[Whalleyboy]

Just adding to that, 98 B-Line buses will be refurbished, I'm guessing, the addition of the init displays (removal of the ghetto Siemens OnStreet system) and new seats used on new buses and SkyTrain cars.

sweet i look forward to those being put back in action even more. That is if they are still coming to surrey. If they want to give surrey all new buses for the 399 route that would be cool too=P

[go_leafs_go02]

about 22 buses from the 98 B-Line will be brought over to Surrey for the 399.

[Gordon]

On Sept7th when the buses start using the Marine Drive Station I wonder if the #3 Main will have a separate destination sign for the buses that short -turn at Main & Marine ie 3 Main & Marine?

[deasine]

On Sept7th when the buses start using the Marine Drive Station I wonder if the #3 Main will have a separate destination sign for the buses that short -turn at Main & Marine ie 3 Main & Marine?

Of course they will:

3 - Main
3 - Marine Drive Stn

[argon007]

about 22 buses from the 98 B-Line will be brought over to Surrey for the 399.

then how many bus from 98 B-Line will be brought over to SFU for the 135 and 145?

[SFUVancouver]

then how many bus from 98 B-Line will be brought over to SFU for the 135 and 145?

Probably none.

[Gordon]

All #3 buses running from downtown will operate as #3 Main- Marine Drive Station

[g35]

Would those 22 buses keep the Rxxxx numbers (if that is how the B-line buses are numbered, I don't know) or would they change to Sxxxx?

[ravman]

what about the 401 or whatnots that used to run artics? and how many total were running for the 98?

[mr.x]

^ i think there are only 22 for the 98....while the 99 has close to 40.

[argon007]

Probably none.

if none, why translink website said that they will use the resource of 98 B-Line as 135 and 145?

Buses used on the 98 B-Line will be re-allocated to other routes, like the #145 and #135

http://www.translink.ca/en/About-TransLink/Media/2009/August/New-routings-connect-Vancouver-buses-with-Canada-Line.aspx

[deasine]

what about the 401 or whatnots that used to run artics? and how many total were running for the 98?

491-496 were running a mix of artics and regular ones, but all of them aren't low floor, meaning they would probably be used during the Olympics and then kept in storage.

[metroXpress]

they aren't going to add more to 98, right?

[DKaz]

Some of the 491-496 were Suburban Orions... so they could be moved to do South Delta and White Rock routes.

[deasine]

they aren't going to add more to 98, right?

Why would they do that. The 98 is being taken out of service.

[Kwik-E-Mart]

delete

[Gordon]

The #488 Garden City also uses Orions , I would assume these buses will be re-deployed to the South of Fraser routes as well.

[Dave2]

I guess we'll have to see when Broadway Stn is complete first. But you bring up a very good point: shouldn't Broadway-proper be Platform 1 & 2, then Commercial Drive be 3 & 4? Sigh.

I had the exact same thought when I first saw them deasine, they better not label the upper platforms 1 & 2 as well. In London (the gold standard for English signage imo), any 2 line station with 4 platforms (e.g. Leicester Square) will label the platforms from 1-2 and 3-4.


BTW, the Buzzer Blog has confirmed the renaming of the station.... I fear we'll see a mishmash of signs et al. for years to come.... even today, Miss Skytrain says, "The next station is Stadium"....at least on the old trains. Hell, some train's maps still missed VCC-Clark 3 years after it opened.

Not that London is perfect in this regard; virtually literally countless name changes have occured since the first line opened in 1863, and some stations still have tiled signage with names that changed 90 or 100 years ago. Marylebonne springs to mind, there's tiles that read "Great Central"

[lightrail]

Some Skytrain Trivia:
1. longest distance between two stations - just under 3km - 22nd Street to New Westminster
2. Shortest distance between two stations - 375 metres between Burrard and Granville Station
3. Deepest Station below the street - Granville at 27 metres to the bottom platform
4. Deepest point below sea-level - approx. 30 metres - Canada Line under False Creek
5. Highest Point above ground - Expo Line on the Skybridge crossing the Fraser River
6. Highest point above sea-level - Metrotown Station at 150 metres
7. Oldest Station - Main Street - opened in 1983 along with 1km of elevated track along Terminal Ave as a public demonstration line - the rest of the line from Waterfront to New Westminster opened for free weekend service in December 1985 and full revenue service in January 1986 (with very limited Sunday service)
8. Original train length and frequency on opening - 2-car MK1 trains every 5-6 minutes
9. Most intense service - Waterfront to Columbia every 108 seconds in the peak - additional trains run Waterfront to Commercial-Broadway
10. Least intense service - Canada Line YVR-Airport branch and Richmond branch after 11 pm with 20 min frequencies each.

[Spork]

9. Most intense service - Waterfront to Columbia every 108 seconds in the peak - additional trains run Waterfront to Commercial-Broadway

Is that maximum frequency, or is 90s?

