public is reminded of how unfit they are to handle public funds. Think for a moment the hue and cry our American neighbours would put up if a body such as Translink was allowed to operate with the powers of taxation that first of all have no business being in and secondly are not 'directly' accountable to any legislative representatives! In as much as the upcoming yea/nay vote on the proposed transit tax should be passed by the voters for pragmatic reasons if nothing else, however, the ongoing public displays of financial mismanagement will be a great rallying cry for the No side! Stay tuned. BTW, how does one go about landing one of these peachy administrative positions with BC Ferries or Translink? 
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Post by Mike C on Feb 12, 2015 17:17:56 GMT -8
I'm afraid it will do the exact opposite. That's putting it very mildly John H.
I'm surprised that there wasn't a call made by all the Lower Mainland mayors to have Translink totally dismantled and restructured, ie. without its many boards of directors etc. Like BC Ferries, Translink is top-heavy with highly paid administrators and each time a 'salary story' emerges from Translink, the public is reminded of how unfit they are to handle public funds. Think for a moment the hue and cry our American neighbours would put up if a body such as Translink was allowed to operate with the powers of taxation that first of all have no business being in and secondly are not 'directly' accountable to any legislative representatives! In as much as the upcoming yea/nay vote on the proposed transit tax should be passed by the voters for pragmatic reasons if nothing else, however, the ongoing public displays of financial mismanagement will be a great rallying cry for the No side! Stay tuned. BTW, how does one go about landing one of these peachy administrative positions with BC Ferries or Translink?
I am always frustrated and disappointed when this point (inevitably) comes up in discussions over the referendum. I detest this subject, mostly because it's based on public misconception rather than actual fact, but I will wade into it this time to attempt to set the record straight. TransLink is an award-winning organization when it comes to use of funds and financial resourcefulness. The organization's executive salaries, although high, do not indicate the same top-heavy organizational structure that BC Ferries has. Where TL's weaknesses lie are in the governance structure, not their executive structure, with the decision making process being tedious and disorganized. This is largely due to the province's occasional restructuring of governance whenever TL makes a decision that the province does not approve of. It is unfortunate that Jordan Bateman has chosen this as his talking point. There are a lot of valid points with regards to a tax increase, and yet here we are, riled up over salaries. $7.5 billion will not be saved by cutting a salary. The Compass Card was a project mandated and required by the province, and TL has been caught in the middle of Cubic Systems having teething issues with their system - the same issues are taking place in Chicago. Much of the region's future growth will rest on the shoulders of good transportation infrastructure, and will inherently come down to the success of this referendum. The failure of the referendum will cost the region in the long-term. |
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Post by Blue Bus Fan on Feb 12, 2015 19:29:53 GMT -8
This move will help restore public trust in TransLink. I'm afraid it will do the exact opposite. I know but I don't understand how it will not a less they show that last CEO was bad CEO and new one can be more cost effective. |
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Post by Scott on Feb 12, 2015 21:41:45 GMT -8
I think this whole thing comes down to a lack of leadership at the highest level, not only in the case of Translink, but also BC Ferries and even the healthcare system. Why do we have to have a referendum to raise taxes (or to get rid of the HST)? Do we elect these people to create referendums for us or to make the best decisions as they see fit and live with them? The government knows raising taxes isn't popular - it's unfortunate that their vision only extends to next election and not what's best for the province and region in the long term.
We've got coastal communities being suffocated by high ferry prices and reduced service, we have a metropolis in need of transit expansion and infrastructure renewal, and overcrowded hospitals in the Fraser Valley (and probably elsewhere)... and we're expecting to have millions of more residents in the decades to come.
As far as transit and the referendum goes, it looks like it's going to be decided by misconceptions, and media hype, and whatever makes the best headlines in the next few weeks rather than by a vision for the future of transportation in the Lower Mainland. - John H
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Koastal Karl
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Been on every BC Ferry now!!!!!
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Post by Koastal Karl on Feb 18, 2015 20:11:41 GMT -8
I dont know if there is a separate thread for Skytrain I dont have time to look but I was just curious as to how the Skytrain is operated?? Is there like a control center somewhere?? Like they cant just go on their own, lol! We were in Vancouver this past weekend and we took the Canada Line a few times and once on the Expo Line and now I am curious as to how they work. I would like to take a Skytrain ride all the way out to King George one trip just for the ride. I had never taken the Brighouse leg into Richmond until Saturday night. I really think they should have a Canada Line to Tsawwassen lol!
