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Post by Retrovision on Jan 16, 2009 0:35:38 GMT -8
Somehow the early was the best, even though I had thought otherwise before  |
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Neil
Voyager 
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Post by Neil on Feb 12, 2009 13:49:44 GMT -8
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Post by Northern Exploration on Feb 12, 2009 14:39:30 GMT -8
The benefits of the internet is that is gives many more people a voice. Unless you were a very rich newspaper magnet, the best you could do was write a letter to the editor and wait and see if it would make the cut past all the others who also wrote. The downside is the same thing in that it gives many more people a voice  . It is a reminder that just because you can type whatever you want on the web doesn't mean you should. Libby Znaimer (neice of Moses founder of CityTV empire) is a business reporter, had a piece recently that spoke about what you can do in order to find a job in these tough times and also how to keep your job when layoff were happening. In 2 to 5 years you may be applying for a job. The potential employer googles you, sees your website, backtracks you to a forum where despite using a clever name you link back to your website and so on. And decides because you ranted over something to rank you lower and hire someone else. Or you decide to go into politics and some enterprising reporter finds a thread to follow. And so on. There are hiring experts who can track these things down in a very short time. Researching your potential hired in these tough times is a booming industry. Someone who brags about constant partying may find themselves sidelined. Employment law is very clear. What you do while on the clock and what you say about your employer is all fair game when they write your paycheque. She just basically retold the common sense things around the office. She also reminded people that when it comes to making decisions about who to let go, what you type on Facebook or other social site can have a bearing and you may never know it. If you have been complaining widely about your job there, it may come back to haunt you. Most of the time you may never know the person has developed this impression of you formed but something you thought had no bearing but you don't get the job, or are selected for layoff. Sometimes we have no control over the situation and we are let go depite being a stellar employee. But other times we may actually have more opportunity to influence things than we think. So if you are a transit fan or BC Ferries fan, and think you may want to be employed in either area, just a remind what you say now can influence things later. |
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Neil
Voyager
Posts: 7,308
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Post by Neil on Feb 12, 2009 22:14:29 GMT -8
I might be inclined to cut this guy some slack.... if he were, say, 22 and naive, or if he was a long time driver with a lot of experience to offer.
But he's 53. And a newbie. So he strikes out on both counts. And the internet wasn't invented yesterday, so it's hard to figure how he could be so dense as to think he could surreptitiously slag his new employer with impunity.
I tried to check out his blog, but it's gone, which I guess gives some credence to the notion that there was some stuff there that probably shouldn't have been posted.
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Post by CN2972South on Feb 13, 2009 10:46:29 GMT -8
It sucks that he ended up loosing his job over it but he definately should have been more careful with what he said. He learned a valuable lesson, don't start criticizing your employer while still on probation, they can fire you for anything and the union won't do a thing to help.
I had similar problems with a certain railway company because of what someone else had posted on one of the message boards I moderate. The person posted a 20 year old switch list from an abandoned operation. A co-worker spotted it and turned ME in for it. I was pulled in to the HR manager's office and had a long conversation.
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Post by Cable Cassidy on May 14, 2009 20:17:31 GMT -8
Here's the most amazing bus I have ever seen in my life (all 16 years of it ) Today I had the chance to ride and photograph New Flyer's latest bus, the Xcelsior. I'm sure a few of you have heard about this bus and maybe even seen photos. But this time it's on the road!  This bus is officially the "XDE40" and is the first production model of this bus, the other Xcelsior was a prototype and labeled as a DE40LFR. Here are my photos of this amazing bus at Metrotown Stn today, the bus also was in Victoria last week. www.flickr.com/photos/chsscassidy/sets/72157618168186240/If you have any questions I'll do my best to answer them ;D Chris Cassidy |
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Neil
Voyager
Posts: 7,308
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Post by Neil on May 14, 2009 21:46:59 GMT -8
Not a big bus fan, but I have to admit, that's the most stylish transit bus I've seen in a few decades. I like the retro look New Flyer logo, as well.
My all time favorite was the old Fageol. I remember one time, several years after the last one was retired, I was waiting for a Broadway (Brill days) and was shocked when a restored Fageol pulled up. Don't know what the occasion was, but it was as close as I get to bus nirvana.
But, yes, these Xcelsiors look pretty nice. Hopefully they'll be a fixture on our streets.
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Post by Northern Exploration on May 15, 2009 8:42:12 GMT -8
Here's the most amazing bus I have ever seen in my life (all 16 years of it ) Today I had the chance to ride and photograph New Flyer's latest bus, the Xcelsior. I'm sure a few of you have heard about this bus and maybe even seen photos. But this time it's on the road! This bus is officially the "XDE40" and is the first production model of this bus, the other Xcelsior was a prototype and labeled as a DE40LFR. Here are my photos of this amazing bus at Metrotown Stn today, the bus also was in Victoria last week. www.flickr.com/photos/chsscassidy/sets/72157618168186240/If you have any questions I'll do my best to answer them ;D Chris Cassidy Mississauga needs to order a bunch of new buses and the Bus Expressway is about to begin soon. The used to order Ontario Bus Industries that became Orion because they had a plant here. However the latest batches seemed to have been New Flyer new style, both bendy and non bendy versions. I am hoping that the new one will Xcelsior. There will be some hybrid in the mix as well in the new order. |
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Post by Scott (Former Account) on Jul 6, 2009 9:29:26 GMT -8
Vancouver's new skytrain...  While en route to Waterfront Station, the train promptly broke down outside of the Skytrain maintenance yard. After sitting for about 15 minutes, we continued to Edmonds station under manual mode where everyone was ordered off the train. They then moved the train again in manual mode back down the track to the maintenance yard... It is a very nice train and we enjoyed our trip on it - when it was working...  |
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ProudCanuck
Chief Steward
Champ Car - Gone, but not forgotten!