[entheosfog]

Not sure if this has been mentioned yet as I don't always check this thread, but I saw a #22 bus (older style) that had an LED-type TV screen on the side of it displaying ads (Telus was the advertiser). I thought that was pretty cool! Like something you'd see in the movie Back to the Future II :haha:
...is this new or has it been around for a while? I'd never seen it before.

[deasine]

Been a while now. I believe more buses will have these next year.

[entheosfog]

Been a while now. I believe more buses will have these next year.

Really? Wonder why this is the first bus I've seen with it and I drive around all day for my job...cool though, thanks!

[deasine]

Really? Wonder why this is the first bus I've seen with it and I drive around all day for my job...cool though, thanks!

I believe there's only one bus in Vancouver that has this.

[mr.x]

100 buses will have those in time for the 2010 Games.

[jlousa]

the max frequency for skytrain is 72sec although 90sec is the recommended max.

[DKaz]

Without major track improvements at Waterfront Station say a loop of some sort, attendants at the busiest stations yelling/advising at passengers not to hold up a train even for 1 second, and Millennium Line segregation via a third platform at Columbia Station, I don't think they can do better than 90 seconds.

[WarrenC12]

the max frequency for skytrain is 72sec although 90sec is the recommended max.

So what you're saying is, we need more cars not longer platforms? :cheers:

[DKaz]

It's official, Expo Line gets platform 3 & 4.

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll81/DKazrolla/1da18ae6.jpg

[DKaz]

Twitter:

dkazzed @KenHardie, if Translink is forced to sell new WCE cars and WCE cost recovery begins to exceed 100%, can we expect fare reduction on WCE?
about 17 hours ago from web

KenHardie @dkazzed -- Those are two big 'if's' that are not likely to happen. WCE rides are still subsidized by about 20% & not much capacity left.
about 14 hours ago from TweetDeck in reply to dkazzed

[red-paladin]

They should have numbered the WCE platforms at Waterfront station too.
It's confusing to people if they don't.

[DKaz]

They should also have one big display board in the central lobby, can you imagine??

Line...............Destination...Platform..Time
SEABUS.............LONSDALE.........7...DEPARTING
EXPO LINE..........KING GEORGE......4.....1 MIN
CANADA LINE........YVR-AIRPORT......2.....3 MIN
MILLENNIUM LINE....VCC-CLARK........4.....3 MIN
EXPO LINE..........KING GEORGE......4.....5 MIN
WEST COAST EXPRESS.MISSION CITY.....5.....5 MIN
EXPO LINE..........KING GEORGE......4.....6 MIN
CANADA LINE........RICHMOND-BRIGHOUSE....2.....7 MIN

DECEMBER 8, 2009........................5:15 PM

[teriyaki]

They should also have one big display board in the central lobby, can you imagine??

Line...............Destination...Platform..Time
SEABUS.............LONSDALE.........7...DEPARTING
EXPO LINE..........KING GEORGE......4.....1 MIN
CANADA LINE........YVR-AIRPORT......2.....3 MIN
MILLENNIUM LINE....VCC-CLARK........4.....3 MIN
EXPO LINE..........KING GEORGE......4.....5 MIN
WEST COAST EXPRESS.MISSION CITY.....5.....5 MIN
EXPO LINE..........KING GEORGE......4.....6 MIN
CANADA LINE........RICHMOND-BRIGHOUSE....2.....7 MIN

DECEMBER 8, 2009........................5:15 PM


That would be awesome. It would make it so much more convenient for travellers.

[mr.x]

Why...oh why...is the Broadway platform platforms 3 and 4? Of the two stations, it's obviously the older one and the busier one.

[officedweller]

Probably has something to do with railway naming conventions - maybe naming them north to south or naming in a clockwise direction.

Travellers would not know the history of the station and would be confused by having platforms in a non-sequential order.

[twoNeurons]

Yeah, age shouldn't matter.

We're only now putting numbers on the platforms and putting a number based on how busy a line is seems weak... the M-Line one day could reflect higher ridership.

Besides, after renovations on platforms 3 and 4, the "Old" part of the station becomes the "newest" part anyhow.

[Dave2]

It's official, Expo Line gets platform 3 & 4.

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll81/DKazrolla/1da18ae6.jpg

They also started re-signing the high-level signs at Commerical Drive today ... or rather, Commercial-Broadway Platforms 1 & 2. Didn't notice the sign above, it must have been changed after this AM's peak. Can't use the no-smoking icon as a marker for where to stand when I know a 2-car MK-II is coming anymore, though you can see the bumps of the old sign underneath the new.

[Dave2]

the max frequency for skytrain is 72sec although 90sec is the recommended max.

Somwhere I read that they can shoot trains out of Waterfront every 75 seconds when they need to recover from a service disruption...