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Post by Scott on Feb 18, 2015 22:03:01 GMT -8
Yes there is a control center for Skytrain. I'm assuming it's located at the Skytrain facility near Edmonds in Burnaby (you go by it between Edmonds Station and 22nd Ave. Station. Canada Line is separate... I think theirs is located near Bridgeport Station.
Canada Line to Tsawwassen would be very convenient, but a good chunk of the trip between downtown Richmond and Tsawwassen is over low-density and agricultural land which creates no demand for that type of transportation. And although Tsawwassen terminal may seem busy sometimes, the amount of people travelling there by transit is easily serviceable by bus. You get more passengers moving into the UBC loop by bus in 2 or 3 minutes during the morning rush than you do in one hour at Tsawwassen.
As an aside, regarding the new interm CEO of Translink. Interesting to note that he has a BC Ferries link. He was the interm CEO of BC Ferries between October 2002 and April 2003 as they were making the transition from public to "not so public". - John H
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Koastal Karl
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Been on every BC Ferry now!!!!!
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Post by Koastal Karl on Feb 18, 2015 23:30:55 GMT -8
If the Canada Line was to go to Tsawwassen it would not be as frequent as like the other Skytrain routes. I would think they would only go when there are ferries coming and going. It's a cool idea but I doubt that would ever happen.
So which direction does the Millennium Line travel?? I see on the map it sort of does a loop then start back at Broadway then back to Waterfront. Does it go both directions around the loop or just always one way??
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Post by Mike C on Feb 19, 2015 0:51:05 GMT -8
If the Canada Line was to go to Tsawwassen it would not be as frequent as like the other Skytrain routes. I would think they would only go when there are ferries coming and going. It's a cool idea but I doubt that would ever happen. Rapid Transit to the ferry is a poor investment for a laundry list of reasons, but the main one that stands out by far, is that the bus route that goes to Tsawwassen (620) performs below average for a bus route in Vancouver - meaning that the ferries do not produce, and will likely never produce, loads that justify anything beyond a timed connection with an articulated bus (or group of buses). It also means that, using logic straight from the numbers, that it would be pretty far down the list of priorities for TL. John has pretty much hit the nail on the head with regards to the other long list of reasons why any form of rapid transit to Tsawwassen is not feasible. So which direction does the Millennium Line travel?? I see on the map it sort of does a loop then start back at Broadway then back to Waterfront. Does it go both directions around the loop or just always one way?? As it stands today, the Millennium Line operates both directions between VCC and Waterfront via Columbia. This will change when the Evergreen Line opens in a year and a half. There isn't a rail link between the Millennium and Expo lines at Commercial. I hope this answers your question.  |
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Post by Low Light Mike on Feb 19, 2015 7:16:19 GMT -8
If the Canada Line was to go to Tsawwassen it would not be as frequent as like the other Skytrain routes. I would think they would only go when there are ferries coming and going. It's a cool idea but I doubt that would ever happen. Rapid Transit to the ferry is a poor investment for a laundry list of reasons, but the main one that stands out by far, is that the bus route that goes to Tsawwassen (620) performs below average for a bus route in Vancouver - meaning that the ferries do not produce, and will likely never produce, loads that justify anything beyond a timed connection with an articulated bus (or group of buses). It also means that, using logic straight from the numbers, that it would be pretty far down the list of priorities for TL. John has pretty much hit the nail on the head with regards to the other long list of reasons why any form of rapid transit to Tsawwassen is not feasible. So which direction does the Millennium Line travel?? I see on the map it sort of does a loop then start back at Broadway then back to Waterfront. Does it go both directions around the loop or just always one way?? As it stands today, the Millennium Line operates both directions between VCC and Waterfront via Columbia. This will change when the Evergreen Line opens in a year and a half. There isn't a rail link between the Millennium and Expo lines at Commercial. I hope this answers your question. Similar to how a ferry route from Swartz Bay to Sointula using a Spirit class ship might be cool. But not as a project for scarce public funds. - ok, so I've used an example at the far extreme of practicality as a public project. But you get the idea. Unless something is a hobby paid by a tycoon, "cool" and "practical" are two opposing words where "practical" should always win. On the other end of the spectrum are "outside the box" projects that should be at least considered, even if the logic eventually leads to rejection. Good planning means that you consider various alternatives, including some bizarre ones briefly, and then consider whether the item is practical/possible or not. So Translink would likely have considered Skytrain to various locations, and would have rejected many for various reasons, including the Tsawwaseen reason noted by Mileage above. BC Ferries goes through this same process when deciding on what to do for future ships when a ship nears retirement. |
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Koastal Karl
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Been on every BC Ferry now!!!!!
