[mr.x2]

http://www.vec.ca/images/SkyTrain.jpg
SIGNIFICANT UPGRADES FOR BROADWAY, MAIN STREET, AND METROTOWN SKYTRAIN STATIONS

Translink, the Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority, intends to conduct significant upgrade to three high volume SkyTrain stations along the Expo Line - Broadway, Main, and Metrotown stations.

These stations play a central role in the transportation network and currently experience significant access and capacity constraints. Demands on these stations will continue to grow with expansion of the regional transit network, regional population growth and land use change around the stations.
Translink has recently completed design work for these three stations that, when implemented, will allow the stations to meet current and future ridership demands. These major station upgrades will be completed by the end of 2009, prior to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

Given the importance of these station to the network and the limited time available for construction, a Phasing Strategy for these projects is critical to the successful implementation of the station plans. The Phasing Strateg will manage system and operational impacts and maximize cost and time effieciencies gained from taking a coordinated approach to the upgrades.



ARCHITECTS

Broadway Station: Via Architecture/Stantec Architecture
Metrotown Station: Busby Perkins & Will Architects
Main Street-Science World Station: Hotson Bakker Boniface Haden Architects





Broadway Station
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/83/233967569_d27f3d2b52.jpg?v=0




Metrotown Station
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/d/d6/MetrotownStation.jpg/250px-MetrotownStation.jpg






Main Street-Science World Station
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1273/567697914_20b0e540d2.jpg?v=0





Metro Vancouver Rapid Transit Map (2011)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/db/SkyTrain_Future_V2.png

[mr.x2]

BROADWAY STATION REDESIGN

The planned Broadway Station renovations can be summarized as follows:

1) Station entrance on Broadway
- Remove existing 2 coiling grilles,
- Remove elevator,
- Relocate eletrical riser next to new elevator
- Install 2 new coiling grilles,
- Create a CRU

2) Centre stairs
- Reduce the width of the stairs, and install a new escalator

3) Centre of the station
- Accommodate the exist from Safeway and provide connection between Safeway and Station fire alarm systems
- Extend the concourse space by enclosing the currently exterior space to the south of the station
- Extend the concourse space by replacing west wall by glazing,
- Create 2 CRU's

4) South of the Station
- Remove existing emergency stairs,
- Create new stairs,
- Install a new elevator,
- Install 2 new coiling grilles.

5) General improvements
- improved lighting,
- improved signage/wayfinding,
- new flooring,
- replacing metal mesh screens with glass panels.

6) Other
- expanded passarelle between Broadway and Commercial Drive Stations
- expanded entry to Commercial Drive Station from Commercial Drive
- integration of adjacent paved area and implementation of customer amenities.

7) Cost
- $25 million



New South Entrance
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Concourse level
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Platform level
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[mr.x2]

METROTOWN STATION REDESIGN

Starting in January 2006, Translink and the City of Burnaby hired a team of consultants to recommend options for upgrading Metrotown Station, the second highest ridership SkyTrain station in the greater Vancouver region. The team engaged a variety of stakeholders from both agencies, along
with representatives from SkyTrain and Coast Mountain Bus Company. A Station Assessment report was completed, “Metrotown SkyTrain Station Transit Village Plan – Site Assessment & Design Concepts Report.” That report identified five key issues for the station plan to address:

• Ridership at Metrotown Station exceeds the existing station capacity, and ridership is projected to grow.
• No direct, accessible paths are provided at the station from any direction.
• The bus loop does not meet existing capacity needs and presents pedestrian safety hazards.
• The superblock pattern of development at Metrotown reduces the station catchment area, particularly to high density housing to the north.
• The streets throughout the station area are oriented toward automobiles only and do not support high levels of walking.


In addition the site assessment recommended more detailed analysis of the following design options:


A) STATION BUILDING

1) West Entrance
- Improves circulation and expands capacity, including both vertical circulation and platform capacity.

2) Lengthened platform
- To improve the utility of a new west entrance, the platform may be lengthened by 20 metres to the west.

3) South platform
- Possible means to expand vertical circulation and platform capacity, but introduces operational, wayfinding and circulation challenges.

4) Expanded Mezzaine
- Connecting the east Station House to the existing elevator can provide accessible connection to passarelle and mall.
- Connecting the existing elevator to a future Station Square passarelle can provide an accessible connection to the mall.

5) Passarelle
- The existing passarelle to Metropolis can be widened to improve capacity
- A new passarelle can connect the existing elevator to Station Square.
- A new passarelle could connect a new west station house to a redeveloped Station Square

6) Bus Exchange
- Narrow Exchange: In this option, buses are looped around the station
building, with a new bus-only road between Central and Beresford. The BC Parkway would be routed on a dedicated path between the busway and Beresford.
- Wide Exchange: In this option, buses are looped around the station building, with a new bus-only road between Central and Beresford. The BC Parkway would be routed on a dedicated path between the busway and Beresford.

7) Bus Layover
- Central/Beresford: Buses laying over would be provided curb spaces
alongside the BC Parkway along Central and/or Beresford, immediately adjacent to the bus exchange
- Bus Loop: The existing bus loop would be used for layover.

8) Cost
- $25.071 million



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Station Area Strategies
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Planning Area Strategies
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Recommended Upgrade Elements

There is a package of station improvements that clearly meet the study’s technical requirements and evaluation criteria. These include:

• Lengthened platform. The original Metrotown Station was designed to allow the platform to be lengthened to the west, in acknowledgement that this would be a high ridership station. Lengthening the platform allows trains to be staggered at the station, reducing crowding from passengers waiting to board trains. Lengthening the platform also puts the base of the stairs and escalators for a new west entrance precisely at the middle of a relocated bus exchange.

• West Station House. This is critical for two primary reasons: 1) It balances loads of passengers waiting for trains on the platform, relieving current crowding at the east end of the platform, and 2) It provides critical additional vertical circulation to the platform with out compromising passenger circulation on the platform through additional mid-platform stairs and escalators. A new West Station House strongly complements a lengthened plat form and relocation bus exchange.

• New elevators. The existing elevator is slow, opaque and inefficient. It would be replaced by a pair of modern, transparent elevators located at the new midpoint of the lengthened platform, allowing the existing elevator to remain in place during construction. The new elevators would provide redundancy, allowing one to maintain access to the platform while the other was closed for maintenance.

• Improved East Station House. Once the new West Station House is completed, the existing East Station House can be modernized. It would be made level with the passarelle, eliminating the existing steps. It would also be made more transparent, as in the Millennium Line Gilmore Station.

• Improved passarelle. The existing station passarelle would be widened and made more transparent to provide better passenger comfort and personal security. Stairs at the east Station House would be eliminated. The passarelle would also be redesigned to highlight the regional significance of the Metrotown station and area.

• Station roof and enclosure. A redesigned station roof and enclosure would not only provide weather protection for the entire length of the platform, but also provide more transparency and mark the station as a major landmark.