Posts: 242
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Post by ProudCanuck on Jul 13, 2009 11:30:07 GMT -8
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Post by Mike C on Jul 26, 2009 9:47:59 GMT -8
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Post by Mike C on Sept 7, 2009 11:41:21 GMT -8
For those who live in Vancouver, you already know about the Canada Line. Well does anyone remember the 98 B-Line? Richmond-YVR-Downtown BRT?
Yesterday was the last day of the 98. Ever. And I was there. I stayed out until literally 3 am on the last ever trip of the 98.
Rest in peace, Richmond B-Line.
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FNS
Voyager
The Empire Builder train of yesteryear in HO scale
Posts: 4,957
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Post by FNS on Sept 7, 2009 14:12:43 GMT -8
For those who live in Vancouver, you already know about the Canada Line. Well does anyone remember the 98 B-Line? Richmond-YVR-Downtown BRT? Yesterday was the last day of the 98. Ever. And I was there. I stayed out until literally 3 am on the last ever trip of the 98. Rest in peace, Richmond B-Line. I rode that line twice this year. My first ride was on May 15 after arriving Vancouver from Seattle that morning by train. I took SkyTrain, the 98 and 424 to CYVR on my way up to Campbell River and Port Hardy, where I attended the Open Ship aboard the new MV NORTHERN EXPEDITION. My last ride was on August 11. Did the same trip from Seattle in the morning. Spent a bit of the afternoon in North Vancouver. Took SkyTrain, the 98 and 424 again to CYVR. This trip took me aboard the NE on the fifteen hour cruise to Prince Rupert. I then took the TAKU to Ketchikan and Alaska Airlines back to Seattle. That 98 was a crowded line when I took it. It was interesting to hear the SkyTrain door closing chime in those buses. |
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Post by Dane on Sept 7, 2009 16:57:15 GMT -8
It is neat that TL put the SkyTrain chime on those buses! Most all of the articulated vehicles have them, notwithstanding the D60's.
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Post by ferryfanyvr on Sept 7, 2009 21:51:44 GMT -8
It is neat that TL put the SkyTrain chime on those buses! Most all of the articulated vehicles have them, notwithstanding the D60's. The door chimes are only used when the bus is being operated on a route that allows all-door boarding. On these routes, the driver opens and closes the doors manually (no need to press on the bar to open them). One of the Richmond drivers told me that in preparation for the 98B to begin allowing all door boarding, all of the buses had to have their door mechanisms modified. This is why if you rode on bus #R8074 on the 98B one day, you would hear the door chimes (driver operating the doors manually). If R8074 was used on route #620 the next day, there would be no chimes as all door boarding is not allowed and passengers would have to press the bar for the doors to open. BTW can anyone tell me if the 97 B-Line allows all door boarding? |
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Post by Mike C on Sept 7, 2009 22:20:34 GMT -8
The door chimes are only used when the bus is being operated on a route that allows all-door boarding. On these routes, the driver opens and closes the doors manually (no need to press on the bar to open them). One of the Richmond drivers told me that in preparation for the 98B to begin allowing all door boarding, all of the buses had to have their door mechanisms modified. This is why if you rode on bus #R8074 on the 98B one day, you would hear the door chimes (driver operating the doors manually). If R8074 was used on route #620 the next day, there would be no chimes as all door boarding is not allowed and passengers would have to press the bar for the doors to open. Not entirely true. The chimes can be turned on and off, but drivers don't necessarily turn them off for routes without all-door-boarding. For example, the chimes were in effect on the #20 late last week when I rode it... can't remember the coach number, but it was an E60LFR. BTW can anyone tell me if the 97 B-Line allows all door boarding? No, it does not, due to so many 40' buses running the route. |
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Post by ferryfanyvr on Sept 7, 2009 22:45:33 GMT -8
I have also been on an articulated trolley on the #20 route and heard the chimes. I asked the driver about it and he explained it was because he was opening and closing the doors himself instead of using the automatic system. So in a nutshell......driver operating the doors himself -door chimes-...driver "arming" the doors so that they open when the bar is pressed and close a few seconds after the last passenger has exited -no door chimes-.
The #20 driver said the articulated trolleys had their doors set up that way in case all-door bording is introduced on a trolley route (most likely the #3) in the future. But because some passengers board via the rear doors anyway (especially at Commercial Drive Station) even though they're not supposed to, some drivers override the automatic system in the interest of passenger safety.