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Post by Koastal Karl on Feb 19, 2015 8:16:08 GMT -8
So in other words you either have to take one or the other as you can't transfer between the two?? Good to know! Sorry I don't know much about rapid transit but they sky train has interested me lately! Where is this new line going to??
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Post by Curtis on Feb 19, 2015 13:41:15 GMT -8
Sorry I don't know much about rapid transit but they sky train has interested me lately! Where is this new line going to?? I presume you're referring to the Evergreen Line? The line will start from Douglas College, make its way through Coquitlam/Port Moody, and meet up with the current Millennium Line at Lougheed Town Centre continuing on to VCC-Clark. After the Evergreen Line, there are a few options. There's the future plans for extending the Millennium Line along Broadway to UBC which hopefully we'll see happen in the next decade though I imagine there will be setbacks if the coming Transit Referendum doesn't pass. Then there's the Expo Line Extension which has been talked about for many years, though Surrey is more focused on getting Light Rail off the ground lately than it is extending the Skytrain line. Time will tell what happens next though. |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 19, 2015 18:16:38 GMT -8
Can someone explain to me why artics are sometimes used on West Van routes other than the 257? On tuesday I say one on the 255 and I see #713 on the 254 currently, which is pretty strange given it's a residential route.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 25, 2015 18:07:52 GMT -8
I just thought I'd chime in on my two cents on the upcoming transit referendum as a Metro Vancouver resident, and hopefully invite discussion/replies.
Why I'm leaning towards No:
Issue #1 - Crossing the North Shore
Anyone who's taken the 239 at rush hour or mid-day Saturday knows how painful this is haha. The trip between Lonsdale Quay and Park Royal - the two major transit exchanges on the North Shore - can take anywhere between 10 and 25 minutes. The Mayor's council is proposing a B-Line between Dundarave and Phibbs Exchange along 3rd Street. No word if the 239 would be scrapped or this would actually be an add-on. In a perfect world, replacing the 239 route by making it a B-Line, cutting a few of its stops and having Bus-only lanes, would best match demand.
The detour to get to Lonsdale Quay itself is quite tedious too. I wonder if they could resurrect the stop at Esplanade Eastbound and Rogers Av, and build a dedicated walkway from the Seabus. This could help bring Artics to the 239. Just an idea.
Issue #2: 50% more Seabus service
I personally think that this improvement is actually not needed, esp, when you look at the Seabus capacity utilization.
It would be great to have more SeaBus service after 6 or 7 PM, but when you look at the Cost vs. Benefit view, it's not a smart investment. However, 15 minute service on Sundays could be extended to October for tourists.
In conclusion, I think a Yes-vote is especially great for Surrey, and south of the Fraser generally. But there's nothing in there to remedy the UBC problem. For North Vancouver, capacity could be improved along Lonsdale, as well. The possibility that this proposed tax could go up in the future, is of concern to me, because the cost of living in Metro Vancouver is so high. I think open-campaign, "Information Sessions" would help the yes side. Who knows what'll happen though.
