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Brad Jacobsen, BC Paraplegic Assoc., talks about what accessible transit means to him

Robert Willis - Buzzer Editor — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 19:10:54 +0000

Brad Jacobsen is with the BC Paraplegic Association's Peer Program

Access Awareness Day was last Saturday, but TransLink has been focusing on accessible transit all last week and into this week with public events like the one at Metrotown tomorrow, June 8 at 10a.m. – 2p.m., and the Seniors Transit Program on June 9 and 16 from 9a.m. to 3p.m.

As part of our accessibility focus, I wanted to chat with someone who uses a wheelchair and knows our transportation system intimately. Brad Jacobsen is with the BC Paraplegic Association’s Peer Program. He’s also the creator of the Bus Stop Hop, an annual event that teams up able-bodied people with people who use mobility aids to partake in an Amazing Race-style competition on public transit.

It’s a pretty cool race with an aim to help people in need of accessible transit overcome their fear of it and for able-bodied people to better understand what accessible transit is all about.

Here is an excerpt from our conversation:

Brad, tell me about your injury and what happened afterwards.

I broke my neck on the May Long Weekend in 1994 in a diving accident. I dove into a glacier river in Pemberton trying to get a Frisbee. I was instantly paralyzed and left floating in the spring run off. I was able to hold my breath until a friend got me. My life took a different direction after that. I was 24 and was just accepted into BCIT’s broadcast journalism program and was thinking of becoming a teacher one day.

You know, when I finally realized what had happened, I faced my challenge head on. I thought I could overcome my disability. So I just pushed myself and did as much as I could as fast as I could. I moved out as soon as I finished rehabilitation, I got my own place and I got a job with BC Ferries.

Tell me about the challenges you face with mobility.

Working at BC Ferries, I worked eight days on/four days off without the use of the HandyDart system. At the time, it was difficult to get across boundaries, so I had to use accessible transit, which back in 1994 was still new. Not all the buses were accessible. Often, I had to wait for long periods of time when buses were full or broken down. I was often the first in line, but I wouldn’t be able to get on when the able bodied people behind me could. My eight-hour days at work were 11 hours if there weren’t any problems. Managing all the things you have to do as a quadriplegic with a spinal cord injury and being at work… was challenging but worth it.

What’s the Bus Stop Hop all about?

One of the main challenges with trying to have events was people [with physical challenges] saying that they can’t get there. There was always the excuse of no transportation, yet right under our noises was this amazing transportation system.

We were always trying to do creative things, trying to make people learn and gain confidence in a fun way. That was about the time when the Amazing Race was popular on TV, so we created an event that took the mystique out of the transit system. We got people in wheelchairs paired with a peer in a wheelchair, along with people from TransLink and a friend or family member to make teams of four. They race around the city in four different modes of transportation. Three modes are directly related to TransLink, the SeaBus, SkyTrain, and the bus system. We also incorporated the Aquabus in False Creek. We created this fun scavenger hunt/race around Metro Vancouver including Burnaby, Metrotown, and UBC. We’re going to have 15 teams this year. All the trolley buses have been accessible since 2008, so that makes the race even bigger [than earlier years]. Now, we also incorporate the Canada Line.

In this 10th year, we want to invite more executives and community partners. In the past, we have had a lot of participation from upper management at TransLink.

When is it this year?

This year it will be on August 7th, 2011. We’ll have some people who competed last year and some new people. We’ll have some people who are very competitive and some that just want to overcome their fears and just get on a bus. Having someone get on a bus on a crowded weekend along with able-bodied people can illustrates the difficulties people with physical challenges have when using transit.

Thanks for taking the time to speak with me, Brad!

Brad told me that the teams for this year’s Bus Stop Hop have not yet been finalized, so do check out the Bus Stop Hop page on the BC Paraplegic Association website. And remember that if you’d like to try out getting on a bus in a wheelchair or using a bike rack, come on down to Metrotown tomorrow, June 8, 2011, for the accessible bus trail between 10AM and 2PM. See you there!