• Bus exchange. The bus exchange would be moved out of the current bus loop area and routed around the station itself. The bus loop would be maintained for bus layover, and as an important bus stop serving the front door of Metropolis.

• BC Parkway Improvements and urban plaza. Separated bicycle and pedestrian paths are included through the station area, connecting to continuous paths being implemented between New Westminster and Vancouver. At the station, care is taken to address conflicts between through cyclists and transit passengers. A very high level of design amenity is provided at the ground level to ensure both the functionality of the space as a major transit exchange, as well as a destination in its own right, as one of the symbolic “front doors” of Burnaby.

• Neighbourhood connections. Improved pedestrian access is provided on all sides, connecting to Maywood, ground level destinations north of Central, and second level destination at Metropolis and the MetroTowers.



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Station poised for $25M refit

By Leslie Dickson
NewsLeader

Oct 18 2007

Metrotown SkyTrain Station is set to get a $25 million facelift.

The expansion would address overcrowding on the SkyTrain station platform, an overtaxed transit exchange below the station off Central Boulevard, and poor bike and pedestrian access to the station among other issues.

Key upgrades outlined in the Metrotown Transit Village Study presented to Burnaby council Monday include:

• A new roof and enclosure for Metrotown SkyTrain Station, as well as an extended platform

• New westbound station access;

• Upgrades to the east entrance;

• A rebuilt passarelle, or passageway, to the station;

• New elevators; and

• A new transit exchange/public plaza under the SkyTrain station.

Improved signage and access for people heading to and from Metrotown SkyTrain from Kingsway and the Maywood and Grange residential neighbourhoods are also proposed.

The report notes TransLink has budgeted $25 million for improvements to the Metrotown SkyTrain Station in its 2008 Financial Plan. Metrotown is among TransLink’s three busiest SkyTrain stations, along with Burnaby/Commercial in Vancouver and Surrey Central.

Specific details will be brought forward in future reports, in partnership with TransLink and other groups. The Metrotown SkyTrain station refit would require TransLink to bring forward a rezoning proposal to the City of Burnaby to go ahead.

Coun. Nick Volkow, chair of Burnaby’s transportation committee, welcomed the major refit to the SkyTrain station.

“It’s long overdue,” Volkow said Wednesday. “Nothing’s really been done to it since it opened in maybe ‘83 or ‘84.”

Volkow noted the proposed extended platform would allow passengers to board a six-car train, or three of the recently redesigned cars, reducing the wait time for commuters.

The refit to the station also provides an opportunity to fix problems that have been an issue since the beginning, including the transit exchange below the SkyTrain station.

“We’ve been quite fortunate there haven’t been any major accidents between buses and people,” said Volkow.”

Volkow added one of the major things missing not just at Metrotown, but at every SkyTrain station, is public toilets, the lack of which could be deterring seniors and mothers with small children from taking transit.

“This is the 21st century. I think we should get with the program,” said Volkow.

Other TransLink transit improvements expected for Burnaby soon are B Line service between SFU and downtown Vancouver, and expanded service for the #130 route between Metrotown and North Vancouver, and #25 route between Brentwood mall and UBC.








Metrotown station bursting at seams
Study says $25 million in work needed to upgrade Skytrain Station

Brooke Larsen, Burnaby Now
Published: Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Burnaby's Metrotown SkyTrain station is bursting at the seams and needs more than $25 million in upgrades.

That's according to a transit study funded by the City of Burnaby, TransLink and the federal government that highlights overcrowding at the station. Released this week, the study calls for a longer platform and wider walkways, along with improved access for cyclists, pedestrians and wheelchairs.

TransLink is expected to pay for the upgrades, with some help from the city and the province.

City councillors will consider the plans - still in the early stages - at a council meeting Oct. 22. In 2005, council agreed to share the cost of the $150,000 study with TransLink and the federal government.

The study shows growth and development in Metrotown has stretched capacity of the SkyTrain station, causing overcrowding and blocking access for bikes.

"The centre platform, escalators, ticketing concourse and elevators are undersized to meet current demand," the report states.

"Current crowding of the station platform during peak periods does not allow bikes to access the system."

The report also points out that the overhead walkway from the bus loop to the station is crowded and not accessible to those in wheelchairs. The walkway is now used by 40,000 people each day.

Coun. Sav Dhaliwal, who sits on the city's transportation committee, said he's glad to see so many people using transit.

"Obviously, we are victims of success," Dhaliwal said in an interview Tuesday.

But he believes the station needs major upgrades to make transit safer and more inviting to users.

"The station needs to be looked at in terms of accessibility - I don't think it really handles the volume of people safely."

The report calls for a redesigned station roof and enclosure similar to those on the Millennium Line, along with an extension of the station platform to boost capacity.

Plans also include the replacement or improvement of the existing overhead walkway so that it could be used by wheelchairs.

New elevators, upgrades to the east station entrance and a new mezzanine, a new bus loop and a possible second overhead walkway connecting Metropolis to the upgraded station are also part of the plans.

The study also looked at boosting access for pedestrians and cyclists, calling for improvements to pedestrian and cyclist routes.

Dhaliwal said Burnaby could start a trend by including public washrooms at the station.

"I think it would make travellers more comfortable," he added.

TransLink's 2008 financial plan includes $25 million for the station upgrades, the report states. Additional funding could come from the city and province. If design starts this fall, construction could follow in 2008.

Changes would be advanced through rezoning applications from TransLink.


© Burnaby Now 2007

[mr.x2]

MAIN STREET STATION REDESIGN

In December 2006, Hotson Bakker Boniface Haden Architects + Urbanistes, BTY Quantity Surveyors Ltd., and Earth Tech Consulting Engineers were engaged by Translink to undertake schematic design and costing for renovations to the Main Street Expo Line Skytrain Station.

Key Design Considerations
• Enhancement of elevator and escalator access to the east end of the platform.
• Improving visual and experiential connections between the bus pick up and
drop off points (on both sides of Main Street) and the station entries.
• Enhancement of the mezzanine level on the west side of the platform.
• Enhancement of general pedestrian flow on both sides of the platform.
• Enhancement of adjacency challenges with respect to adjoining retail and residential space on the west side of Main Street.
• Improving the urban design condition.
• Increasing the revenue opportunities for the station if possible.
• Improving the platform experience.
• Enhancing the station’s overall architectural, visual and experiential qualities.



Design Solution

Skytrain/Bus Connection Improvements
- The design proposes extended canopies (bus shelters) on both sides of Main Street to enhance links between the Skytrain and the bus loading and offloading. In addition, stairs and escalators are reoriented to face Main Street.

Eastside Improvements
- A new station house is provided on the east side with reoriented two stage escalators, an elevator, and an architecturally unique oval security screen.

Westside Improvements
- A re-alignment and addition of an escalator onto the eastern face of the platform provides a direct visual link between the vertical circulation to the mezzanine level and the major bus offloading and loading point. The existing south facing entry will be upgraded with the an escalator and stairs will be
replaced. New retail space will be inserted along the Terminal Avenue street front.