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Post by Mike C on Feb 25, 2015 19:43:16 GMT -8
I just thought I'd chime in on my two cents on the upcoming transit referendum as a Metro Vancouver resident, and hopefully invite discussion/replies. Why I'm leaning towards No: Issue #1 - Crossing the North Shore Anyone who's taken the 239 at rush hour or mid-day Saturday knows how painful this is haha. The trip between Lonsdale Quay and Park Royal - the two major transit exchanges on the North Shore - can take anywhere between 10 and 25 minutes. The Mayor's council is proposing a B-Line between Dundarave and Phibbs Exchange along 3rd Street. No word if the 239 would be scrapped or this would actually be an add-on. In a perfect world, replacing the 239 route by making it a B-Line, cutting a few of its stops and having Bus-only lanes, would best match demand. The detour to get to Lonsdale Quay itself is quite tedious too. I wonder if they could resurrect the stop at Esplanade Eastbound and Rogers Av, and build a dedicated walkway from the Seabus. This could help bring Artics to the 239. Just an idea. Issue #2: 50% more Seabus service I personally think that this improvement is actually not needed, esp, when you look at the Seabus capacity utilization. It would be great to have more SeaBus service after 6 or 7 PM, but when you look at the Cost vs. Benefit view, it's not a smart investment. However, 15 minute service on Sundays could be extended to October for tourists. In conclusion, I think a Yes-vote is especially great for Surrey, and south of the Fraser generally. But there's nothing in there to remedy the UBC problem. For North Vancouver, capacity could be improved along Lonsdale, as well. The possibility that this proposed tax could go up in the future, is of concern to me, because the cost of living in Metro Vancouver is so high. I think open-campaign, "Information Sessions" would help the yes side. Who knows what'll happen though. Without getting too personal, the argument you have presented is a very narrow-minded, North Shore-centric "what's-in-it-for-me" viewpoint. I would advise you to consider the benefit that this plan has on the entire region. And this isn't just applicable to your post - this is a fairly common theme in arguments against the plan. Everyone has their own version of what they would like to see. The numbers also disagree with your post - ridership on the SeaBus and growth on the North Shore have (since the mid-2000s), and will continue to, support a three-boat operation on the SeaBus. You didn't present an argument as to why you would be against a North Shore B-Line (that would, if following other B-Line models across the region, would compliment the existing local service, rather than replace it). Bear in mind that we are talking about a region that will grow by over a million people over the next 30 years - tinkering with service on the 239, or axing much-needed three-boat SeaBus service, will not do the North Shore any favours from a congestion standpoint. Your post is very short-term focused. As well, the entire region as a whole - not just the North Shore[/b] will suffer if a no-vote is passed. |
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Neil
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Post by Neil on Feb 25, 2015 21:46:28 GMT -8
I very much agree with MileagePhoto's comments, above. I t seems to me that so much of the opposition to this initiative has been reactive, and narrowly focussed. Not enough goodies for a given area. Problems with the Compass program. Executive salaries. General dislike of Translink, for whatever reason.
This is a growing, thriving metropolitan area of 2.3 million people. We need to have a very broad vision for a liveable city. I only use transit perhaps three or four times a year, but I understand the importance of a broad based transportation system even in places where I never travel.
As someone who lives most of the year in a ferry dependent community, I am really envious that city dwellers are being given an opportunity that islanders can only dream of- the chance to okay a comprehensive, responsive master plan for funding essential transportation.
Don't blow that opportunity over trivial objections. |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 25, 2015 22:42:53 GMT -8
Wow, I wasn't expecting these responses. Glad I got my points across. However, I have an exam tomorrow morning so I will respond after that!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Feb 26, 2015 11:33:12 GMT -8
Without getting too personal, the argument you have presented is a very narrow-minded, North Shore-centric "what's-in-it-for-me" viewpoint. I would advise you to consider the benefit that this plan has on the entire region. And this isn't just applicable to your post - this is a fairly common theme in arguments against the plan. Everyone has their own version of what they would like to see. The numbers also disagree with your post - ridership on the SeaBus and growth on the North Shore have (since the mid-2000s), and will continue to, support a three-boat operation on the SeaBus. You didn't present an argument as to why you would be against a North Shore B-Line (that would, if following other B-Line models across the region, would compliment the existing local service, rather than replace it). Bear in mind that we are talking about a region that will grow by over a million people over the next 30 years - tinkering with service on the 239, or axing much-needed three-boat SeaBus service, will not do the North Shore any favours from a congestion standpoint. Your post is very short-term focused. As well, the entire region as a whole - not just the North Shore[/b] will suffer if a no-vote is passed. [/quote] First of all, I chose