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Post by Dane on Sept 9, 2009 0:20:39 GMT -8
It is neat that TL put the SkyTrain chime on those buses! Most all of the articulated vehicles have them, notwithstanding the D60's. The door chimes are only used when the bus is being operated on a route that allows all-door boarding. On these routes, the driver opens and closes the doors manually (no need to press on the bar to open them). One of the Richmond drivers told me that in preparation for the 98B to begin allowing all door boarding, all of the buses had to have their door mechanisms modified. This is why if you rode on bus #R8074 on the 98B one day, you would hear the door chimes (driver operating the doors manually). If R8074 was used on route #620 the next day, there would be no chimes as all door boarding is not allowed and passengers would have to press the bar for the doors to open. BTW can anyone tell me if the 97 B-Line allows all door boarding? All door boarding, which is actually technically three door boarding (as forty footers can't do it) is on all SFU/UBC routes (at University stops), and the 99. As you observed though, it's common practice on many routes, though - notably the 3 and 20. |
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Post by northwesterner on Sept 12, 2009 12:55:24 GMT -8
For those who live in Vancouver, you already know about the Canada Line. Well does anyone remember the 98 B-Line? Richmond-YVR-Downtown BRT? Yesterday was the last day of the 98. Ever. And I was there. I stayed out until literally 3 am on the last ever trip of the 98. Rest in peace, Richmond B-Line. I'm glad someone can get some enjoyment out of a D60LF with a Series 50 in the back... |
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Post by Retrovision on Nov 30, 2009 8:51:21 GMT -8
From: westcoastexpress.comI only post this because of hearing on the news that if Train #4 weren't able to fix itself before Train #5 came along that the latter would push the former into town, which I think would be quite a novel sight. |
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Post by Low Light Mike on Jan 21, 2010 22:17:00 GMT -8
Thanks for the pictures and report, Paul. I didn't know anything about a stweet car, now I do.
Is the street-car mainly for olympic athletes and support crews, going to / from the village to the downtown?
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Post by Mike C on Jan 21, 2010 22:43:53 GMT -8
A flat, humourless analysis:
I took a trip on the line today. And although I did not get a certificate as promised, I was very impressed with the transit vehicles and technology that was used. The ride is quite smooth and very comfortable, and offers a wide range of possibilities for passenger amenities and information.
The staff on-scene were very helpful, informative and good representatives of Bombardier - they were more than happy to answer any questions.
I do sincerely hope that the project continues after the demonstration has passed - extensions are planned into Downtown Vancouver and around False Creek.
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Post by Scott on Jan 22, 2010 0:01:19 GMT -8
Looks really nice. I would have thought there would be more people on it today, but maybe the weekend will be busier. I intend to take a trip on it some weekend.
While I understand that streetcars are an excellent form of transportation, should it really be a priority to link Granville Island with Science World and eventually Chinatown and Stanley Park? To me, this seems like it would be little more than an "attraction" to tourists or day-trippers. I mean, Vancouver has excellent bus service along the corridors heading into downtown (and now the Canada Line). There's also the False Creek ferries that provide very frequent service across False Creek. To me it seems like a pointless project. Sure, the infrastructure is still there, but it's been replaced.
I say run this kind of transportation down Broadway to UBC or out into the Tri-Cities. It would be much more useful... and cheaper than Skytrain.
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Post by lmtengs on Jan 22, 2010 6:54:57 GMT -8
I first heard of this "top secret-don't tell the public" streetcar a few weeks ago. I'm wondering though: Are they going to keep the streetcar in operation after the Olympics end?
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Post by Northern Exploration on Jan 22, 2010 7:12:08 GMT -8
Thanks for the pics. These are the same "Streetcars" or "Lightrail" vehicles that the TTC has purchased for Toronto. They will run on city streets to replace the current "Streetcars" but many of the new routes will have them run on their own right of ways. These will have stops further appart than the runs downtown, and will be able to travel at a much higher speed. In the most dense areas where the roads won't allow the right of way, they are going underground and the tunnels will be made wide enough to convert to full subway at a later date.
Similar to the Canada Line, and the way it disrupted businesses and roads, the St. Clair line has done the same here and created a lot of problems. They are vowing that the additional lines won't cause as much havoc. So we will see, because they are talking around 7 such lines in the city alone. Two of which are already beginning construction. My own area, Mississauga is talking about two lines as well.
Buses can be diverted when a problem happens. But if an accident occurs, even on the dedicated right away, a streetcar is limited and blocks the line. We have a show here on CP24, the former CityTV all news station and now the second CTV news channel, where the Chair of the TTC and City Counsellor, interviews TTC officials and others live from the back of a Streetcar as it rolls around its route. Last night they were discussing rail vs. bus and these issues.
It is an exciting time for Transit here, with new subway cars set to begin arriving soon, all the expansion with the TTC, expansion of the GOTransit network, and better meshing of different transit systems.
I agree with John that a route into UBC I would be a very good idea. And just for the record I recall this being announced and discussed quite a while ago, and even was part of this very self same forum.
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