Platform Improvements
- The existing platform remains intact with the exception of the east end addition. Architectural improvements include a clip-on to conceal the existing truss structure and a new glass safety barrier to replace the existing chain link barrier.

Cost
- $9.693 million




Preferred Option

The preferred option was then developed in terms of architectural form.


1) Skytrain/Bus Connection Improvements

In order to enhance the links between the Skytrain and the bus loading and offloading points on both side of the street, the preferred design proposes extended canopies (bus shelters) on both side of Main Street. The intention of these canopies is to allow transferring passengers to move under cover
from the bus to the Skytrain station and vice versa. In addition, in order to enhance these links, stairs and escalators are reoriented to face Main Street on both the west and east side of the platform.


2) Eastside Improvements

The insertion of a new station house on the east side with reoriented two stage escalators, and elevator, and an architecturally unique oval security screen is proposed. This accommodates the enhanced functional requirements for both escalators and elevators, minimizes the platform extension, and provides a dramatic architectural statement of station enhancement.



3) Westside Improvements

On the west side, a re-alignment and addition of an escalator on to the eastern face of the platform provides a direct visual link between the vertical circulation to the mezzanine level and the major bus offloading and loading point. While this design requires the reconfiguration of the existing Starbucks, it will enhance pedestrian flow and visual links between the bus passengers and the Skytrain entry. In addition the existing south facing entry will be upgraded with the addition of an escalator and the replacement of the stairs. Finally, new retail space will be inserted along the Terminal Avenue street
front. These new commercial spaces will enhance revenue opportunities and provide an inhabited streetscape along Terminal, while reducing the number of overhung dead spaces. This will have a positive impact from a CPTED perspective.


4) Platform Improvements

After reviewing several alternatives, it was decided that the most cost effective solution was to maintain the structure of the existing platform intact. This meant that there could be no increases (with the exception of the eastside escalator and elevator) to platform access capacity. Because of the nature of the existing station geometry any substantial increase in platform size would be extraordinarily costly. Consequently the focus was on an appropriate configuration of enhanced access at the street and mezzanine level. However, the east side enhancements would provide a much more effective way of accessing a somewhat undersized platform.

The design proposes a clip-on to conceal the existing truss structure of the platform roof. The intention of this clip-on is that there be a visual transformation of the canopy of the Main Street Station without any structural interventions. The agenda would be to create an aluminum face to the north and south side of the existing canopy structure. A lighting feature would be incorporated in this face. The clip on would allow the preservation of the existing skylights.

In addition, one of the weakest design aspects of the existing station is the chain link safety barrier. This is both visually unacceptable and does not provide any screening for the adjoining residences. The preferred design proposes a replacement of the chainlink fence with a glass railing. This glazing
could also provide a dramatic signage opportunity indicating both the name of the station and that of adjoining areas or buildings such as Southeast False Creek and/or Science World. The new barrier would also resolve the ongoing problem of neighbor complaints about lack of privacy.

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Proposed Ground Floor Plan
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Proposed Mezzaine and Eastern Landing Floor Plans
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Proposed Platform Floor Plan
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[argon007]

the mainstreet station likes the international airport.

[Jarrod]

They look decent!

I don't know about Granville station though... Those tiles going up the escelator need to be changed because everytime I'm in there I get dizzy... lol... so that would be nice to be changed as well.

[giallo]

The Main st. station is a pretty big improvement. I'm not saying that it's beautiful or anything, but it's far better than the 80s brutalism that it replaced.

[agrant]

A couple of those Main Street station pics reminds me of the communication structure in the movie Close Encounters Of The Third Kind.

[clooless]

I think if the design is actually going to incorporate "Main Street Station" on the side of the station it should simply say "Main Street." I think the public can figure out that it's a Skytrain station without the unnecessary "station" on the side of the station.

[tintinium]

^^^ i disagree. Your average person could think it's just an artistic way of saying the street name.

Note: Although "Pacfic Central" drops "Station" or "terminal" off its name, "central" is a term which is usually exclusively used for "train terminals."
The same can not be said of the word: "street."

Another example: Grand Central [Terminal], the much celebrate Train Terminal in New York doesn't drop the "terminal" identifier on its signage:

http://www.gusto.com/gusto_images/1_10000/834/feature.jpg

edit: Btw, functionally, I think Metrotown is by far, the most improved, and looks like it will look the nicest when finished. As usual, Burnaby leads the way when it comes to anything to do with the skytrain system.

[Hed Kandi]

Nice to see that they have will havve the upgrades completed before the olympics.

[deasine]

We should get Stadium fixed up too... it's so ugly, it's worst than Main St -.-"

[Hed Kandi]

29th Ave Station also needs an overhaul.

[paradigm4]

They all need an upgrade!

[hollywoodnorth]

They all need an upgrade!


I FULLY agree :cheers:

[WBC]

So how are the renovations of these 3 stations affected by the new plans (14 billion initiative and the gates for stations)? Does the timeline change given that the province wants to expand ALL the Expo Line stations to be able to accomodate 6 MKII cars?

[deasine]

So how are the renovations of these 3 stations affected by the new plans (14 billion initiative and the gates for stations)? Does the timeline change given that the province wants to expand ALL the Expo Line stations to be able to accomodate 6 MKII cars?

Well nothing much has been done other than the lighting upgrades and metal posts at Main St. Station for the roof addition...

[SpongeG]

i thought they had factored in the renovations into the $14 billion figure

[SpongeG]

i just noticed on the main street renos - that they put a complete roof over

i wonder if that will reduce noise for the condo owners - they must have complained

[jlousa]

Those city gate owners really are terrible (love the development though), they are the reason the Skytrain slows to a crawl around the bend as the trains made too much noise. The also played a huge factor (not the only factor) in the Indy race being canceled, and to think those things were there before they moved in.

Reminds me of the anti-PNE people, the fair's been there for 90+years and you want to move it, maybe you shouldn't have moved into the area.

[mr.x2]

Those city gate owners really are terrible (love the development though), they are the reason the Skytrain slows to a crawl around the bend as the trains made too much noise. The also played a huge factor (not the only factor) in the Indy race being canceled, and to think those things were there before they moved in.

Reminds me of the anti-PNE people, the fair's been there for 90+years and you want to move it, maybe you shouldn't have moved into the area.

what????? that's the reason why the trains move at a turtle pace along that section? I had always thought it was because of some sort of track technical issue, that's just pathetic. Why did SkyTrain even listen to them? That's so retarded.

With all the condo tower developments along No.3 Road, I hope future condo owners won't be doing the same thing (especially along the single-tracked section).

[deasine]

what????? that's the reason why the trains move at a turtle pace along that section? I had always thought it was because of some sort of track technical issue, that's just pathetic. Why did SkyTrain even listen to them? That's so retarded.