to comment on the issues that affect my life, because it is one vote. I think we're just talking about two different things regarding suffering in some ways, because the North Shore would suffer the least. Growth here is expected to be the lowest in the region... Regarding the SeaBus, I was basing my comments on observations, and on that I simply don't think 50% more SeaBus is sustainable in the next 10 years. Do you have capacity utilization numbers off hand? Regarding the B-Line on the North Shore - no disagreement there. To be clearer, I am for B-lines if they supplement local services, not replace local services such as the 239. Don't forget that this is a city that still does its trips by car in around 70%, and possesses a provincial government that seems to spend big bucks on growing the capacity on its highways (obviously that isn't sustainable). If this vote stands a chance to pass, then transit all users need to vote. The other issue with this referendum is the lack of information on the Yes website, and the heavy media coverage of the No side. People don't have time to browse the Translink website all the time, or attend council meetings. The Mayors will need more time to convince the masses to vote "Yes," much like in Denver, where the "Yes" passed the second time around, and where the campaign lasted much longer than here. Neil: The only thing I disagree with there is the "comprehensive, responsive master plan." I have my reservations on this, because as John H mentioned, we elect people in the first place to handle this kind of thing. It seems sometimes that the Liberals are looking to avoid another HST-backlash. |
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Post by Blue Bus Fan on Jun 28, 2015 18:10:34 GMT -8
Today TransLink was offering free rides on a BC Electric Railway 1954 Canadian Car and Foundry T-48A to start celebrating 125 years of transit in British Columbia. GMC New Look was in parade somewhere in Metro Vancouver. I am posting these photos because these buses are vintage.  2416 by Blue Bus Fan, on Flickr  2416 by Blue Bus Fan, on Flickr  2416 by Blue Bus Fan, on Flickr  2416 by Blue Bus Fan, on Flickr  2416 by Blue Bus Fan, on Flickr 
2416 by Blue Bus Fan, on Flickr  2416 by Blue Bus Fan, on Flickr Best seats on a bus.  4612 by Blue Bus Fan, on Flickr  4612 by Blue Bus Fan, on Flickr  4612 by Blue Bus Fan, on Flickr  4612 by Blue Bus Fan, on Flickr |
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Post by Starsteward on Jun 29, 2015 5:00:40 GMT -8
With so many events going on in Vancouver the past couple of weeks, I hadn't heard of the Translink roll-out of their 2 vintage coaches yesterday! Darn it! I would have loved to have taken the old trolly coach as they were good old buses, albeit without the conveniences of ramps etc. that we enjoy today.
Too bad Translink didn't roll out their 'Fageol' yellow, B.C. Electric liveried coach as they came before the B.C. Hydro liveried buses.
In any event, i's good to see the vintage buses roll every now and again as it acts as a reminder of a very much different Greater Vancouver.
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Post by Low Light Mike on Jul 2, 2015 7:51:47 GMT -8
Result of the Translink tax plebiscite will be released at 10:00am today. That's 69 minutes from now.
Here's hoping that it will be a "Yes" result.
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Post by Low Light Mike on Jul 2, 2015 9:18:19 GMT -8
Result of the Translink tax plebiscite will be released at 10:00am today. That's 69 minutes from now. Here's hoping that it will be a "Yes" result. And the result is: NO (61.68% of people who voted) |
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Post by Blue Bus Fan on Jul 2, 2015 9:20:06 GMT -8
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Post by WettCoast on Jul 2, 2015 10:11:55 GMT -8
Big surprise! (No, not really...) This referendum was doomed from the outset. AC is right. The BC provincial government botched this, just the same as their botch job on coastal ferry service. They care only about highways & bridges to move cars around. They know that black top politics buys votes. No change from the days of WAC Bennett when it comes to black top politics.
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Post by Mike C on Jul 2, 2015 12:04:27 GMT -8
Big surprise! (No, not really...) This referendum was doomed from the outset. AC is right. The BC provincial government botched this, just the same as their botch job on coastal ferry service. They care only about highways & bridges to move cars around. They know that black top politics buys votes. No change from the days of WAC Bennett when it comes to black top politics. Even for the greatest of supporters of the Liberals, I think this referendum was a blunder. An immense waste of time and resources to score some political points by "listening to the public", when at the end of the day, it was a total lack of leadership. Big disappointment, but no surprise. |
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Post by Dane on Jul 2, 2015 15:37:50 GMT -8
The current appointed CEO of Translink is the man that drafted the Coastal Ferry Act version 1.0, also known as the height of poor transportation management by the BC Liberals.
The outcome isn't surprising as others have discussed. Translink in its current form is much like BCFS undemocratic and unaccountable because of a weak provincial government.
Adding insult to injury the Minister, Stone, is spewing his usual "it isn't the governments problem" on radio talk shows this afternoon.
It seems hard to believe with the current government provincially and senior leadership at Translink that there will be any positive change.
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