[WarrenC12]

I thought that was interesting. A lot of people, apparently just don't want to pay the toll. When the PMB toll goes in, I wonder if it will be more or less than the GEB and if more, how many will take GEB instead of PMB to get to Coquitlam.

I'm not surprised at all. Sometimes people have extremely illogical financial thinking. It's like driving 20 mins and waiting another 20 in line to save 5c/L on a 40 liter gas fillup. ($2 for those keeping score.)

That, and we aren't used to toll roads around here, so somehow they are "expensive".

[cabotp]

It all comes down to the idea that time is worth money.

Some people put a higher value to their time, hence they take the toll bridge. While others just don't see their time being as valuable or the link between time and money, hence they decide to sit in traffic to avoid paying any kind of toll.

I'm also willing to bet there will be those lunatics who in the future to avoid the tolls on GEB, PMB, and Patallo will either drive all the way to the Mission bridge or over to the Alex fraser bridge. But like I said they would have to be lunatics.

[BCPhil]

Once the PRB is fully finished, using the GEB to get to Coquitlam will be a really good option.

There will probably be a lot of people who will decide to take that route to save time, especially once PMB construction kicks into high gear. I can see even people who don't like to pay tolls going that way if they are having a bad day and are a bit late pay the toll to avoid construction.

Taking the Marry hill bypass then going up to Lougheed might save a lot of time if you are going into Burnaby or New West too, especially once construction gets heavy on TCH.

[djmk]

Golden Ears Bridge a goldmine for TransLink


By Kelly Sinoski, Vancouver Sun
September 22, 2009 7:14 PM


In August, 330,000 vehicles travelled north to Maple Ridge while 313,100 headed south to Langley.

ksinoski@vancouversun.com
© Copyright (c) The Vancouver Sun

why would almost 17,000 people chose not to make it a round trip? That's about 545 a day. that seems a lot for looky-loos....

[cabotp]

^ Don't you know that once you've entered Maple Ridge you can not leave :haha:

[DKaz]

Probably because those commute from Langley to Coquitlam go via GEB to avoid the WB queue onto the Port Mann and return back to Langley via the free Port Mann since traffic is not as bad EB.

[twoNeurons]

Probably because those commute from Langley to Coquitlam go via GEB to avoid the WB queue onto the Port Mann and return back to Langley via the free Port Mann since traffic is not as bad EB.

That's exactly what a co-worker does. Remember, most people can control when they leave more than they can control when they have to be at work.

[cabotp]

I wished I could control when I leave :rolleyes:

But I don't think the company I work for would be very happy if I just packed up my tools and went home. Because I just wanted to leave early and beat the traffic. :haha:

[deasine]

Changes to GEB tolling rules means savings for customers

After monitoring customer experiences and looking at various issues since tolling began on the Golden Ears Bridge five months ago, TransLink has responded by updating its tolling rules.

Customers will no longer have to supply pre-authorized payment information in order to register for a Golden Ears Bridge account. By changing this one rule, Registered Video Accounts will now be able to be post-paid, similar to the payment options available to the Registered Transponder Accounts and unregistered accounts.

“Making these changes will improve customer service, improve operating efficiencies and clarify the business rules and operating policies around tolling”, said TransLink CEO Ian Jarvis.

“We want to make sure that everyone understands that they have the opportunity to cross the Golden Ears Bridge at a discounted toll rate, whether they make just a few or many trips across the bridge”, said Rosa Rountree, manager of the QuickPass Customer Service Centre. “Even if you think you will only use the bridge a few times a year, if you register for a Registered Video Account, you will receive a 15% discount over unregistered (pay-as –you-go) customers”.

For more information, please go to www.quickpasstolling.ca.

Via TransLink (http://www.translink.ca/en/About-TransLink/Media/2009/December/Changes-to-GEB-tolling-rules-means-savings-for-customers.aspx)

[WarrenC12]

Any update on the free rides for anybody out of province... :rolleyes:

[SpongeG]

still the same i would imagine

my friend got a bill for $7.80 for crossing it twice one day

[usog]

So uh...the golden ears bridge still doesn't exist on google maps...

[allan_kuan]

Hmm... (reports the issue to Google)

I suggest people send requests to add that on there.

[tGill]

the problem is not with google, google uses third party providers at least outside of the US.

Last year google switched from Navteq to TeleAtlas, a month ago Google in the US started using government and crowdsourcing data. Presumably they will eventually roll that out in Canada, but for now we're stuck with terrible TeleAtlas.

reporting problem to teleatlas
http://mapinsight.teleatlas.com/mapfeedback/index.php

dont expect any results though, I've been trying to get them to fix my street for years now, for some reason my block is RUE ___ instead of ___ ST, the rest of the street is correct.

[Bureaucromancer]

I wouldn't hold your breath in any case; it took them almost two years to get the Red Hill Valley Parkway added in Hamilton.

[Mininari]

:previous:
Yeah but they added David Avenue in Coquitlam within a reasonable timeframe. Maybe the completion of that project was timed better with their "regular" updates.

Re: out-of-province. I sure hope its the same as we drove over the GEB again last night on our way into town. Easiest winter drive on the TCH across BC I've ever done.... guess that is changing today though with the rain (coast) and snow (interior).

[WarrenC12]

Any news on how the tolling is doing vs. projections? IIRC, the payments Translink must make are about to start escalating.

[Spork]

FYI, the bridge is not yet on Google Maps, with the exception of a link to a Wikipedia article on it in its place. Did Translink forget to submit it to some mapping company?

[nname]

The bridge is already in the TeleAtlas database, but I think Google only get the data from them 4 times a year... so I guess the bridge will appear on Google Map in less than 3 months ;)

But the others such as Sea to Sky, Coast Meridian Overpass, new Pitt River Bridge, etc. are still not updated yet.