With all the condo tower developments along No.3 Road, I hope future condo owners won't be doing the same thing (especially along the single-tracked section).

I thought it was because the track was really tight so SkyTrains have to slow down because of it.

[jlousa]

Yes that is the reason, the trains moved at a much higher speed before, but due to the sharp turn they made alot more noise, after numerous complaints they were asked to reduce the speed of the trains in that section and it's been like that for close to 10years now.

[hollywoodnorth]

Those city gate owners really are terrible (love the development though), they are the reason the Skytrain slows to a crawl around the bend as the trains made too much noise. The also played a huge factor (not the only factor) in the Indy race being canceled, and to think those things were there before they moved in.

Reminds me of the anti-PNE people, the fair's been there for 90+years and you want to move it, maybe you shouldn't have moved into the area.


or thr Coal Harbour residents complainting about the Float Plane Airport.....

[SpongeG]

i am gonna move next to the skytrain line and start complaining

whats next - i am gonna move next to a grocery store and complain that peoples shopping carts are too squeaky

don't people open their eyes when they are buying things?

[SFUVancouver]

I actually like how it slows down there. It gives riders an extended view of the downtown core and False Creek. For a few seconds' delay we give riders a postcard moment.

[deasine]

I actually like how it slows down there. It gives riders an extended view of the downtown core and False Creek. For a few seconds' delay we give riders a postcard moment.

True, many tourists GO WILD when they see it. I remember in the summer there was a group of japanese and they were on the apartment side. Then when we turned from Main St. Station, they ran to the other side to see the city skyline, capturing videos, cheering, etc.

[digicult]

The renderings of Metrotown look absolutely brilliant. I can't wait - that underground bus loop is a nightmare, incredibly loud and full of diesel smoke. Not to mention the difficulty of getting in there on a bike. Maybe at the same time they can clean the crackheads out of the area and do something useful with the old Cineplex Odeon complex. It feels like a ghost town since it's so cut off from the rest of the mall.

[SpongeG]

The renderings of Metrotown look absolutely brilliant. I can't wait - that underground bus loop is a nightmare, incredibly loud and full of diesel smoke. Not to mention the difficulty of getting in there on a bike. Maybe at the same time they can clean the crackheads out of the area and do something useful with the old Cineplex Odeon complex. It feels like a ghost town since it's so cut off from the rest of the mall.

it was posted somewhere once that the owners of that mall plan to renovate it and make it more upscale and try to bring in upscale retailers not already in metrotown serving the area residents better not having them have to go downtown to shop for labels

but they are proabbly waiting until the erst of whatever is going on with the place happens

[towerguy3]

Actually I ride that sharp bend near Main St. every day and the speed is now substantially reduced from what it was even a month ago. It's a snails pace now.

Question: in '86 when they built the current Expo Line tunnel under downtown between Stadium and Waterfront, was that originally a Railway tunnel? What year was that old tunnel built?

[vanlaw]

Actually I ride that sharp bend near Main St. every day and the speed is now substantially reduced from what it was even a month ago. It's a snails pace now.

Question: in '86 when they built the current Expo Line tunnel under downtown between Stadium and Waterfront, was that originally a Railway tunnel? What year was that old tunnel built?

It was a CPR tunnel. I think there is a plaque or something at Burrard station with details.

[eduardo88]

It was a CPR tunnel. I think there is a plaque or something at Burrard station with details.

Dunsmiur Tunnel (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunsmuir_Tunnel), built in 1932

[Dave2]

Hey, I too have noticed that the eastbound trains are now proceeding at a snail's pace in along Quebec Street this past week. I wonder if someone at SkyTrain reads this board and realized that the e/b trains were going 'too fast'. The westbound slowdown started in 1996, there were some USENET threads on the issue that year... concensus at the time was that it was the noise that the trains make when going over the switches that is the reason for the slowdown... I wonder if anyone from translink would confirm this?

Didn't these people know what they were buying into when they purchased condos across from a rapid transit line? :koko: And the noise is nothing compared to say, the Chigago L, that thing is LOUD.

[dreambrother808]

And the noise is nothing compared to say, the Chigago L, that thing is LOUD.

and FUN! I love the sections that careen seemingly within an inch or two of buildings. It's a much more dramatic, rollercoaster effect than what we have on Skytrain.

[towerguy3]

SkyTrain is back to regular speed around that bend near Main St. Yesterday and today it's running at same speed as before.

[SFUVancouver]

A new Waves coffee shop is being built on the ticket level of the Stadium-Chinatown SkyTrain station.

http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/9044/stadiumstncoffeeshopaprtb7.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) My photo, taken April 22nd, 2008.

[deasine]

^Oh wow they did much more than the last time I saw it, which was two weeks ago. I put the picture somewhere on the forums...

I still find it ironic that they are opening coffee shops all over the station - but one isn't supposed to be drinking/eating on transit aren't they? Having said that, I support opening more shops like these, hopefully they can create Metrotown station in a way that it supports more retail space. Maybe have a plaza eastwards underneth the SkyTrain guideway.

Talking about Metrotown, does anyone know what's happening with all that construction above the bus loop/walkway between Station Square and Metro? I know they've been doing some tiling/flooring but they've been at it for quite a while... and it looks like they are doing something with the facade too...

[jlousa]

Not sure, but I thought they were going to extend the walkway outwards and make it much wider.
Also I beleive one of the makeover plans for Metrotown station involves building a concourse level under the current station so the ticket level would be alot larger then the current one and include some retail.

The coffee shops at stations make sense even if you can't take the drinks onto transit, you can now have the coffee shop as the meeting place when your friend whose's always late doesn't show up on time and you end up walking around the station for 10-15 minutes looking like a tourist who doesn't know what train to get on. :tup:

[SpongeG]

or grab one as you get off the train on your way to work...

there were putting in an international news at the brentwood station but i haven't noticed how far along it is

[Dave2]

People were drinking "Ethical Bean" coffee on the trains today.

Perhaps they should open pet stores and radio shacks :)

(Stations have long had tobacconists, but most (if not all) smokers seem to know that acutally *using* that product is not allowed on the trains, coffee drinkers don't seem to clue into that part)

[dreambrother808]

someone drinking a coffee on the train is not really something to waste any time worrying about. people do it all the time and it doesn't seem to cause any problems. but then again there are always those who just like to follow rules for rules sake.

[mr.x2]

I like it, the shop has a very clean look....a lot better than those International News shops.


Is there still enough space for fare gates? I know for sure that the new shop at the Granville Station concourse will probably have to be demolished soon to make way for the gates.

[deasine]

I like it, the shop has a very clean look....a lot better than those International News shops.


Is there still enough space for fare gates? I know for sure that the new shop at the Granville Station concourse will probably have to be demolished soon to make way for the gates.

Actually on second thought they don't really need to demolish that International News Stand. That would be the preferred option, but remember that floral shop [not there anymore], I think there's enough room to place the fare gates diagonally there. It might be a safety hazard with the escalators though...