[lightrail]

Somwhere I read that they can shoot trains out of Waterfront every 75 seconds when they need to recover from a service disruption...

It's actually 45 seconds...

[lightrail]

Lamar Completes Next Phase of Transit System Digital Signage Advertising Network

Omnivex Corp. announced that Lamar Advertising Co. recently completed the next phase in the company’s extensive network of digital signage on British Columbia’s Canada Line of commuter transit.

According to the company, the digital signage deployment features more than 170 screens, in more than 40 locations on metro Vancouver’s TransLink public transit system, which includes ferries, buses, trains and subways.

Lamar’s Commuter Digital Network currently includes screens located on the Sky Train’s SeaBus, Expo, Millennium and West Coast Express transportation lines. This new phase of the deployment is on the recently opened Canada Line, predicted to be one of the busiest regularly traveled public transportation routes in Canada, with an estimated 100,000 commuters daily. The Canada Line connects Vancouver, Richmond and Vancouver’s International Airport, which will be a main line of transportation during the upcoming 2010 Winter Olympics.

The network is used to entertain and inform commuters with transit information, advertising, news, weather and sports highlights. “We now have Canada’s only full-system rapid transit network, the Lamar Commuter Digital Network,” said Byron Montgomery, vice president and general manager of Baton Rouge, La.-based Lamar. “The entire system is managed remotely using Omnivex software.”

A unique feature of the system is that it has real-time emergency messaging capabilities to instantly notify passengers. While Lamar manages the regularly scheduled content on the screens, the Transit Authority has the ability to post alerts and service announcements to desired screens as well.

“Using Omnivex software, different levels of notifications can be sent to any of the screens remotely by the various operational units within the Transit Authority, such as the police, fire or service departments, without Lamar’s involvement,” said Montgomery.

Omnivex Certified Partner CONTI Electronics Ltd., a full-service audiovisual system integrator, has been involved with the implementation of the network since it first began in 2007.

“We were contacted by Lamar early on to provide a turnkey digital signage solution including hardware, software, system design, installation and services,” said Colby Harder, president of CONTI. “We felt that Omnivex software was the only platform capable of meeting Lamar’s needs associated with managing such a large advertising network.”

By the time the 2010 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games commence in Vancouver in February 2010, Lamar expects to have screens on every platform and in every station of Vancouver’s public transportation routes.

“With the Olympics coming up, it will be an absolute home run for advertisers,” said Montgomery.

http://digitalsignageexpo.net/IndustryNews/tabid/317/smid/1236/ArticleID/1753/t/Lamar-Completes-Next-Phase-of-Transit-System-Digital-Signage-Advertising-Network-/Default.aspx

The busiest in Canada? What about the Toronto and Montreal Subways - surely they carry more? And Expo and Millenium - last tim eI checked, 270,000 was more than 100,000.

[mrjauk]

The busiest in Canada? What about the Toronto and Montreal Subways - surely they carry more? And Expo and Millenium - last tim eI checked, 270,000 was more than 100,000.

The quote reads "one of the busiest" not the busiest. Even if it's less busy than all of the Toronto and Montreal subway/metro lines, the Calgarhy C-line and the Expo and Millennium lines, it would still be top 10 in Canada, would it not?

[argon007]

<<please deleted>>

[SFUVancouver]

http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/7462/p1160154.jpg
http://creativecommons.org/images/public/somerights20.png (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/ca/) Taken by SFUVancouver, August 27th, 2009.

[windscar]

Hopefully the screens are loser proof:hell: , I'd love to see more buses in the next couple years use these on both sides. Where as the sidewalk facing one runs video, and maybe with audio, aids and the street side one has a static image that changes every minute or when the bus reaches it's terminus stop.

[BCPhil]

Something about that ad on the bus makes me feel like I should kick a soccer ball at it or body check it. Is it actually animated or is it just a bright "look at me" gimmick?

[deasine]

I believe TransLink is complete with the signage changes. Dkaz posted one photo earlier, but here is more. I'm surprised they actually "changed" the overhead signs: I thought TransLink would be inconsistent, as usual, and leave things half complete. Notice the quotes with change... Anyways:

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_2syn56cxREE/SpeRZ5YILbI/AAAAAAAAFh4/o1_Bw5VigXk/s800/P1080730.JPG
Photography by Deasine - Hosted on Picasa Web Albums - Creative Commons Protected

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_2syn56cxREE/SpeRhxqkNYI/AAAAAAAAFiM/M7PSAhF5QDA/s800/P1080735.JPG
Photography by Deasine - Hosted on Picasa Web Albums - Creative Commons Protected

Let's stop here. With the first photo, you can see they didn't change one portion of the sign, the one with the elevator as it uses the old Millennium Line elevator icon. Not a big deal, but they should've done the job completely.