[invisibleairwaves]

The bridge is already in the TeleAtlas database, but I think Google only get the data from them 4 times a year... so I guess the bridge will appear on Google Map in less than 3 months ;)

But the others such as Sea to Sky, Coast Meridian Overpass, new Pitt River Bridge, etc. are still not updated yet.

That can't be right, the current Google Maps pic is much, much older than three months. I'd say it's at least two years old, if not more. Maps of areas like Clayton Heights and Walnut Grove are totally obsolete. The Street View car went through the area about a year ago, and it shows plenty of buildings and roads that simply don't exist on the overhead view.

I tend to be a little forgiving, after all they are trying to cover pretty much the entire world, and it's a free service, but it would be nice if they got a more recent image up.

[Pennywise604]

That can't be right, the current Google Maps pic is much, much older than three months. I'd say it's at least two years old, if not more. Maps of areas like Clayton Heights and Walnut Grove are totally obsolete. The Street View car went through the area about a year ago, and it shows plenty of buildings and roads that simply don't exist on the overhead view.

I tend to be a little forgiving, after all they are trying to cover pretty much the entire world, and it's a free service, but it would be nice if they got a more recent image up.

GEB is not the only area that hasn't been updated. The Queensborough Bridge/Howes St. Interchange are not updated. It still shows the old format from March 20, 2006, :sly: almost four years ago.

I drove over the GEB on Sunday from North Delta-Ridge Meadows... Less than 30 minutes each way, and I didn't want to speed at all, followed almost every sign. If there is no traffic, it saves well over 45 minutes of driving, there and back. It's well worth the $4 toll each way. $8 toll to save $20-$30 in gas, is well worth it.

[red-paladin]

The bridge and new roads are on Map Quest now. If only Google Maps would add it now.

[red-paladin]

The bridge is now on Google Maps!
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=golden+ears+bridge&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=32.335236,56.513672&ie=UTF8&hq=golden+ears+bridge&hnear=&ll=49.196513,-122.731705&spn=0.104098,0.351563&z=12

[jsbertram]

It's still amusing to switch to Satellite view with labels, and see the roadway lines and labels overlaying the satellite images showing early construction of the roadways.

ie: Golden Ears Way @ Lougheed showing the roadway supporting beams have just been placed over the highway.

[DKaz]

Clicking on "Avoid Toll Roads" does not reroute you to Port Mann Bridge lol.

And coming from say Hammond Road onto GEB routes you onto the transit only onramp.

Reported both to Google.

[BCPhil]

Clicking on "Avoid Toll Roads" does not reroute you to Port Mann Bridge lol.

And coming from say Hammond Road onto GEB routes you onto the transit only onramp.

Reported both to Google.

It seems to work now for "Avoid Toll Roads".

EDIT:

Google seems to have done some other updates. The road near my place that was a double cul-de-sac but now goes through has changed as well.

[nname]

Google seems to have done some other updates. The road near my place that was a double cul-de-sac but now goes through has changed as well.

The little residential street in front of my house now marked as an arterial :shrug:

Actually, they added a lot of arterials with this update... well.. at least my street is wider than that little one-lane bridge on United Blvd...

[Metro-One]

It is good that they finally have the GEB/W on Google maps now, but one portion of the map looks a little goofed.

The Northbound exit from the GEW onto Maple Meadows Way is not displayed as an off ramp. I am guessing maybe this exit is not maintained by translink but by the city :shrug:

It looks very confusing, for it is a proper offramp and one would think it should be coloured as such (and it does not simply jut out from the mainline as suggested by the map, but does more of a V separation (left lane straight, middle lane straight and exit, right lane exit).

http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=49.217453,-122.667407&spn=0.003262,0.007832&z=18

Same thing for the colouring of the on ramp northbound just north of the link.

I also see they still have the old Pitt River Bridge alignments, and of course no Coast Meridian viaduct. So many changes this past year in the North East portion of the region!

[red-paladin]

They still have waterfront road's ramp to the middle of cordova wrong, but it is better than before.
http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=49.288355,-123.117943&spn=0.003247,0.010986&z=17

[twoNeurons]

I saw the google car just after crossing that one lane bridge the other day. So, I guess that will be on the map soon.

[Pennywise604]

It's nice that Google finally added the GEB. Finally realized it's there, which is what I believe the police did as well this weekend. Three nights ago they were doing radar at 192nd @ GEW... :uhh: at 11:30pm... :sly: Does anyone else think that, that was complete and utter bulls*it? Those cops must be proud of their jobs, since every single car driving by would have deserved a ticket...
For the speed limit to be terribly slow for that stretch, and for cops to take advantage of that, is actual bulls*it. I can't believe I heard that, that's the cheapest thing I have ever seen police pull. I would bet that at 11:30pm, that traffic on GEW is moving between 90-120km/h... NOT 60!!! :yuck:

---------

I can't wait for Google Earth to finally add everything, the whole project was really well done, it's a beautiful bridge and flows incredibly well.

[Metro-One]

:previous: I completely agree, the entire GEW south of Lougheed (where it turns into 4 lanes) is easily driven at 100 to 110 km h. The 70 and especially the 60 zones are ridiculous, and should not be posted as such.

I hate it when police target such drivers. If one is travelling 80 to 90 along the GEW at 11:30 on a dry night that is not dangerous! That is simply driving for the conditions.

I wish they would spend their time tracking true dangerous drivers!

How many times do you see a driver travelling 150 down a busy street, or driving in the HOV lane during rush hour with no one else in the car and talking on their cell phone (as I saw today), or someone who blowing red lights and stop signs. Those are the people who should be given tickets.

Dangerous drivers! Not those driving for the conditions. (honestly, why is GEW 60kmh for the most part? It has no access points besides the major intersections, has good corners, long straight stretches and is even divided for much of its length).

[allan_kuan]

It's nice that Google finally added the GEB. I can't wait for Google Earth to finally add everything, the whole project was really well done, it's a beautiful bridge and flows incredibly well.