Yes there is enough room at Stadium - Chinatown. I'm sure of it. The coffee shop does not take up a lot of space, I think it was right before the escalator line so it doesn't really matter.

[lightrail]

Yes there is enough room at Stadium - Chinatown. I'm sure of it. The coffee shop does not take up a lot of space, I think it was right before the escalator line so it doesn't really matter.

That might be a problem - wouldn't you want the retail to be before the ticket barriers? If it is right at the top of the escalator, where do the ticket barriers go?

[mr.x2]

That might be a problem - wouldn't you want the retail to be before the ticket barriers? If it is right at the top of the escalator, where do the ticket barriers go?

That's what I was thinking too.

[Dave2]

It only causes problems when people spill them, ever been on board during an emergency stop? The problem with coffee is that it's typically served hot, and could conceivably hurt someone. Seats covered in milk are less of an issue, other than reducing the seating capcity of the train. Besides, un-enforced regulations leads to disrespect for all regulations, not a week goes by when a cylist doesn't try to force his way on in the "wrong" direction in rush hour.

[officedweller]

For the fare gates, there could be fences/railings installed adjacent to the gates, so the gates can be located in what is currently a wide open area.
You wouldn't want them too close to the upper landing of an "up" escalator, for example - imagine a slow person and people piling up behind.

[deasine]

Sorry I responded this late but this could a potential plan for Stadium - Chinatown. Note I did this plan and I don't fully remember what the ticket concourse area looks like.

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/6392/drawing1to0.png
Stadium - Chinatown w/ faregates, coffee shop, and relocation of ticket vending machines ~ Picture by Me ~ Hosted on Imageshack

I would think this could work - although the spaces seem a little tight. I'm pretty sure they can easily widen the area as well.

On another note, here's the finally completed Ethical Bean Express at Commercial Drive station.

http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/9359/p1000805dv0.jpg
Completed Ethical Bean Express @ Commercial Drive Station ~ Picture by Me ~ Hosted on Imageshack

[mr.x2]

^ heh, the coffee shop at Stadium-Chinatown should be outside of the fare gates, not inside.


And I have to say that I love the coffee shop at Commercial Station....as long as it's not inside the fare gate enclosure.

[officedweller]

The Stadium plan looks like what I would expect. The door could be moved to the wall outside the faregates (and the old one closed of course!)

Having the coffee shop on the inside only works well for incoming passengers (which goes against the no eating on Skytrain policy), as exitng passengers wouldn't want to wrangle through the turnstiles with cup in hand and briefcase, etc.. So having it on the outside seems better.

The Commercial shop must be on the "inside" based on the bridge next to it.

[deasine]

^ heh, the coffee shop at Stadium-Chinatown should be outside of the fare gates, not inside.


And I have to say that I love the coffee shop at Commercial Station....as long as it's not inside the fare gate enclosure.

Most likely the case though as there isn't much room at that area for fare gates. It would probably be a diagonal row of fare gates at the current ticketing area.

[Jacques]

Anyone has any idea as which company will set up shop at Chinatown-Stadium station "Ethical Bean " maybe ?
TY

I used to buy this coffee on a little shop at Davie and Burrard, but since they closed, I go Beans from around the world on Powell.
be nice to have them at that station
cheer

[SFUVancouver]

^ It is going to be a Waves coffee shop.

[tintinium]

The commercial station kiosk IS inside the FAre Paid Zone. It's right in front of you when you get of the M-Line and go up the stairs.

There are lots of coffee places that operate inside fare-paid zones.

I think in Berlin every station has a little newstand / candy shop inside each station.

[deasine]

The commercial station kiosk IS inside the FAre Paid Zone. It's right in front of you when you get of the M-Line and go up the stairs.

There are lots of coffee places that operate inside fare-paid zones.

I think in Berlin every station has a little newstand / candy shop inside each station.

That's what I thought. And I don't mind shops being in the fare paid zone either/fare gates either. It would be better if they begin the distance based fare system so that you don't have to be charged for walking into the fare paid zone to get a cup of coffee from your favorite coffee shop then walk back without having pay for anything.

At transitcamp, there were many discussions of having amenities inside stations like coffee shops and bakeries [haha... just the thought of smelling fresh bread coming out of the oven sounds nice though it will never happen].

[SpongeG]

theres a store inside granville station after you go down the long escalator

well there used to be been a long time since i've used that station

[deasine]

theres a store inside granville station after you go down the long escalator

well there used to be been a long time since i've used that station

And is supposed to be an International News Stand... but it's been taking a while now...

[SpongeG]

so theres no store now?

in the 90's there was a store way down there on the west bound level i remember using it a few times and there was a florsit on the main ticket level

shows you how long ago i used the skytrain to granville station

lol

[Jacques]

^ It is going to be a Waves coffee shop.
thanks at least they will have fair trade coffee , COOL

[mr.x2]

not sure which station this is
http://img254.imageshack.us/img254/7799/84205112kt8.png

[deasine]

Is that the metro one? I saw it on TransLink's website but I couldn't figure out which one... =S

[mr.x2]

actually, i'm not sure if that really is Metrotown. :p

it seems a bit low, considering there's an overpass to get you to the mall.

[SpongeG]

what direction would that be?

from the library looking south east?

[jlousa]

Looks like the extended Broadway station to me.

[deasine]

Looks like the extended Broadway station to me.

Is that a guess or an answer? =D =P I can't tell...

And that was originally my guess but then there won't be a new roof (although I would hope for one) and it's missing the other proposed entrance.

Either way, whatever that is, it looks nice and simple.

[Jared]

I'm pretty sure that's Broadway Station, looking North-East from Commercial Drive. The staircases match what is currently there, and I have seen the rounded sides for BWY STN shown before on some previous renderings.

What I'm confused about is how these station upgrades tie in with the capacity doubling. Presumably, they'll need to lengthen platforms, so you would think they'd wait for that before they start renovating. This rendering does not appear to show any platform lengthening.

[SpongeG]

they aren't extending broadway though

and they are adding an entrance to the south

[jlousa]

That is correct as it stands now the platform lenghtening and the makeovers are two seperate projects, as the lengthening isn't set for quite a few years but the make overs are starting right away at Metrotown/Main/Broadway. I agree that it seems like a waste and those three stations should be extended while they are worked on anyways to save some money.

[Jared]

they aren't extending broadway though

and they are adding an entrance to the south

Thats exactly my point. They aren't extending it in this plan (same goes for Main; Metrotown might be extended) but to double the capacity (as per $14B plan) they'll have to extend it, along with the rest of the stations.

[tintinium]

Could be Patterson

[SFUVancouver]

I heard once from a CityGate resident that they were still waiting for 'their' park and it was said as if they were suffering from a complete lack of parks. In fact they have a giant full-block park between them and the train station with street lights at both ends, they have the Science World park in front of them, which is larger than most neighbourhood parks throughout the city, and they have Andy Livingstone Park a block away with its sports fields and nicely landscaped stream area. But of course they are still waiting for the one at the Northeast corner of False Creek and until it is complete they won't be content.