My main issue is that if you compare the two photos, Platform 1 & 2 indicates the terminus stations (aside from Columbia) whereas Platform 3 & 4 indicates the cities. Huge inconsistency and could be confusing. To me, it should always be the terminus station.

The third thing is that "Broadway" exit is actually "E. Broadway." You can see in the second picture, the sign behind it even says "E. Broadway." Moving on...

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_2syn56cxREE/SpeRjrG4byI/AAAAAAAAFiQ/3P0nkirBafA/s800/P1080736.JPG
Photography by Deasine - Hosted on Picasa Web Albums - Creative Commons Protected

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_2syn56cxREE/SpeRwrzR9FI/AAAAAAAAFiw/hG3CxeshSiA/s800/P1080743.JPG
Photography by Deasine - Hosted on Picasa Web Albums - Creative Commons Protected

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_2syn56cxREE/SpeR1JT3t5I/AAAAAAAAFi4/icK4quXxPaI/s800/P1080745.JPG
Photography by Deasine - Hosted on Picasa Web Albums - Creative Commons Protected

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_2syn56cxREE/SpeR8M6TSBI/AAAAAAAAFjI/4CgLoC5AQp4/s800/P1080749.JPG
Photography by Deasine - Hosted on Picasa Web Albums - Creative Commons Protected

The new signs are incredibly glossy, huge reflection which made it really hard to take photos. They are, simply stickers, and they've stuck it over the old signs, as you can see outlines of the icons before. They've also didn't go back and indicate the important signs, like the way out of the station, replacing those with a Platform # sign. I'm not sure how useful is that to a person on the train: why would they want to know what platform they are on? They only thing they didn't replace was the Waterfront/King George signs, which don't necessarily need replacing anyway. The main issue is that when passengers follow those signs, they wouldn't know where to go next since the Platform 3 & 4 signs indicate the cities rather than the stations... Le sigh.

Like really, it doesn't take a professional to do this, it's simply logic. Or then again, maybe I'm just a professional :D

Of course, with TransLink, not everything is done:
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_2syn56cxREE/SpeRpltvk3I/AAAAAAAAFic/DhlMtOb6l_M/s800/P1080739.JPG
Photography by Deasine - Hosted on Picasa Web Albums - Creative Commons Protected

The good news is that this is the only sign that hasn't been replaced. All signs on Platform 2 are replaced.

Can you guys even see the pictures? I was too lazy to edit the image URL so I hope you guys can see it.

[mr.x]

Ugh, they can never get it right...


The actual designs aren't all that bad, though i prefer the older ones they are sticking it over. The use of different colours and font sizes to emphasize what is important, etc. Aside from the outlines of the old signs still showing, they are much better than the Canada Line signage.


lol, we should really get Translink to stop with their new signage installation and hire us to design it. I'm not sure if I'm being serious or not.

[deasine]

Two SkyTrain stations get one new name

Well, as some have already guessed, Broadway Station and Commercial Drive Station are getting a new name on Monday, September 7.

On the same day as the major bus service changes, Commercial Drive Station and Broadway Station will be merged into one and renamed Commercial-Broadway Station.

The name change is spurred by the launch of the Canada Line.

Since one Canada Line station is located on Broadway, emergency dispatchers have raised concerns about confusion between Broadway/City Hall and Broadway/Commercial station.

http://buzzer.translink.ca/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/commercial-broadway.jpg
A diagram showing the new platform numbering at Commercial-Broadway Station. Click for a larger version.
The platforms at the new Commercial-Broadway Station will be numbered to distinguish the four passenger boarding points, and will be used in our Trip Planner so you can plan journeys:

1 - Former Commercial Drive Station
Trains to VCC-Clark

2 - Former Commercial Drive Station
Trains to Waterfront via Millennium Line stations

3 - Former Broadway Station
Trains to Waterfront

4 - Former Broadway Station
Expo Line trains to King George;
Millennium Line trains to VCC-Clark

Bear in mind that none of this affects any actual train service. If you take the train at these stations, keep going as you normally do — nothing will change but the platform and station names.

Connecting bus services will now just refer to “Commercial-Broadway Station” instead of “Commercial Drive Station” or “Broadway Station.” Automated voice announcements on SkyTrain will also be changed to reflect the new names.

And if you’re not familiar with the platforms, numbered signs will be on each platform and signage will be outside the stations, directing you to the correct platforms in case there’s confusion. Station diagrams will be also available at the station itself and online. Here’s a handy pamphlet (http://buzzer.translink.ca/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/commercial-broadway.pdf) that will be on the system soon!

Source: Buzzer Blog, Jhenifer

[CBeats]

Can you guys even see the pictures?

I can't on any browser...

[deasine]

I can't on any browser...

Mr. X didn't have any problem... did you?