This is slightly off topic but does anybody notice that they took over their map data from the original providers?

Anyway, it's good that it's on there, although people might be misled into thinking it's not tolled.

[Pennywise604]

I learned the first time I ever drove down GEW, that 60 was just to slow. It's quite strange to be travelling at 70 and have someone pass you doing 120. At 11:30pm at night they're no red lights, no slowdowns of any sorts, and no reason for a slow speed limit. I really wonder why that was the decided limit...
They should have a variable speed limit for GEW depending on conditions. Because at 11:30 pm the speed limit should be 90-100, since 110-120 which isn't too fast for GEW, won't be a $400 ticket.
There really must be a legitimate reason why they decided on a 60-70 limit though...

[officedweller]

It's an arterial road, not a hghway.
i.e. like Cambie Bridge n Vancouver - I think it's limit is 60 km/h.

[tybuilding]

It is funny, when you zoom in to the bridge in the satelite view it Google calls the Fraser River the Straight of Georgia!

[Pennywise604]

It's an arterial road, not a hghway.
i.e. like Cambie Bridge n Vancouver - I think it's limit is 60 km/h.

GEW reminds me of Highway 10 through Surrey though. It's designed the same way with only the major streets having intersections. You'd think it would of been a designated Hwy like Hwy 15A or something.

[zivan56]

The BC ministry of transportation did a study a few years back and found our speed limits were ridiculously low for the most part compared to roads in the *same* condition/design in Europe (not brand new superhighways that were constructed there recently). The suggestion was to increase speed limits and bring in a new speed law which is based on road condition that allowed you to go faster than the limit on dry days, but likewise made you slow down when wet/snow...its called the "basic speed law" and is in place in some US states/worldwide.

[WBC]

Not enough traffic on the bridge - Tranlink looking at options.

http://tinyurl.com/2fj3px8

[SpongeG]

the port mann will be tolled when its done too right? so maybe than golden ears will be more attractive

[aberdeen5698]

Interesting. Golden Ears Bridge cost about $800 million and serves 20,000 mostly single-occupancy vehicles a day with revenues in the neighborhood of $3 per vehicle. Canada Line cost less than three times as much yet serves five times more people with similar per-ride revenues.

Something to think about when deciding what our next investment in transportation infrastructure should be...

[jsbertram]

I saw the google car just after crossing that one lane bridge the other day. So, I guess that will be on the map soon.

I thought the Google car (and bike) was used to make the streets views, and the 'birds-eye' views on Google Maps and Google Earth were made from satellite images.

[jsbertram]

It is funny, when you zoom in to the bridge in the satelite view it Google calls the Fraser River the Straight of Georgia!

Apparently the Straight of Georgia goes all the way up to Chilliwack ....

[invisibleairwaves]

Interesting. Golden Ears Bridge cost about $800 million and serves 20,000 mostly single-occupancy vehicles a day with revenues in the neighborhood of $3 per vehicle. Canada Line cost less than three times as much yet serves five times more people with similar per-ride revenues.

Something to think about when deciding what our next investment in transportation infrastructure should be...

If people had a choice between paying the Canada Line fare and taking an alternate route for free that gets them to the same destination, Canada Line ridership would be substantially lower. That's how it is now: instead of taking the tolled GEB, they're just going over the Port Mann and Pitt River bridges. Watch what happens to GEB usage when the new, tolled PMB opens.

And keep in mind the GEB was not built merely to serve current usage. The areas on both sides are relatively underdeveloped, but they're growing very quickly and the GEB was overbuilt to anticipate that. The Canada Line, on the other hand, was built only to handle current demand, and you can see the results of that every time you get on a packed train.

[aberdeen5698]

Watch what happens to GEB usage when the new, tolled PMB opens.

I actually think it will be interesting to see if the tolled PMB causes an increase in Expo line ridership...

I'm not disputing the need for the GEB or the Gateway project. But I think it's interesting that the public is in at least some sense getting a pretty decent bang for the buck with Skytrain compared to these highway infrastructure projects, and I think that's something that those who say Skytrain is "too expensive" need to consider.

[Stingray2004]

Most here likely don't understand the problem with the lower traffic counts on the GEB and connecting roadways. I can certainly understand those lower traffic counts.

At most/many times of the day the Hwy 7, Mary Hill Bypass, and the current PMB/Hwy 1 configuration may only be slightly slower travel-time wise than the GEB/GEW for many users. Ergo, why pay the damn toll?

If the GEB was a proper freeway-standard connector between Hwy 7 and Hwy 1 with a 100 km/hr design speed, then such a design would increase the induced demand/tolls as it would be a much quicker alternative.

But the current connections between the GEB and Hwy 7/Hwy 1 sucks big-time.

Translink relied upon some silly "context-sensitive design" (ie. rediculous 60 km/hr design speeds) requsted by locals at Translink's community meetings. Translink has no experience in the design of free-flow highways.

Too bad that BC MoT was not in charge of the GEB project. I suspect that had the roadways been designed to BC MoT design specifications (free-flow with much higher design speeds, the GEB traffic counts would not be an issue today).

Translink should just stick to transit. I hope that Translink will be removed from the future tolled Pattullo Bridge project - otherwise we will likely be facing the same lower traffic volumes in the future along that corridor.

[Metro-One]

:previous: Are you joking? I have used the GEW / Bridge many times and it shaves 30 to 40 minutes off my commute if I am going to Langley or East Surrey, and 20 to 30 minutes off my commute to White Rock / Ferries when compared to before it opened.

More than "just a minor" saving of time.

Most people don't think ahead, they think of the toll as up front cash but they do not value their time and / or realize the cost of gas they are using to circumnavigate.

Also, as said before, it takes time for new commuting and business patterns to emerge between two regions that have been largely separated since their creation over the last 100 years.

For goodness sakes it has not even been a single year yet since it opened, especially considering it was a year that took place during the largest recession since the 1930's!