[mr.x2]

^ and then they have the up and coming community centre and parks at SEFC.

[officedweller]

It's an elevated centre platform - no mezzanine station.
Rules out downtown stations, Main St., Nanaimo, 29th Ave., Metrotown, Edmonds, 22nd Ave (outside platforms?), New West (due to Plaza 88), and Columbia.

My guess is also the old part of Broadway Station, but the road isn't that close to it.

[vanlaw]

Maybe Joyce? looking SE from the NW?

[officedweller]

Yeah, could be Joyce looking from SE to NW. There's a condo tower in the right location @ Joyce.

[deasine]

I don't think it's Joyce station because Joyce's platform goes over Joyce Street. This one doesn't, or at least it doesn't seem like it.

[tintinium]

Patterson

[hollywoodnorth]

ya its Patterson...but the Stairs and Escalator have been changed directions....so the station opens to Patterson.....like it always should have ;)

[SFUVancouver]

I think it might be the re-redesigned Main Street station. I have heard that there will be a total removal of the mezzanine level and the circular pavilion with the new core on the east side of the station might have been redesigned as part of the platform extension to accommodate the longer trains.

[deasine]

I think it might be the re-redesigned Main Street station. I have heard that there will be a total removal of the mezzanine level and the circular pavilion with the new core on the east side of the station might have been redesigned as part of the platform extension to accommodate the longer trains.

That could be the case because the building matches the apartment building right beside the station.

Having said that, it seems like this is a HUGE extension, more than 18m for sure. The roof design also matches the current Main Street Science world...

I'm going to send an email to TransLink -_-"

[officedweller]

I don't think it's Main St. as it doesn't have provision for the staircase on the east side of Main Street.

[deasine]

Broadway Station Upgrades
Significant upgrades to Broadway Station are scheduled to begin this fall and carry on until the end of 2009. The upgrades are needed to increase the station's passenger capacity, improve accessibility and provide for increased long term transit system ridership.

The Broadway/Commercial station complex plays a central role in the regional transportation network with an estimated 140,000 boardings (ons) and alightings (offs) per day. The station complex experiences extreme congestion at times, and TransLink anticipates that passenger volumes will double over the next decade.

The Broadway Station Phase One upgrade includes:

Relocated elevator to relieve congestion at the north end of the platform
New 10th Avenue entrance including, new stairs, escalator, elevator and expanded concourse area to improve access, convenience and aesthetics
Replacement of existing metal mesh screens at the street level with glass in order to improve security and interior station environment
Phase Two of the project will focus on major capacity improvements to the Broadway/Commercial hub and is currently in the initial planning stages. A construction schedule will be posted once it is available.

Source: TransLink

[paradigm4]

Ethical Bean is going in Granville where the former flower shop was.

[deasine]

Ethical Bean is going in Granville where the former flower shop was.

So that`s where they are opening it... i was wondering where since they had granville as the future location on their website

[VanExPat]

I was entering Broadway Station at about 2:30 today and there was a sizeable group of middle aged men in hard hats, carrying clipboards and surveying the site. Looked like some kind of site orientation for engineers. Good to see things moving forward.

[Metro-One]

What is happening at Patterson station? It seems like some rather large renos but i thought the renos were going to coincide with the station extending? They should make the platform extensions, turn-style system and any other renos just one project.

[deasine]

It's been mentioned at the General Discussion thread, they are painting the station silver.

[paradigm4]

Here's some 3D mockups of the Broadway station redesign. They were posted on the SkyTrain unconference blog (http://skytrainunconference.ca/2008/09/broadway-skytrain-station-renovations/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3109/2888403701_e2739152fa.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3248/2889236354_906229eae4.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3281/2889236314_378438dd4a.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3159/2889236296_5ea3030176.jpg?v=0

[mr.x2]

^ neat, thanks....the relocation of the elevator will do wonders.

[Jared]

So if I understand correctly, there will eventually be two upgrades to Broadway station? This first one, and then the second "double the capacity on the Expo Line" (presumably including some manner of platform lengthening) one?

[Lead]

^ Do the renovations include the platform extension?

[Jared]

If you mean this first batch:

based on the last two renders, I see no evidence of any extentions, either Northwards or Southwards.

If you mean for the second set:

I assume they would need to in order to double the capacity. Of course, its still not clear whether they mean double our current capacity, or whether they mean to double the theoretical maximum capacity.

There's also the issue of the Millenium Line trains that go from Waterfront to VCC (and eventually UBC); even if you have 120m platforms along Vancouver to Columbia, these trains can still be no longer than 80m, since they have to fit into the Columbia to VCC stations as well.

[Metro-One]

:previous: This is what i was trying to ask. It seems like a big waste of money to do 2 or 3 sets of renovations in a short period of time, the current renovation renders, the platform extensions and the turn-style installment. Would it not make more sense to do all 3 at the same time? I find the situation a little confusing.

[paradigm4]

:previous: This is what i was trying to ask. It seems like a big waste of money to do 2 or 3 sets of renovations in a short period of time, the current renovation renders, the platform extensions and the turn-style installment. Would it not make more sense to do all 3 at the same time? I find the situation a little confusing.

Well considering that the province did absolutely no consultation with TransLink and simply told them "you are going to install turnstiles and extend the platforms" during the media blitz, it's no surprise that this is the first of a series of renos. Frankly, it's takes a hell of a long time to move from concept to planning to consultation to financing to design to construction, so actually, would you rather have an improved Broadway station now, or wait 10 more years until a huge retrofit is done?

There's a reason TransLink is waging an anti-turnstiles war with the province through the media. It's because the province hasn't coughed up the dough to make it happen, no planning has actually ever been done to calculate the extent and cost of renovations required to the Expo Line stations to install turnstiles, and TransLink would rather spend the money elsewhere anyways.

Platform extensions are a similar issue. There's been no money or planning. I know TransLink realizes, at some point, they will no longer be able to increase frequencies and will have to look at three trains, but this was believed to not be needed till at least 2020, and even then only at the busiest of stations.

Take everything the province promises with a huge grain of salt. Hell, they could be removed from office and all the plans could be flushed down the toilet.

/rant

[Metro-One]

:previous: Thank you, i understand the situation better now. I still believe its a big waste of money not to do as much as possible at once. A more bilateral concrete plan i still wish was in place.

[ravman]

Well considering that the province did absolutely no consultation with TransLink and simply told them "you are going to install turnstiles and extend the platforms" during the media blitz, it's no surprise that this is the first of a series of renos. Frankly, it's takes a hell of a long time to move from concept to planning to consultation to financing to design to construction, so actually, would you rather have an improved Broadway station now, or wait 10 more years until a huge retrofit is done?