[windscar]

Can't see anything

[nname]

My main issue is that if you compare the two photos, Platform 1 & 2 indicates the terminus stations (aside from Columbia) whereas Platform 3 & 4 indicates the cities. Huge inconsistency and could be confusing. To me, it should always be the terminus station.

The problem is that M-Line uses both platforms, so using the terminus would be

Platform 1 & 2: Waterfront/VCC-Clark
Platform 3 & 4: Waterfront/VCC-Clark or King George :D

Both using cities, then... the M-Line doesn't really go anywhere that Expo Line doesn't go...

[Gordon]

Does any one have weekday boarding numbers for Toronto or Montreal, one would expect that they would be somewhat higher than Expo\Millenium ( 270,000\day)?

[DKaz]

Toronto - 1,246,000
Montreal - 1,067,000
Vancouver - 360,000 (Estimated for Sept 8, 2009, 270,000 E+M Lines + 90,000 C Line)
Calgary - 297,500
Edmonton - 53,400
Ottawa - 10,000

[twoNeurons]

One of the busiest... could mean one of the ten most busiest. :)

[lightrail]

Thought this was interesting from TTC website:

Busiest bus route in Toronto is the 29 Dufferin with 43,600 passenger per day - about the same as the 99 B-line with 44,000 per day

Busiest streetcar line in Toronto is the 504 King with 54,700 riders per day (about the same as Edmonton's LRT line)

Interestingly, if you add the 9 and 99 ridership on Broadway I'm betting it's the busiest corridor in Canada not served by subway or LRT. Toronto tend to have single routes serving their main corridors (with lettered branches). I don't believe Montreal has anything approaching these numbers, other than the Metro.

Also - the Bloor-Danforth subway carries 484,000 passenger per day; Yonge-University-Spadina Subway carries 672,390 per day; Scarborough RT 43,000 per day; and Sheppard subway 46,000 per day

[deasine]

Anyone else have problems with the photos?

[lightrail]

Anyone else have problems with the photos?

Me too - can't see any of them. Using Firefox.

[deasine]

Me too - can't see any of them. Using Firefox.

Fine... I'll change them... tada?

[Kwik-E-Mart]

Also - the Bloor-Danforth subway carries 484,000 passenger per day; Yonge-University-Spadina Subway carries 672,390 per day; Scarborough RT 43,000 per day; and Sheppard subway 46,000 per day

Not meaning to diverge away from the topic, the main difference between the ridership on the Yonge-University and Bloor-Danforth lines is the lack of high-density developments along the latter route - other than the Corbusian high rises between Main Street and Warden Stations and the bunch of commercial towers at Islington Station. That's something Vancouver has done right when building both SkyTrain lines. There is no need to explain further when considering developments around Main Street, Joyce-Collingwood, Metrotown, Edmonds, New Westminster, and Surrey Central-King George stations.

[deasine]

The problem is that M-Line uses both platforms, so using the terminus would be

Platform 1 & 2: Waterfront/VCC-Clark
Platform 3 & 4: Waterfront/VCC-Clark or King George :D

Both using cities, then... the M-Line doesn't really go anywhere that Expo Line doesn't go...

No...

Platform 1: Columbia (this is what TransLink uses) or Waterfront via Columbia
Platform 2: VCC-Clark
Platform 3: Waterfront
Platform 4: King George (also what TransLink uses, and at the platforms, indicate some trains are heading to VCC-Clark, but passengers are advised to change here for the Millennium Line)

Not meaning to diverge away from the topic, the main difference between the ridership on the Yonge-University and Bloor-Danforth lines is the lack of high-density developments along the latter route - other than the Corbusian high rises between Main Street and Warden Stations and the bunch of commercial towers at Islington Station. That's something Vancouver has done right when building both SkyTrain lines. There is no need to explain further when considering developments around Main Street, Joyce-Collingwood, Metrotown, Edmonds, New Westminster, and Surrey Central-King George stations.

Having said that, a lot more CAN be done, esp at 29th Avenue, Nanaimo, etc.

[twoNeurons]

Interestingly, when you think about it... The M-Line only goes East on the Expo tracks. Coming back, M-Line and Expo line trains are just "Train to Waterfront"

So, saying the M-Line goes to Columbia station (instead of Waterfront) is accurate, in a way. It's just that you don't have to exit the train to continue (on the Expo Line).

[SFUVancouver]

To really confuse things I noticed at Waterfront Station that the inbound (to Waterfront) SkyTrain Classic platform is called "Platform 1". Presumably the outbound platform (to King George and VCC-Clark) will be "Platform 2".

Something about that ad on the bus makes me feel like I should kick a soccer ball at it or body check it. Is it actually animated or is it just a bright "look at me" gimmick?

It is animated. It's a tv.

[officedweller]

To really confuse things I noticed at Waterfront Station that the inbound (to Waterfront) SkyTrain Classic platform is called "Platform 1". Presumably the outbound platform (to King George and VCC-Clark) will be "Platform 2".