And also, this bridge has been built for the expected growth to occur over the next 50 or more years, I am happy it is not overly jammed now, for that means it has lots of room to grow!

It is called building for the future, which many people here say we do not do enough of around here, and when we do, they cry white elephant! :haha:

[invisibleairwaves]

I actually think it will be interesting to see if the tolled PMB causes an increase in Expo line ridership...

I'm not disputing the need for the GEB or the Gateway project. But I think it's interesting that the public is in at least some sense getting a pretty decent bang for the buck with Skytrain compared to these highway infrastructure projects, and I think that's something that those who say Skytrain is "too expensive" need to consider.

Oh, absolutely. I'm totally in favour of Skytrain expansion, but there are definitely some highway projects that need to be dealt with too. A new Patullo bridge and a proper connection between the Queensborough bridge and Highway 1 are the big ones. Rapid transit might move more people, but you can't take heavy freight on the Skytrain.

[Pennywise604]

:previous: Are you joking? I have used the GEW / Bridge many times and it shaves 30 to 40 minutes off my commute if I am going to Langley or East Surrey, and 20 to 30 minutes off my commute to White Rock / Ferries when compared to before it opened.

More than "just a minor" saving of time.

Most people don't think ahead, they think of the toll as up front cash but they do not value their time and / or realize the cost of gas they are using to circumnavigate.

Also, as said before, it takes time for new commuting and business patterns to emerge between two regions that have been largely separated since their creation over the last 100 years.

For goodness sakes it has not even been a single year yet since it opened, especially considering it was a year that took place during the largest recession since the 1930's!

And also, this bridge has been built for the expected growth to occur over the next 50 or more years, I am happy it is not overly jammed now, for that means it has lots of room to grow!

It is called building for the future, which many people here say we do not do enough of around here, and when we do, they cry white elephant! :haha:

:D The exact same thing for me lol. My few commutes to Maple Ridge from North Delta would take well over an hour, especially during weekday nights. The old commute made me take Hwy 91, 91a, Columbia, Brunette, Hwy 7, MHB, Hwy 7. Imagine that on a Friday afternoon... :sly: GEB saves between 45-75 minutes round trip from the old way. It also saves at least $15-$25 in wasted gas from crawling along bumper to bumper. The $8 round trip toll means nothing when it saves an hour of time, and a fair amount of money.

One thing I wonder about the low usage of the GEB is the fact that Hwy 1 isn't upgraded yet. Wouldn't it seem to make sense that the reason people don't use it, is because they don't have a reason to if getting to Vancouver. The drivers that do use it every morning to get to the city, get on Hwy 1 @ Hwy 15, and sit in the parking lot into Vancouver. So why would they take it when Hwy 7 moves a lot faster... I don't know if this plays a role or anything, it just got me thinking because Hwy 1 is a horrible route to even consider in the mornings/afternoons. Once Hwy 1 is upgraded I'd expect a substantial increase in GEB traffic.

[Stingray2004]

Putting things into further context, the Richmond East-West Connector was also relatively lighty travelled when it first opened circa 1992(?) and within a few years thereafter compared to today's traffic volumes.

In addition, once the SFPR is completed and linked to the GEW, the GEB/GEW/SFPR combo will provide a much quicker mostly free-flow link to the Ferry Terminal, YVR, Richmond, Delta, and the south and west sides of Vancouver for Ridge Meadows/Mission residents and vice versa.


One thing I wonder about the low usage of the GEB is the fact that Hwy 1 isn't upgraded yet. Wouldn't it seem to make sense that the reason people don't use it, is because they don't have a reason to if getting to Vancouver. The drivers that do use it every morning to get to the city, get on Hwy 1 @ Hwy 15, and sit in the parking lot into Vancouver. So why would they take it when Hwy 7 moves a lot faster

Good point.

[cornholio]

Interesting. Golden Ears Bridge cost about $800 million and serves 20,000 mostly single-occupancy vehicles a day with revenues in the neighborhood of $3 per vehicle. Canada Line cost less than three times as much yet serves five times more people with similar per-ride revenues.

Something to think about when deciding what our next investment in transportation infrastructure should be...

Every truck you see go across benefits hundreds or even thousands of people. The new business opportunities created are even more valuable.

I can wager that the Canada line in the long run costs significantly more per rider, much more.

That though doesnt mean that the Canada line isnt needed along the particular route.

[cabotp]

Putting things into further context, the Richmond East-West Connector was also relatively lighty travelled when it first opened circa 1992(?) and within a few years thereafter compared to today's traffic volumes.

In addition, once the SFPR is completed and linked to the GEW, the GEB/GEW/SFPR combo will provide a much quicker mostly free-flow link to the Ferry Terminal, YVR, Richmond, Delta, and the south and west sides of Vancouver for Ridge Meadows/Mission residents and vice versa. Good point.

I do believe the East-West Connector opened in 1986 or 1985. Around the same time as the Alex Fraser Bridge.

[hollywoodnorth]

I do believe the East-West Connector opened in 1986 or 1985. Around the same time as the Alex Fraser Bridge.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Columbia_Highway_91

1989 the "East-West Connector" opened and Metro Vancouver got IMO it's first "real" interchange at 91 @ 99/Number 5 Road/Westminister Hwy

aka this puppy here >> http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=richmond+bc&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Richmond,+Greater+Vancouver+Regional+District,+British+Columbia,+Canada&ei=-aPwS6GyLIOAswOhk42rDw&ved=0CB4Q8gEwAA&ll=49.17389,-123.088996&spn=0.008515,0.022852&t=h&z=16

[SpongeG]

i think its just a matter of needing more people development to be more viable - good for the future - i think a lot of the people who used it when it was free probably don't use it as much - there was one woman they interviewed on the news at the time she lived in walnut grove and used the bridge to go to safeway cause it was nicer than the one in langley - i wonder if she still crosses to shop with the toll in place - and the many others probably like her