There's a reason TransLink is waging an anti-turnstiles war with the province through the media. It's because the province hasn't coughed up the dough to make it happen, no planning has actually ever been done to calculate the extent and cost of renovations required to the Expo Line stations to install turnstiles, and TransLink would rather spend the money elsewhere anyways.

Platform extensions are a similar issue. There's been no money or planning. I know TransLink realizes, at some point, they will no longer be able to increase frequencies and will have to look at three trains, but this was believed to not be needed till at least 2020, and even then only at the busiest of stations.

Take everything the province promises with a huge grain of salt. Hell, they could be removed from office and all the plans could be flushed down the toilet.

/rant

its called an election ploy

[paradigm4]

So, turns out Patterson is going green, not silver as we previously thought. The silver was a primer for that dark green that is at 29th Ave. The painter also told me that there are plans underway to completely close Main St stations for almost four months during the renos there. Wonder if there's any truth to that...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3116/2905183325_794da626a4.jpg

[deasine]

darn!

[Gordon]

I would be very surprised if thy were going to close Main Street station for 4 months during the renovations because that is one of the busier stations and they are doing the same renos to Broadway Station and I would imagine that closing Broadway Station is not an option. Broadway is the busiest transit hub in the system.


Does any one know when the renovations on Broadway Station start?

[Jared]

The painter also told me that there are plans underway to completely close Main St stations for almost four months during the renos there. Wonder if there's any truth to that...




Was the painter wearing an orange vest? :P

[dreambrother808]

I remember the shutdown being mentioned somewhere else before. Not sure where though.

[Gordon]

There is a press release on Translink's site that talks about the renovations to the Broadway Station that start Nov. There is no mention made of any closures.

[deasine]

^CTV also reported this two days ago (keep on forgetting to post =P), the will begin later this month.

[jlousa]

Lots of info on the Broadway station renos on the following pdf. Some of the changes the city is going to be doing will help as well. The expanded sidewalks and double width sidewalks will certainly help.

http://www.translink.bc.ca/files/pdf/Broadway_Boards_prf17.pdf

Anyone know if there is a reason that the overhead passage way between Broadway and Commercial didn't take up the whole space available, there is about 1m on either side which would've helped with congestion.

[deasine]

I have a feeling it's all boils down to the financing. Even though I would be better and aesthetically nicer to have a larger passerelle, I think it was way too expensive.

Really, I want them to get rid of CIBC, replacing it with just a civic plaza and have the station entrance (of north side) opening to a civic plaza. That way, you have so much more room for people to navigate around.

[Dave2]

Lots of info on the Broadway station renos on the following pdf. Some of the changes the city is going to be doing will help as well. The expanded sidewalks and double width sidewalks will certainly help.

http://www.translink.bc.ca/files/pdf/Broadway_Boards_prf17.pdf

Anyone know if there is a reason that the overhead passage way between Broadway and Commercial didn't take up the whole space available, there is about 1m on either side which would've helped with congestion.


It's probably because prior to 2001, it was just an overpass to a stairwell on the north side of E. Broadway (iirc, there was no escalator or elevator before the M line was built, I may be wrong).

In hindsight, it would have made sense to build it as wide as they could have in the 80's, bu tin those days, with no M-Line, and no 99-B Line, it wasn't as busy as it is now.

[officedweller]

Anyone know if there is a reason that the overhead passage way between Broadway and Commercial didn't take up the whole space available, there is about 1m on either side which would've helped with congestion.

Thanks for the info.

Probably a cost savings measure when the Expo Line was built (i.e. before it was a transfer station) and could be widened in future to extend the platform.

If it was actually a design feature, my guess is that you want the corridor to be narrower than the holding area (platform) so that there's a rate limited flow onto the platform. i.e. people spill out into a roomier area. If it were as wide as the platform, people entering the platform area would run into people waiting at the platform edge, which could be a safety problem.
The platforms (as-built) were meant for 6-car MK-I trains which take up the whole length of the platform (so there would be people awaiting at the platform edge right at the end of the corridor).

[Jared]

Renovations have started; there's a bunch of white plywood fencing put up around the south end of the station.

Also, note in the PDF is says "next steps: planning and design for major capacity improvements". It would appear they have the future platform extentions in mind when doing this upgrade.

[officedweller]

From the Buzzer Blog:


Scott Road Station getting second elevator:

http://buzzer.translink.ca/index.php/2008/12/scott-road-stations-getting-a-second-elevator/

Update on Broadway Station renovations:

http://buzzer.translink.ca/index.php/2008/12/broadway-station-construction-update-for-december-2008/#more-1643

The hoarding on the south end of the platform.
http://buzzer.translink.ca/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/broadway-elevator-hoarding.jpg

The emergency exit on the south side of the station has been demolished and the asphalt on that side removed. Look, you can see right through to 10th Avenue now!
http://buzzer.translink.ca/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/broadway-workers.jpg

The chain-link fence under the station has been removed, as well as the TransLink garbage and recycling bins.
http://buzzer.translink.ca/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/broadway-construction-underneath.jpg

[deasine]

December 18, 2008
Universal accessibility gets a “lift" - 2nd Elevator for Scott Road Station

Second Elevator to be Installed at Scott Road Station
A longstanding barrier to seniors and people with disabilities will at last be removed in 2009, with the installation of a new elevator at Scott Road Station. TransLink approved the necessary capital funds, following the recommendation of the Access Transit Users’ Advisory Committee, and ensuring that the new elevator will take precedence over other renovations at Scott Road.
The elevator will take customers from the SkyTrain platform to the bus loop on the north (nearest Pattullo Bridge) side of the station. Currently, a person with a mobility device who needed to get between the bus exchange to SkyTrain needed to wait for a taxi to take them to the park and ride, where the one elevator is located.

“Making public transit fully accessible has been a priority for TransLink,” said TransLink CEO, Tom Prendergast. “The Access Transit Users’ Advisory Committee has shown tireless commitment to accessibility and has provided invaluable feedback that allows us to improve our transit system.”

“We are very pleased to see this project moving forward and appreciate the contributions made by the Access Transit Users’ Advisory Committee”, said Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts, Chair of the Mayors’ Council on Regional Transportation. “Access for all is imperative and we are very pleased to have worked with TransLink to bring this project to fruition”.
“This is a long-anticipated day,” added Rob Sleath, Chair of the UAC. “When construction of the second elevator is complete, persons with disabilities and seniors will be able to more easily, independently and inclusively access the conventional transit, community shuttle and/or HandyDART services that frequent the Scott Road SkyTrain Station.”
Station upgrades are being completed through the Expo Line Station Review as part of TransLink’s Accessibility Commitment. Four major stations have been identified for improvements: Broadway Station is currently under construction. In 2006 an elevator was installed at Granville Station making the downtown core accessible. Future improvements are anticipated for Metrotown and Main Street Station.

[hollywoodnorth]

great news all around! a fully accessible system is how it should be.

[punkster1982]

I know a lot of people take the #640 to the ferry from Scott Road and I'm sure they will also appreciate the elevator!