Probably because future platforms will be to the north of WCE.
I guess WCE will be Platforms 3 and 4?

[Overground]

They've got it ass backwards at Commercial. Traditionally, railway platforms numbered 1 and odd-numbers are for inbound trains. They got Platform 3 right on the Broadway stn side but screwed up 1 & 2. Commercial should have Platform 1 on the southside/inbound instead. This would then jive with Waterfront Stn having Platform 1 inbound and 2 outbound, then everything is consistent and properly done.

[DKaz]

But when the Millennium Line gets extended down to UBC or at least Arbutus and gets segregrated from the Expo Line, UBC/Arbutus will be the new inbound direction no?

[officedweller]

Ultimately, I would consider the platform towards VCC-Clark as "inbound".

[cabotp]

They've got it ass backwards at Commercial. Traditionally, railway platforms numbered 1 and odd-numbers are for inbound trains. They got Platform 3 right on the Broadway stn side but screwed up 1 & 2. Commercial should have Platform 1 on the southside/inbound instead. This would then jive with Waterfront Stn having Platform 1 inbound and 2 outbound, then everything is consistent and properly done.


Actually they have it correct. Best way would be to imagine if the M-line ended at Sapperton and never connected with the E-Line. So the inbound train heading toward VCC-Clark and in the future possibly UBC. Would be the Odd number in this case 1. And the outbound train going to sapperton would be Even 2. The only difference is that the M-line just happens to be connected up with the E-line and you don't have to get off of it. Unless of course you are heading over to Surrey.

[Dave2]

It's official, Expo Line gets platform 3 & 4.

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll81/DKazrolla/1da18ae6.jpg

A few thoughts (apologies if I'm duplicating)

"Vancouver" is stupid.... You're IN Vancouver at this station, right in the middle. "Downtown Vancouver" would be better.

There should be mention of "Waterfront" and "King George"

The sign should be Expo Line blue, although otoh both lines pass through Platform 3 & 4, so perhaps the colour should be blue and yellow stripes :sly:

[allan_kuan]

A few thoughts (apologies if I'm duplicating)... (see above for rest of text)

I concur. Those signs should have the terminus listed, as well as any CITY that the line passes by and not the city that one is already in.

[deasine]

The 8 is also planned to use articulated trolleys starting in December, and not having to go as deep into the downtown core will improve its reliability.
Source: Buzzer Blog

[Gordon]

Starting Sep 7th the #8 route will terminate @ Cordova & Seuymour

here's another Comparison of Metro Capacities New York Subway 5.5 million \day

[fever]

Is there a system map in the main hall at Waterfront?

I noticed that tourists were getting lost trying to get on the Expo line and instead going to the Canada line. The Canada line entrance is, of course, more visible from the main hall than the Expo line entrance. There's a gold station directory sign when you walk in the front doors. Tourists gravitate toward it, then realize it contains no useful information. There should be a large system map in its place, or near that spot.

[deasine]

Is there a system map in the main hall at Waterfront?

I noticed that tourists were getting lost trying to get on the Expo line and instead going to the Canada line. The Canada line entrance is, of course, more visible from the main hall than the Expo line entrance. There's a gold station directory sign when you walk in the front doors. Tourists gravitate toward it, then realize it contains no useful information. There should be a large system map in its place, or near that spot.

There are, but they aren't very visible.

[Kwik-E-Mart]

There are, but they aren't very visible.

The only one that is quasi-visible is the map located after passing by the fare machines to the right (above the tourist pamphlets) when facing the Seabus terminal.

[metroXpress]

There are, but they aren't very visible.

It's the one you posted the other day, right?

[deasine]

It's the one you posted the other day, right?

I don't think I took a picture of that one. It's right by the TVMs on the Jugo Juice wall.

[CLC]

Today is the 7th anniversary of M-Line opening. Does anyone know about the official ridership figure for each previous year? I'm just interested to see about how the ridership grows...

[fever]

Most subway stations with multiple platforms have a shared room with TVMs and maps. This setup makes sense for new users: the station entrance leads to a room with maps and TVMs, and from here signs indicate which platform to use and where each line ends.

At Waterfront, the station entrance (i.e. the front door) leads to two separate entrances before the user encounters the maps or station lists that tell them which line to go to. The usual order is reversed. First, if the user only knows the station he's going to he has to guess which line to go to. Or worse, he may not realize there are two separate entrances. Also, if he does see the Canada line to the left sign above the Expo line/WCE/Seabus entrance, he may think he's going to the Canada line but end up on the Expo line. To be more legible, there have to be signs and maps in the Main Hall because that's where people have to choose a direction.