[BCPhil]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Columbia_Highway_91

1989 the "East-West Connector" opened and Metro Vancouver got IMO it's first "real" interchange at 91 @ 99/Number 5 Road/Westminister Hwy

aka this puppy here >> http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=richmond+bc&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Richmond,+Greater+Vancouver+Regional+District,+British+Columbia,+Canada&ei=-aPwS6GyLIOAswOhk42rDw&ved=0CB4Q8gEwAA&ll=49.17389,-123.088996&spn=0.008515,0.022852&t=h&z=16

AKA pretty much the only piece of freeway infrastructure that, for me at least, has never been a traffic issue. East West connector might crawl because of the S curve, and 99 might suck because of Steveston, but I've never been stuck in a jam at the interchange there. Going from 99 to 91 is usually the highest speed part of the commute.

[cabotp]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Columbia_Highway_91

1989 the "East-West Connector" opened and Metro Vancouver got IMO it's first "real" interchange at 91 @ 99/Number 5 Road/Westminister Hwy

aka this puppy here >> http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=richmond+bc&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Richmond,+Greater+Vancouver+Regional+District,+British+Columbia,+Canada&ei=-aPwS6GyLIOAswOhk42rDw&ved=0CB4Q8gEwAA&ll=49.17389,-123.088996&spn=0.008515,0.022852&t=h&z=16

Thanks I knew one part opened in 1986. But wasn't sure if the whole thing opened then. I knew it had to be open before 1992. Because I remember skipping class and going for a drive. :haha:

[cabotp]

AKA pretty much the only piece of freeway infrastructure that, for me at least, has never been a traffic issue. East West connector might crawl because of the S curve, and 99 might suck because of Steveston, but I've never been stuck in a jam at the interchange there. Going from 99 to 91 is usually the highest speed part of the commute.

Yup. Best part I've always liked. Is how it perfectly free flowed from the 99 NB onto the 91 EB then onto Knight Street.

[hollywoodnorth]

AKA pretty much the only piece of freeway infrastructure that, for me at least, has never been a traffic issue. East West connector might crawl because of the S curve, and 99 might suck because of Steveston, but I've never been stuck in a jam at the interchange there. Going from 99 to 91 is usually the highest speed part of the commute.

agreed....very well executed overall.... and it's BCMoT no less ;)

[Zassk]

Yes, Vander Zalm took good care of his constituents with that freeway. :)

[twoNeurons]

I thought the Google car (and bike) was used to make the streets views, and the 'birds-eye' views on Google Maps and Google Earth were made from satellite images.

Yes. I was speaking of the street-view map.

[go_leafs_go02]

Well I will be driving over it tonight for the first time since the tolls came into place.

Give it time, it'll fill itself out. Bet in 3-4 years you'll hear about GEW being a major traffic jam due to poor design and making it a local arterial road rather than a proper freeway crossection.

[cabotp]

Found this comment on the Buzzer Blog about the tolls on the GEW

http://buzzer.translink.ca/index.php/2009/05/golden-ears-bridge-will-officially-open-on-june-16/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TLBuzzerComments+%28Comments+for+The+Buzzer+blog%29&utm_content=Google+Reader#comment-86175

Having this toll bridge w/o a reasonable flat monthly rate for daily commuters is absolutely ridiculous and should not be allowed. It is taking food out of the mouths of minimum wage people who have to work split shift or share one car and both work different shifts. Going around is not always and option due to both time and gas costs and possible extra child care costs of lack of time between shifts or family usage of a car. That is undue hardship; nobody should have to pay more than $40.00 a month flat rate to use the toll bridge. I know someone who lives on very limited income and just got a bill for over $900.00 and has no way to pay it - that is totally off the wall!

$900 in one month. What was this person doing that get a toll bill of $900. That would mean in a 30 day month even if they paid the full price of $3.90 each time. That would still come out to about 7.69 crossing per day. That is every day for 30 days including Saturdays and Sundays. Now if they have a transponder. It means they made 10.9 crossing per day. Someone sure does love crossing the bridge.

[WarrenC12]

$900 in one month. What was this person doing that get a toll bill of $900. That would mean in a 30 day month even if they paid the full price of $3.90 each time. That would still come out to about 7.69 crossing per day. That is every day for 30 days including Saturdays and Sundays. Now if they have a transponder. It means they made 10.9 crossing per day. Someone sure does love crossing the bridge.

I call BS on that. Obviously this person (if they exist) has financial management issues if they are driving across a toll bridge this much. It's not as if it isn't advertised.

[bulliver]

^^ Find that highly suspect as well, but she never mentioned it was $900/month...do we know that they send the bills once per month? Or could that figure be for 3 months, or since the bridge opened?

If they do bill monthly, you should use these figures and respond to her in the buzzer blog....

[red-paladin]

Even if she drove across it 10 times a day, she still has to pay for it.
That's like running up a bar tab and then saying she has no ability to pay it.
Driving across the bridge is optional, like drinking booze.
Even if she works on the other side, she would only have to drive across it like twice a day, like everyone else.

[cabotp]

^^ Find that highly suspect as well, but she never mentioned it was $900/month...do we know that they send the bills once per month? Or could that figure be for 3 months, or since the bridge opened?

If they do bill monthly, you should use these figures and respond to her in the buzzer blog....

I just assumed it would be $900 for the month. Most bills are based on a monthly term. So I can't see why this would be any different.

I call BS as well. Or else we have the dumbest idiot ever.

My comment back was along the lines of well you could pay higher fuel taxes or higher property taxes, which would mean higher rent. Also as per her friends bill I didn't believe it. They should get a transponder if they don't have one. I also said that if all these crossing are work related in their own vehicle. That they seriously need to talk to their employer about getting reimbursed.

