24 replies to this topic

[Victoria Watcher]

After two years of feedback and design meetings, Metro Vancouver’s TransLink public transit system has unveiled what the newest generation of SkyTrains will look like.

 

Dubbed the Mark V, the first new cars are expected to arrive in 2023 for testing. Based on feedback collected in 2019, the new cars will take many design cues from the commuter’s favourite Mark III cars with some additions. The refreshed design hints at more flex space for bike racks and leaning pads, primarily forward-facing seating and improved on-train displays.

 

 

https://www.timescol...ew-look-4756005

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 14 November 2021 - 06:54 AM.

[Mike K.]

The province has unveiled plans for a 16km extension to the Expo Line, which will now run eight stations further than King George with a terminus in Langley at 203 Street. Completion is earmarked for 2028.

 

Details: https://www2.gov.bc....angley-skytrain

[Nparker]

Meanwhile, the CRD gets maybe another kilometer of "rapid bus lanes".

[Victoria Watcher]

May 11:

 

 

 

https://www.vancouve...t-needs-5358793

 

 

 

Two years after the start of the pandemic, TransLink ridership is still chasing pre-COVID-19 levels like a commuter hustling to catch the bus as it peels away from the curb.

 

February boardings stand at 64.5 per cent of pre-pandemic levels – up from 57 per cent in January – and the regional transit authority’s goal is to get ridership up to 80 per cent by the fall. 

[Victoria Watcher]

The addition of "family-only" compartments on public transit was among several ideas recently proposed to TransLink to increase ridership among women and female-presenting passengers.

 

The Surrey Board of Trade submitted five recommendations to the transit provider last week, addressing everything from fare costs to women's sense of safety on buses and SkyTrains.

 

"Women need to feel safe utilizing those modes of transportation," board president Anita Huberman wrote in a letter to TransLink CEO Kevin Quinn. "However, we know this is not the case as women face the fear of harassment and assault while using transit."

 

 

https://bc.ctvnews.c...rship-1.5902183

 

 

Huberman noted that members of the board have experienced those kinds of alarming incidents personally. Reserving cabs or compartments for families could "make riders feel at ease," and increase their likelihood of utilizing public transit, she added.

 

Other recommendations from the board included hiring more female staff, improving lighting at transit stops, doubling the length of a single fare to three hours, and conducting research into the specific transit needs of women.

 

Huberman cited a recent report on Canadian women's transit needs that found women are still "overwhelmingly responsible for the caregiving of children, elderly parents and other relatives," which can mean frequent trips across cities for appointments and meetings, on top of their day jobs.

 

Asked whether TransLink was considering the board's recommendations, the company said Quinn has reached out to Huberman to discuss the concerns.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 19 May 2022 - 06:56 AM.