Quote:
Originally Posted by ssiguy
BC Ferries refuses to implement passenger-only as they make a lot of money on the cars.
Even if the Massey Tunnel can handle the traffic {and with the tolls planned for it will be a real cash cow for the province which is probably why they are doing this in the first place} but how do they get thru Vancouver to the North Shore, Burnaby or downtown?
Also, due to them building the SFPR both under capacity and full of stop lights it won't be able to handle the traffic either.
Also there are a lot of walk-ons that use transit especially in the summer. How will they be served. you can't have them on buses to the Canada Line as it is already over capacity and has no extra room to spare especially with people with lots of luggage and camping gear.
BC is deliberately running BC Ferries into the ground. The more they cut service or make it more difficult to use, the lower the ridership and that gives them an excuse to further cut the service. Gabriola Island has had it's service cut so badly that the real estate market is in complete collapse. They actually stopped all ferry service after 9:00 pm, meaning you can't even go to a movie in Nanaimo and god help you if you work late.
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For people in half of Vancouver and Burnaby (and all of New West, Surrey, Delta, and Langley) it is easier to get to the 99/91 highway system than it is to get to Highway 1. There are 2 bridges crossing Burrard Inlet; there are about 5 bridge crossing combinations available to cross the Fraser. The SFPR flows really well (most traffic travels on it at 110+km/h), and could handle a lot more traffic, and the single light between the AFB and Tsawwassen is no big deal right now. A replaced tunnel with an 8 or 10 lane bridge will make getting to Tsawwassen a breeze compared to going over Burrard Inlet and up the upper levels. And I bet that an upgraded Massey will come with some new overpasses for the SFPR (as the preloading is already in place).
As for Transit, it is much more reliable out to Tsawwassen. You seem to assume everyone going to the ferries on Transit originates downtown and the 257 is the only bus they need to take. Just to get to the 257 most people and their luggage already have to contend with their crowded local service and probably Skytrain.
The Canada Line is under capacity outside of rush hour (ie most of the day) and the trains are designed for space for luggage. People are already bringing their luggage on board the train to the airport. Just get on a YVR bound train and there is plenty of room 90% of the day.
The bus from Bridgeport has dedicated lanes to the tunnel, makes a quick stop in Ladner, then heads straight to the ferry. No getting stuck in single lane traffic in the Park or on the LGB, no getting motion sick on the upper levels, no zig zagging through narrow local streets, and no damn locals taking up seats.
Commuters ride the 257 all the time. Commuters to Ladner/Tsawwassen have other, better buses for them to take, so there is more space for people who need that bus. I have missed the 257 and missed ferries because there are people riding it to their homes in Horseshoe Bay. It is also nice catching the bus at the Bridgeport bus loop as opposed to waiting for it on a busy street downtown.
Also, the 620 will wait at the terminal if the ferry is late. I've never been so fortunate with the 257 and late ferries.
Quote:
Originally Posted by casper
Also of interest is that the Coho operated by the Black Ball line was built in 1959. Why is it they can operate this ship for 50 years and BC Ferries struggles with ships that are younger.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MV_Coho |
BC Ferries still operates the Queen of New Westminster on the Major routes, she was built in 1963. The Nanaimo, Burnaby, Powell River Queen, Bowen Queen, Mayne Queen and Tenaka were all laid down in 1964-65. Many other ships still operating the smaller routes were built in the 1970's, including the Queen of Alberni on the Duke Point run. The North Island Princess was built in 1958. Keep in mind, BC Ferries started operating in 1960.
Also, the major routes, which we seem to be talking about, aren't struggling. The top two routes make enough money to subsidize the rest of BC Ferries operations.
As well, the Coho carries 110 cars, and in winter will make 2 or 4 crossings a day. The Coastal ships carry 370, the Spirit ships 410, and between the Mainland and the Island tomorrow there will be 46 sailings from 6 ships (with extras on Friday). And that is just the 3 major routes.
Comparing Black Ball to BC Ferries is like comparing my etsy store to Amazon.
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