That last part is a prime example of why you should never use your personal vehicle unless you are getting some kind of reimbursement for work. Of course if you are self employed well then just reimburse yourself :)

[huenthar]

Plus, a year ago, the bridge didn't even exist. How ever did they manage to survive, if now people need to use the bridge regularly just to keep food on the table? :rolleyes: If they truly can't afford the toll, then carry on living just the way they were living a year ago, as if the bridge still didn't exist, and what exactly is the difference. If it's actually worth the 2.75-3.90 to cross, well now you have the option to do so. If you use the bridge regularly and afterwards decide that it wasn't worth the toll, then, NO sympathy. That's called 'being responsible'.

[aberdeen5698]

If they truly can't afford the toll, then carry on living just the way they were living a year ago, as if the bridge still didn't exist, and what exactly is the difference.To be fair, the difference is that a year ago she could have taken the Albion ferry for free. But I gotta say that it's hard to imagine taking as many trips with those ferries as it would take to run up a $900 bill on the bridge...

[go_leafs_go02]

I drove over a bridge twice well over a month ago, and have yet to be billed for it.

[red-paladin]

That is an interesting point.

Maybe she did drive across the bridge for months and just counted her luck that she never got a bill. Maybe she moved recently or something. Then when she finally gets the bill she is bitching. I still have no sympathy for that.

[cabotp]

I drove over a bridge twice well over a month ago, and have yet to be billed for it.

I'm curious are you registered and or have a transponder. Or are you neither and are going to be paying the full price of $3.90 / direction.

If you are register or this Betty person is registered. There is nothing stop her from going online to check what her current account is at. Meaning there is no excuse for not expecting this kind of bill. Especially if they have crossed many times. If I were doing that I'd start to wonder how much I owed and go and find out.

The none registered people might wait longer because the system as to tie their license plate to an address. Assuming the address is current as well.

[BCPhil]

Found this comment on the Buzzer Blog about the tolls on the GEW

http://buzzer.translink.ca/index.php/2009/05/golden-ears-bridge-will-officially-open-on-june-16/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TLBuzzerComments+%28Comments+for+The+Buzzer+blog%29&utm_content=Google+Reader#comment-86175



$900 in one month. What was this person doing that get a toll bill of $900. That would mean in a 30 day month even if they paid the full price of $3.90 each time. That would still come out to about 7.69 crossing per day. That is every day for 30 days including Saturdays and Sundays. Now if they have a transponder. It means they made 10.9 crossing per day. Someone sure does love crossing the bridge.

I don't even use my driveway that much in a day.

[go_leafs_go02]

I'm curious are you registered and or have a transponder. Or are you neither and are going to be paying the full price of $3.90 / direction.

If you are register or this Betty person is registered. There is nothing stop her from going online to check what her current account is at. Meaning there is no excuse for not expecting this kind of bill. Especially if they have crossed many times. If I were doing that I'd start to wonder how much I owed and go and find out.

The none registered people might wait longer because the system as to tie their license plate to an address. Assuming the address is current as well.

I'm not registered. I would pay my bill online instantly but I need an account number to do so. I just know the 407 in Toronto bills you within a few weeks.

It's not a big deal - just would like to pay it and get on with things.

[BCPhil]

I'm not registered. I would pay my bill online instantly but I need an account number to do so. I just know the 407 in Toronto bills you within a few weeks.

It's not a big deal - just would like to pay it and get on with things.

If you haven't been billed yet, try registering your vehicle. Just go to the quickpass website, set up an new account, register your make and licence plate. You can even set up a pre-authorized credit card payment, so when they do finally get to your car on the tapes, it'll cost less.

If you try to register your car's plates and it says you can't because the plates are used in another account, then that means they saw your car and the bill is coming in the mail soon. If it doesn't come, I would call them (but they don't really care until your bill is over $25, I had 1 toll on my account for 4 months and never got charged a penalty or interest).

[go_leafs_go02]

If you haven't been billed yet, try registering your vehicle. Just go to the quickpass website, set up an new account, register your make and licence plate. You can even set up a pre-authorized credit card payment, so when they do finally get to your car on the tapes, it'll cost less.

If you try to register your car's plates and it says you can't because the plates are used in another account, then that means they saw your car and the bill is coming in the mail soon. If it doesn't come, I would call them (but they don't really care until your bill is over $25, I had 1 toll on my account for 4 months and never got charged a penalty or interest).

However, if you register, you have to put like a minimum $25.00 in your account to start. I use the bridge like 2-3 times a year - no more, and won't ever use $25.00 period. I looked into it when the bridge opened, but whatever - it's not a big deal.

[cabotp]

Not sure if anyone has the answer to my question

My parents went away camping for the past few weeks. So they borrowed my brother and his families truck and trailer and lent them their car. Now my brother and his family have a transponder. So one day they wanted to cross the bridge and they installed the transponder in my parents car.

The question is who will receive the bill. My brother because of the transponder or my parents because of the license plate? Also if my parents are going to receive the bill due the license plate. Will they get the bill immediately or does quickpass wait until a certain amount is on the bill before sending it out?

[Whalleyboy]

i heard the transponder only works with the vehicle it is registered to. So if this is right your parents will get the bill.

[jsbertram]

i heard the transponder only works with the vehicle it is registered to. So if this is right your parents will get the bill.

I wonder if they discover the transponder & vehicle don't match, will they deactivate the transponder thinking its stolen?

[DKaz]

It's up to the owner of the vehicle to report the transponder stolen.

[go_leafs_go02]

Finally got my bill yesterday in the mail.

Took almost 2 months, but that's not really a big deal.

[SpongeG]

Bridge tolls rise a nickel

By Jeff Nagel - BC Local News
Published: June 30, 2010 3:00 PM
Updated: June 30, 2010 3:57 PM

Tolls to cross the Golden Ears Bridge will go up a nickel for most standard vehicles on July 15.

