From Jhen at the Buzzer:
Higher SeaBus frequencies canceled as originally planned with introduction of third vessel
Translink ops to retire one of older ferries instead; new-build program for SeaBus
From fleet management:
-The Burrard Pacific Breeze was originally intended to expand the fleet during the Olympics, then the Otter and Beaver would be taken out of service to perform major refit work to them, and after all was said and done, we would have three good vessels.
-The cost (and risk) of the refits on the Otter and Beaver, when we got our quotes in, were far too expensive to justify when compared to the cost of new-builds.
-As a result, we have moved forward with canceling the refit program, and turning it into a new-build program.
-We would like to build two new vessels, so that we can offer 3-SeaBus service (as we’d originally planned), but TransLink’s funding situation has reprioritized this– 2 SeaBuses is “good enough” if we’re not moving forward with the full expansion plan.
-As to why TransLink had originally planned for 3, but now can’t afford it:
our expert’s cost estimates for refitting the two existing vessels was far too low, resulting in much more money needing to be allocated to the project, money which TransLink doesn’t have.
Under the 2010 10-Year Plan,
adopted by the TransLink Board on July 29, 2009, TransLink has committed to replacing both SeaBus vessels. TransLink had originally considered overhauling the SeaBus vessels however a cost analysis concluded the extended lifespan of the vessels did not justify the cost of the overhaul.
One of the replacement vessels has already arrived and will go into service during the Fall of 2009.
During the Olympics TransLink will operate three SeaBus vessels, providing 10 minute service frequencies. After the Olympics one of the older SeaBus vessels will be retired and service will revert to pre-Olympic levels. Under the 2010 10-Year Base Plan the remaining older SeaBus vessel will be replaced. If TransLink operates under the ‘On Track to a Sustainable Region’ supplemental plan then a third SeaBus vessel will be purchased, allowing for improved service levels similar to those planned for the Olympics.
1,377 new vehicles does sound like a lot however there are a few key points to consider:
- 40-foot conventional vehicles have a 17 year lifespan. Between 1995 and 2001, BC Transit/TransLink purchased over 500 conventional 40-foot buses, all of which will have to be replaced over the course of the next 10 years.
- 773 (over half) of the 1377 new vehicles outlined in the Base 2010 10-Year Plan are Community Shuttle and HandyDART vehicles. These vehicles have a shorter lifespan (7 years for Community Shuttle and 6-8 years for HandyDART). Many of these vehicles will have to be replaced twice over the course of the 10-Year Plan.
- Not all vehicle types are the same cost. Smaller vehicle types, such as Community Shuttles and HandyDART vehicles are approximately half the cost of a conventional 40-foot bus.
The new SeaBus ferry is now in water. This won't be the third ferry, instead it'll be a replacement of either the Beaver or the Otter.
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