Quote:
Originally Posted by raisethehammer
yea, that's weird. Why not just run the train right on the same lanes that used to be for the BRT?? Leave all the trees and flowers etc....
Obviously the train is a step up from BRT, but doing it overhead like that and creating an ugly street would seem to be a step back.
Great info though.
I really hope Hamilton pursues street level LRT. Would revolutionize this city like most people can't fathom unless you've experienced the before/after - effects in a place like Portland or Denver.
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Vancouver is accustomed to using automatic trains only, as it saves quite a bit from operation costs and it allows for greater frequency.
There was an at-grade option down the BRT lanes that was proposed by the City of Richmond, but city planners seemed to have completely forgotten that this would have meant automatic trains were running at street level with cars and pedestrians, through intersections. It would've been very expensive and dangerous.
LRT was also too slow. Vancouver doesn't have rail corridors that allow for fully grade separation. It would have meant the LRT would not be able to go at the desired high speeds, like SkyTrain.
So instead, the 19-km Canada Line is tunneled (9kms), elevated (7-kms), and fully-grade separated ground level (2-kms). With 16 stations and with its own ROW, it means travel time will be 25-minutes from terminus to terminus. With LRT, it would probably be close to 40-45 minutes.
A key factor in the decisions made was to make it a competent alternative to the car. On the same route during most times of the day, it would take you at least 40-50 minutes by car.
LRT vs. SkyTrain comparison in 2004 before the decision was finalized for elevated.