[deasine]

At Waterfront, the station entrance (i.e. the front door) leads to two separate entrances before the user encounters the maps or station lists that tell them which line to go to. The usual order is reversed. First, if the user only knows the station he's going to he has to guess which line to go to. Or worse, he may not realize there are two separate entrances. Also, if he does see the Canada line to the left sign above the Expo line/WCE/Seabus entrance, he may think he's going to the Canada line but end up on the Expo line. To be more legible, there have to be signs and maps in the Main Hall because that's where people have to choose a direction.

Well there are signs above right before the TVMs. The only issue is that it doesn't stand out as well. Thankfully at least, there are plans to improve the Waterfront hub, though that's not coming for a little while now.

[twoNeurons]

Funny story. Got on the Expo line at Granville and a man and two kids got on. However, a woman and a girl just missed the doors. She (presumably) was his wife. It was a scene out of a movie, with him having an angry Swiss German face and trying to saying something through the doors which I'd roughly was along the lines of "What are you doing! How could you miss the train!" (in German)

The two kids were more intent on looking out the front window of the train. I guess everyone knew where they were going because they didn't get off at the next station but kept riding it, but seeing things like that are why it's fun to ride public transit.

An yeah, whatever happened to ladies first?

[metroXpress]

^ oh...funny.

Similar story at the Canada Line YVR stn, but this time the man's wife got in the train first and she was waving at her husband. He didn't notice her and the doors were closing. So what she had to do is hold the doors open with the luggages. (I hope that doesn't do much damage to the trains) He still didn't take notice of her and I couldn't help but walk over and tell him that your wife is in the train waiting to go...

Of course, nothing happened to the door she held open, but on the other end of the train...one door wouldn't close and the lights were on. The train was there....for a minute or two with one door open, didn't depart the station. I quickly told the staff and they reset the doors....

All set now and ready to depart....

(no wonder there are always delays for YVR bound trains...)


STOP HOLDING THE DOORS OPEN PEOPLE!

[urbanizer405]

Funny story. Got on the Expo line at Granville and a man and two kids got on. However, a woman and a girl just missed the doors. She (presumably) was his wife. It was a scene out of a movie, with him having an angry Swiss German face and trying to saying something through the doors which I'd roughly was along the lines of "What are you doing! How could you miss the train!" (in German)

The two kids were more intent on looking out the front window of the train. I guess everyone knew where they were going because they didn't get off at the next station but kept riding it, but seeing things like that are why it's fun to ride public transit.

An yeah, whatever happened to ladies first?

Reminds me of an episode of the TV show Monk I saw recently where Monk is in a NYC subway station, gets grossed out by a public urinator, thus becoming disoriented and accidentally backs into a subway train. The doors close and he becomes separated from his nurse. Then he goes missing for four hours.

Also going back to the Broadway-Commercial thing, it seems it would be easier just to rename the station Commercial Drive. It seems so much simpler (but maybe not).

[argon007]

Reminds me of an episode of the TV show Monk I saw recently where Monk is in a NYC subway station, gets grossed out by a public urinator, thus becoming disoriented and accidentally backs into a subway train. The doors close and he becomes separated from his nurse. Then he goes missing for four hours.

Also going back to the Broadway-Commercial thing, it seems it would be easier just to rename the station Commercial Drive. It seems so much simpler (but maybe not).

Commercial Drive is not common for the people, because it is a problem for newcomer and people who like Broadway.

and i think Broadway-Commercial is better, not confused with Broadway-City Hall.

or Broadway Station in Expo Line and Millennium Line... with Vancouver City Hall Station in Canada Line (Richmond Line and Airport Line).

[BCPhil]

I think Broadway - Commercial is perfect and it should have been named that the day the Millennium line opened. The name shows to the rider that the stations are connected, so transfers between the lines happen there. It also names the 2 major roads that bus service is offered on: Broadway (9, 99) and Commercial (20).

Having separate names makes it seem like they are further apart than they are or that Commercial station is close to Commercial Drive, while Broadway Station isn't.

I guess there can be a bit of confusion as to which platforms go where, and numbering them might not help that much. I think Upper and Lower would have been good designations with Street Level for buses.

[officedweller]

Just makes me wonder whether we'll get a bunch of hypenated names on the UBC extension.

[mezzanine]

Funny story. Got on the Expo line at Granville and a man and two kids got on. However, a woman and a girl just missed the doors. She (presumably) was his wife. It was a scene out of a movie, with him having an angry Swiss German face and trying to saying something through the doors which I'd roughly was along the lines of "What are you doing! How could you miss the train!" (in German)


the canada line is neat - a few days ago, a german was teaching german phrases to a young spanish-speaking couple. they both had luggage and both heading for YVR. warms my heart.....:)

[fever]

I would have preferred Commercial as well. It's good that it's now being referred to as a single station at least.