"It's been part of the business plan that there would be annual adjustments in tolls to keep up with inflation," TransLink spokesman Ken Hardie said.

He said the increases will also help ensure the toll bridge heads towards financial breakeven.

Regular cars will pay five cents more – those with transponders will pay $2.80 to cross, those who are registered but detected by video will pay $3.35 and unregistered users billed by mail will pay $3.95.

Small trucks will pay 10 cents more for a minimum of $5.65. Large trucks will pay 15 cents more ($9.55) if they're unregistered, 10 cents more if they are registered ($8.40).

There's no increase for registered motorcycles, but unregistered ones will pay five cents more.

TransLink executives had recently discussed the potential to introduce discounts in the tolls to try to drum up more traffic.

...

http://www.bclocalnews.com/tri_city_maple_ridge/tricitynews/news/97527954.html

[Mininari]

So far, the Port Mann / Highway One expansion project has not severely impacted traffic along the highway. They've been doing a good job of keeping things flowing. However, now that the speed limits are being reduced soon, and the pending arrival of September Traffic ("first day back" phenomenon); along with actual widening and paving work (mostly prep-work in the median until now) ... will enough congestion result as of this to force people to think twice about paying the GEB toll to get to the tri-cities?

I say this because a friend of mine who lives in PoMo, works in Langley is already doing this, and finds the cost-time trade off is worth it.

[jhausner]

You guys are finding some strange things with regards to the tolling. Maybe it's just me but I registered both my vehicles under 1 account and they toll me for every crossing within 1 month. It's a 1 month invoice every single time. Even if I cross just once I get the bill for the $3.whatever for that crossing on the next statement.

Not to mention I didn't pay once and they charged me interest on the $3.whatever so it ended up costing like $4 or something. I then set up automatic billing on my account so as the tolls are paid I get notified and they auto charge my credit card the toll. There was no minimum $25 or anything. It just happens.

No transponder btw. My dad has a transponder though and has it registered with multiple vehicles and there again was no minimum he needed on his account and they do the same with him, invoice him monthly and withdraw the tolls as he crosses automatically.

[BCPhil]

You guys are finding some strange things with regards to the tolling. Maybe it's just me but I registered both my vehicles under 1 account and they toll me for every crossing within 1 month. It's a 1 month invoice every single time. Even if I cross just once I get the bill for the $3.whatever for that crossing on the next statement.

Not to mention I didn't pay once and they charged me interest on the $3.whatever so it ended up costing like $4 or something. I then set up automatic billing on my account so as the tolls are paid I get notified and they auto charge my credit card the toll. There was no minimum $25 or anything. It just happens.

No transponder btw. My dad has a transponder though and has it registered with multiple vehicles and there again was no minimum he needed on his account and they do the same with him, invoice him monthly and withdraw the tolls as he crosses automatically.

Yeah, that's what I do. I registered my car (without a transponder) and they just auto charge my credit card once a month if I've done some crossings. No deposits or minimums.

[Mininari]

http://www.news1130.com/news/local/article/78361--golden-ears-bridge-costs-a-little-more-to-cross-a-year-later

Golden Ears Bridge costs a little more to cross a year later
Crossing by car costs five cents more compared to last year
Tamara Slobogean Jul 16, 2010 06:22:15 AM
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LANGLEY (NEWS1130) - When it first opened, it was supposed to make the morning commute easier for tens of thousands of local drivers. It's been a year since the first car crossed the Golden Ears Bridge, and the cost of that convenience has gone up.

If you're crossing by car, expect to dish out $3.95 - which is five cents more compared to when the bridge first opened. If you're taking a small truck over, you'll pay $6.75, or 10 cents more.

One man we spoke with explains a commuter is always pitting time against money. "I like it, I use it, I don't like paying for it. Which probably is pretty much what everybody says but it's all about how much your time is worth, really."

TransLink has always toyed with the idea of reducing tolls at a certain time of day, but there's no promises just yet. The transportation authority says the number of monthly crossings is rising - there were over 750,000 last month.

[Political_R]

It was too bad the route could not have been limited access from Highway 1 to GEB and Lougheed, across the Pitt, on the Mary Hill Bypass to Highway 1 on the other side of the Fraser. I think then the GEB would be quite a bit more used since it is barely used right now. I took the 595 two days ago and there isn't much usage which surprises me somewhat due to traffic backing up to Highway 15 for the Port Mann.

[SpongeG]

maybe not that many people need to get to Langley and vice versa to Maple Ridge

[Mininari]

The GEB doesn't really work that well for morning commuters who want to get to vancouver or burnaby. By the time one deals with the at-grade intersections along Lougheed, the at-grade intersections along the Mary Hill bypass, and get back onto hwy 1... the remaining time savings probably don't equal up to the toll.

But it would be good for those getting to Poco / Coquitlam / Maple Ridge / Pitt Meadows / Port Moody.

[go_leafs_go02]

:rolleyes: The GEB doesn't really work that well for morning commuters who want to get to vancouver or burnaby. By the time one deals with the at-grade intersections along Lougheed, the at-grade intersections along the Mary Hill bypass, and get back onto hwy 1... the remaining time savings probably don't equal up to the toll.

But it would be good for those getting to Poco / Coquitlam / Maple Ridge / Pitt Meadows / Port Moody.

Once again, it's all for future growth. Both sides of the river there have amazing potential for growth in the next few decades. There's limited travel right now, but no one in their right mind would ever take the Albion Ferry on their way to commute at peak times. Traffic is still rising, and I'm sure eventually it'll be noted quite regularily on traffic reports for congestion.

Still don't know how in their right minds they made the Langley side all 60-km/h arterial roadways instead of doing it properly with a good freeway connection. They did that on the Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows side pretty good, just they screwed up with 200 Avenue/201 Avenue, and the connection to 96 Avenue. 200 Avenue interchange is already at/near capacity, with queues sometimes dangerously reaching Highway 1 mainline traffic. I fear for when bridge traffic increases, what safety concerns will occur there. - Still can't believe they limited themselves with the geometry of that interchange by selling the quadrants for development.