[Dave2]

That photo showing the hoarding on the platform is already out of date; the seats seen in the foreground have since been 'hoarded in'

[officedweller]

Has this Main Street Station render been posted before?

Its from the public consultation boards at this link on the TransLink website:

http://www.translink.bc.ca/Plans/Public_Consultation/Main_St_Upgrades.asp

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/544/63450102sa9.png (http://imageshack.us)
http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/63450102sa9.png/1/w800.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img525/63450102sa9.png/1/)

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/1981/60342123au1.png (http://imageshack.us)
http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/60342123au1.png/1/w800.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img525/60342123au1.png/1/)

[mr.x2]

^ yea, i posted that awhile ago....we were all wondering which station it was.
http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/8917/11279564xn4.png




I think it's a shame Broadway Station isn't getting more renovations considering it's by far the busiest station.

[SpongeG]

i liked the other first rendering - this one is nice too but the other one was cooler

[deasine]

Looking from Mr. X's rendering... it looks like they decided to remove the mezzanine level and puts the ticket concourse on the ground level. It's a much better design as it is easily accessible. This is also stated in the minutes section 3.2.

While the current renderings are quite different from what we were presented earlier, the first being much more impressive... it does answer our concerns about platform extensions. The new design, with the east side of the station being much longer, allows for easier platform extensions simply by removing the glass (vs. relocating the elevator and extending the platform if we went with the first design).
http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/7834/sci6be2.png

The current design does nothing to preclude fare gates from being installed in the future, which was another problem with the first design.

Interestingly enough, this station will be closed for at least four months...

[deasine]

Continuing to scan the minutes.... ahem... "Depending on how quick a funding decision is available it may be possible to have the east side station house done in 2009"

=D

[mr.x2]

Wasn't this suppose to be all done by 2010?

[deasine]

Not anymore... they may be closing the station during June of 2010 now. I guess the initial plan didn't factor in the platform extensions and the inclusion of fare gates (or the space for it).

[officedweller]

The new design, with the east side of the station being much longer, allows for easier platform extensions simply by removing the glass (vs. relocating the elevator and extending the platform if we went with the first design).

I remember looking at that original render and thinking that it wouldn't allow for a platform extension. The new design places the new stairs, elevator and escalators in the centre of the platform with 1.5m on each side whihc allows them to be midway along the length of the platform.

[SpongeG]

so the starbucks won't move in this new configuration?

the old one showed it moving off of main to the side and the entrance would be off main

[deasine]

so the starbucks won't move in this new configuration?

the old one showed it moving off of main to the side and the entrance would be off main

it will still be moved.

[DKaz]

It seems like the 2nd picture has more panels (therefore longer platform) than the 1st picture

[officedweller]

Probably just the angle of the rendering - they both go to the same guideway pylon.

[Metro-One]

Can someone please re-post all of the station redesigns, i have not seen any for Edmonds and central Surrey. Also, i am now confused with Main St. Station, did they cancel the awesome design wit the bid "Main St" letters?

[NetMapel]

Has this Main Street Station render been posted before?

Its from the public consultation boards at this link on the TransLink website:

http://www.translink.bc.ca/Plans/Public_Consultation/Main_St_Upgrades.asp

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/544/63450102sa9.png (http://imageshack.us)
http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/63450102sa9.png/1/w800.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img525/63450102sa9.png/1/)

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/1981/60342123au1.png (http://imageshack.us)
http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/60342123au1.png/1/w800.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img525/60342123au1.png/1/)

I happen to like this design better :P It's more "round" and I love the big curved glass plate.

[officedweller]

Can someone please re-post all of the station redesigns, i have not seen any for Edmonds and central Surrey. Also, i am now confused with Main St. Station, did they cancel the awesome design wit the bid "Main St" letters?

Yes, that design has been cancelled, because the east station house would have taken up the entire width of the east end of the platform and would have prevented the lengthening of the platform. The current plan has the stairs, escalators and elevator centred between the future platform edges with 1.5 metre clearances on each side (I think the east "platform extension" will be walled in with glass upon opening and then removed when the platform is actually expanded).

[deasine]

Probably just the angle of the rendering - they both go to the same guideway pylon.

It seems like the 2nd picture has more panels (therefore longer platform) than the 1st picture

It's longer (more panels or whatever). You can actually use the SkyTrain guideway columns as reference. As

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/7834/sci6be2.png
http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/544/63450102sa9.png

Both these pictures show similar angles of Main St. Station. Notice the second straight column on the east side of Main Street. On the first rendering, the design only reaches the second column whereas the new design, the station concept actually goes way past the second column.

I'm glad they got rid of the MAIN STREET & SCIENCE WORLD text. It was incredibly tacky.

[officedweller]

I thought he meant the difference between the east facing and the west facing renders of the new design

[WBC]

I like the idea of making our stations offer more protection against the elements, which is on the Main station upgrade agenda. Our existing Expo stations are more suited for California climate than BC. On the other hand we don't want bunkers either. So that curved glass will address the problem nicely I think.

[flight_from_kamakura]

^agree 1000%.

[CoryHolmes]

On the other hand we don't want bunkers either.

But where else will we shelter when the Zombie Apocalypse happens? :shrug:

[WBC]

But where else will we shelter when the Zombie Apocalypse happens? :shrug:

In our glass towers of course - see "Land of the dead"

[Volksboi]

I did not know that Central City was part of the upgrades, or is this based on the transit village they are working on. Either way, does anyone have any renderings?

[deasine]

Transit village: nothing more than what we have on TransLink's website atm:

http://translink.bc.ca/Plans_Projects/Urban_Showcase/Transit_Villages/surrey_central_create_plan.asp

[hollywoodnorth]

Not anymore... they may be closing the station during June of 2010 now. I guess the initial plan didn't factor in the platform extensions and the inclusion of fare gates (or the space for it).

that seems like a logistical nightmare having Main Street Station closed for a whole month.......I sure hope that does not happen.....

[SpongeG]

they just have to reroute buses

I believe most of the users of the station arrive on busses there

and by 2010 those who live close by and walk can walk to stadium or the canada line as needed

[DKaz]

The previous company I was working at did the conceptual Main St Science World Station design (the original picture with the tacky Station name wording on the exterior - won't say which aspect) and at the time the station length was still 80m with absolutely no provisions for platform lengthening because the elevators and escalators would've been in the way. The elevator was right against the eastbound tracks while the stairs and escalators were against the westbound tracks.

The new photos look like they're still building it to 80m but with the east end platform house further out, there is future provision to extend the platforms. Seems odd that they don't do it all in one go.

I have a friend working at Metro Vancouver who would be more than happy to share this information with me if I ask. *doo doo doo*

[ravman]

the MAIN STREET STATION sign actually looks nice and funky and its a shame to see the updated drawings not having that....

[officedweller]

Seems odd that they don't do it all in one go.

Probably just different sources of funding and different timing (one federal infrstructure program and the other provincial transit plan)