I like short, simple station names, especially when it's named after the neighbourhood or a nearby landmark. Bway - City Hall should be just City Hall, 49th - Langara just Langara, Stadium - Chinatown just Stadium, etc.

[metroXpress]

Commercial Drive is not common for the people, because it is a problem for newcomer and people who like Broadway.

and i think Broadway-Commercial is better, not confused with Broadway-City Hall.

or Broadway Station in Expo Line and Millennium Line... with Vancouver City Hall Station in Canada Line (Richmond Line and Airport Line).


When the Broadway extension is built, there is no need to add Broadway to every single station.

You don't want to have somthing like:

Broadway-Commerical
Broadway-City Hall
Broadway- Oak
Broadway- Abutus
W 10- Alma
W 10- Sasamat
University Blvd-Allison



You get the idea :)

[twoNeurons]

Just makes me wonder whether we'll get a bunch of hypenated names on the UBC extension.

Lol! I can see it now:

"The next station is... East Broadway - Main St."
"The next station is... WEST Broadway - Vancouver City Hall. Transfer here for the Canada Line, YVR"
"The next station is... West Broadway - Oak - VGH."
"The next station is... West Broadway - Granville"
"The next station is... West Broadway - Burrard"
"The next station is... West Broadway - Arbutus. Transfer here for the Creme de la creme line"
"The next station is... West Broadway - McDonald - Kitsilano"
"The next station is... West Broadway - Alma - Dunbar"
"The next station is... West Broadway - Sasamat - Point Grey - University Golf Course"
"The next station is... University Blvd - UBC"
:D

[mrjauk]

the canada line is neat - a few days ago, a german was teaching german phrases to a young spanish-speaking couple. they both had luggage and both heading for YVR. warms my heart.....:)

That's something that I had noticed as well. It's a very effective conversation starter. Yesterday I asked a woman whether she was "coming or going" (as she had luggage with her). It started a lovely conversation about Europe, Croatia ("Oh, I want to go to Dubrovnik", she said), amongst others. This Canada Line will be better than Internet dating!:banana:

[mrjauk]

I would have preferred Commercial as well. It's good that it's now being referred to as a single station at least.

I like short, simple station names, especially when it's named after the neighbourhood or a nearby landmark. Bway - City Hall should be just City Hall, 49th - Langara just Langara, Stadium - Chinatown just Stadium, etc.

i agree with you mostly. Take Langara, for example. Everyone knows that the only Langard is on 49th, so it's redundant to add 49th to the name of the station. If there were a Langara at 57th as well, then it would make sense to add the qualifier.

I don't agree, however, with your view regarding Stadium-Chinatown. Adding Chinatown, in this context, is not redundant. It provides more information as the two are distinct destinations.

[mrjauk]

Lol! I can see it now:

"The next station is... East Broadway - Main St."
"The next station is... WEST Broadway - Vancouver City Hall. Transfer here for the Canada Line, YVR"
"The next station is... West Broadway - Oak - VGH."
"The next station is... West Broadway - Granville"
"The next station is... West Broadway - Burrard"
"The next station is... West Broadway - Arbutus. Transfer here for the Creme de la creme line"
"The next station is... West Broadway - McDonald - Kitsilano"
"The next station is... West Broadway - Alma - Dunbar"
"The next station is... West Broadway - Sasamat - Point Grey - University Golf Course"
"The next station is... University Blvd - UBC"
:D

I can't wait for the bolded part to become a reality! Here's one more potential announcement when the whole Millennium Line is completed.

"The next station is...Broadway-Commerical. Transfer here for the Expo Line, Downtown Vancouver, New Westminster and Surrey."

[CBeats]

I can't wait for the bolded part to become a reality! Here's one more potential announcement when the whole Millennium Line is completed.

"The next station is...Broadway-Commerical. Transfer here for the Expo Line, Downtown Vancouver, New Westminster and Surrey."

That already happens on trains coming from VCC-Clark, albeit not that exact message. :tup:

[metroXpress]

I'd be so happy if the VCC extension to Broadway-City Hall :)

Even if LRT was chosen for the rest of Broadway...

[DKaz]

A nice article in the Vancouver Sun about transit night shift workers, part of a week long series about Night Shift workers.

http://www.vancouversun.com/night+shift+Transit+workers+keep+system+running+while+city+sleeps/1951442/story.html

[metroXpress]

Saw one of the new Mark II's at King George Station. Expo line usually has more old Mark I's...but now I am seeing more and more Mark II's in service.

[CLC]

Forget TransLink's big ticket expansion for now
http://www.bclocalnews.com/news/56748447.html

[mr.x]

http://www.offthemarkcartoons.com/cartoons/2003-06-28.gif




Evergreen Line in 2018....woohoo!
UBC extension in 2030!!!
Surrey extension in 2050!!!!

[SpongeG]

why can't they just take what money is there and built whatever that will buy for now and than wait till the rest can be built?