[Zassk]

Future growth is all well and good, but wouldn't this bridge have looked great beside the SkyBridge in New Westminster in 2009?

[go_leafs_go02]

The Golden Ears bridge has been closed both ways for hours due to a police situation on the Langley side. As of 10:30 a.m. traffic was blocked off so police could deal with an emotionally distraught man who had managed to climb over the suicide barriers and up on to one of the towers.

Police have been trying to talk the man down as he was seen hanging on by one arm onto one of the cable wires. Traffic on Highway One is completely jammed heading westbound and 200 Street and 96 Avenue and other feeder routes to the bridge are backed up and at a standstill as of 2:30 p.m.

http://www.bclocalnews.com/news/98848404.html

So today is a perfect day to observe how traffic conditions have changed in the last year with the bridge opening.

[SpongeG]

people i know on facebook were talking about it - one said there was a 4 hour wait - the other person said they should have just jumped already stop holding up traffic

[Metro-One]

It is such a nice day today I rode my bike across the Golden Ears today and took a few pics on the way. On my bike ride there were another 10 or so cyclists, plus even a few joggers crossing the bridge as well, so it seems the bike lanes on it are catching on ;)

The traffic as well appears to be becoming heavier with many commercial vehicles using it (container trucks, dump trucks, farming supply vehicles, etc...)

That is actually an amazing benefit of the Golden Ears bridge is it properly connects the ALR lands north of the river of the ALR lands south of the river in the area.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4122/4883447221_03f85b0255_b.jpg


http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4101/4883448087_0873788eee_b.jpg


Looking back north to Maple Ridge and the Golden Ears Way (and the airport road interchange)

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4094/4883446517_b26ae82ff8_b.jpg


http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4116/4884048648_92e88da613_b.jpg


The kick ass bike lane exit ramp south bound on the south side of the bridge.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4080/4884048458_dd975020ca_b.jpg


under the south side approach viaduct

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4118/4884044158_d50d98f477_b.jpg


The south side approach viaduct looking north (after the 200th st interchange)

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4135/4884044866_a90a748f8e_b.jpg


Looking south to the 200th St. Interchange, BC's most impressive / Japanese looking elevated road structure IMO.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4883443883_10c18bc885_b.jpg

All pics are my own!

My flickr account http://www.flickr.com/photos/30634635@N03/

Cheers!

[vanman]

Sweet pics! And I love your enthusiasm for local bridges.

[aberdeen5698]

Very nice pictures, and I really appreciate the descriptions to put them in context.

Thanks for posting!

[Metro-One]

Thanks guys! I don't know why but I just love bridges. I want to eventually get detailed photos of all the major bridges in Metro-Van, for we have a very nice stock of bridges in our city! We are lucky, because not every city has such large / interesting and numerous bridges (example, Toronto).

Riding the Golden Ears is a good bike ride, I highly recommend it! What is also interesting is from the west side bike path (both sides of the bridge have pedestrian / bike access which is also nice) you can see the new Pitt River Bridge and the new Port Mann rising.

[cabotp]

Not sure if anyone has the answer to my question

My parents went away camping for the past few weeks. So they borrowed my brother and his families truck and trailer and lent them their car. Now my brother and his family have a transponder. So one day they wanted to cross the bridge and they installed the transponder in my parents car.

The question is who will receive the bill. My brother because of the transponder or my parents because of the license plate? Also if my parents are going to receive the bill due the license plate. Will they get the bill immediately or does quickpass wait until a certain amount is on the bill before sending it out?

Just a update on my question.

Well my brother got the bill with the discount. So it seems that even though the transponder is in a different vehicle it doesn't matter.

Although we are waiting to see if my parents might get billed as well. Basically a double bill with my brother paying the transponder rate, then my parents getting a bill for the full rate. So far no bill has shown up yet.

Also even though the vehicle is different the class of vehicle is the same. Which is probably why the transponder still worked. But I wonder what would happen if you took a transponder from one class of vehicle and put it in another class of vehicle.

[Stingray2004]

Looks like traffic counts on the GEB are slowly but surely edging up.

July, 2009 - 19,600 daily average
July, 2010 - 25,700 daily average

... which represents a 31% increase July, 2010 over July, 2009

http://www.translink.ca/~/media/documents/about%20translink/media/2010/gebgraph.ashx?w=475&h=251&as=1

http://www.translink.ca/en/About-TransLink/Media/2010/August/One-Year-On-Steady-growth-continues-on-Golden-Ears-Bridge.aspx

I'd wager that once the SFPR expressway is connected to GEW/GEB with direct connections to the Ferry Terminal/YVR as well as the adjacent western municipal areas that GEB traffic will witness a spike upward with additional latent demand.

[hollywoodnorth]

Looks like traffic counts on the GEB are slowly but surely edging up.

July, 2009 - 19,600 daily average
July, 2010 - 25,700 daily average

... which represents a 31% increase July, 2010 over July, 2009

http://www.translink.ca/~/media/documents/about%20translink/media/2010/gebgraph.ashx?w=475&h=251&as=1

http://www.translink.ca/en/About-TransLink/Media/2010/August/One-Year-On-Steady-growth-continues-on-Golden-Ears-Bridge.aspx

I'd wager that once the SFPR expressway is connected to GEW/GEB with direct connections to the Ferry Terminal/YVR as well as the adjacent western municipal areas that GEB traffic will witness a spike upward with additional latent demand.

let alone once the new Port Mann opens and is tolled I think ALOT of people having to choose between two tolled routes will have less "issues" taking the GEB.

[WarrenC12]

That is very impressive growth in 2010. Could be due to people discovering it, a bit of the economy bounce back, and increased delays thanks to PMB construction.

What were the initial estimates for 1 year in?