Canada Line poll results

Jhenifer Pabillano - Buzzer Editor — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 23:23:18 +0000

Last week’s fun post asked what you thought of the Canada Line, one year on.

And after 173 votes, 92% said “Thumbs up” to the Canada Line service! 6% said “Thumbs down,” and 2% hadn’t had a chance to ride it yet.

In the comments, lots of people said they liked the line, but had a few qualms. Here’s Ed:

Overall, it is a winner in my books. Before the Canada Line was even thought of, I could not have imagined going from Richmond to downtown Vancouver in under half an hour. It is extremely convenient, especially for a student like myself. I do agree that the station layouts is a bit questionable, a 3rd car would have been nice. It can be a bit frustrating during peak hours, and 7 min waits in Richmond (14 mins at night!) is kind of irritating. Hopefully that can be solved in the near future.

And many had questions about future expansion, and wanted more investment in projects like these. Here’s Chris:

The trains are great. I like the smooth ride and the extra space for luggage and bikes. It’s amazing how quickly you can get from downtown to the airport.

I wish more money would have went into the planning and construction of the stations – the platforms are way too short and the architecture is very grey, concrete, bland. I know the government wanted to save money, but it was short-sighted.

Fair enough: this is something we do hear, and it’s definitely useful advice for future projects. Check out all the comments here!

The Canada Line bike and pedestrian bridge turns one too

Jhenifer Pabillano - Buzzer Editor — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 19:00:13 +0000

The Canada Line bike bridge is one as well!

Let’s not forget that the Canada Line bike and pedestrian bridge turned one this month as well!

The bridge formally opened on August 14, 2009: here’s the Buzzer blog post about the opening.

So far, the bridge seems to be humming along nicely. Counters installed on the bridge in January 2010 have tracked 73,469 bike trips across the bridge, as of August 12, 2010. The counters also show that 52% of the trips are into Vancouver and 48% are into Richmond.

Happy birthday, Canada Line bike and pedestrian bridge—here’s to another year of bike and walking traffic!

Canada Line turns one: photos from the opening, part 4

Jhenifer Pabillano - Buzzer Editor — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 16:00:41 +0000

People in the lineup wave while waiting at Lansdowne Station. Taken August 17, 2009.

As mentioned, in honour of Canada Line’s one-year anniversary on August 17, I’ve dug up some little-seen photos from opening day. It turns out we have a lot of photos, so I’ve posted them in four installments over the week!

This is part four, with pictures from the Lansdowne, Richmond-Brighouse, and YVR Airport Stations. (Here’s part 1, part 2, and part 3 in this series.)

Again, this is just a small sample of many: see the full gallery of photos in this Flickr set!

Lansdowne Centre offered free horse-drawn carriage rides on opening day. Taken August 17, 2009.

Paralympians played a demonstration wheelchair basketball game outside of Lansdowne Station. Taken August 17, 2009.

A pretty shot of the lineup at Lansdowne Station. Taken August 17, 2009.

Mayor Malcolm Brodie and Richmond city councillors cut the ribbon to open Richmond-Brighouse Station. Taken on August 17, 2009.

The first wave of riders heads up the stairs to the platform at Richmond-Brighouse Station. Taken on August 17, 2009.

The lineup at YVR-Airport. Taken August 17, 2009.

The lineup at YVR-Airport snaked all the way into the airport! Taken August 17, 2009.

On opening day, the airport displayed two Lego models of Canada Line stations, made by local Lego fans. Taken August 17, 2009.

For more, feel free to check out some first day stories, a roundup of opening day photo and video, and some past Buzzer posts about the construction of the line. As well, here’s the schedule and activity map from opening day!

Canada Line and the Olympics

Jhenifer Pabillano - Buzzer Editor — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 20:00:45 +0000

The lineup for the Canada Line at about 4 p.m. on Wednesday, February 17.

Well, the Olympics have been a huge part of Canada Line’s history so far, so I thought I’d put together a few photos that capture the Canada Line Olympic experience.

For the 17-day Games period, the Canada Line carried over 3,881,986 passengers, with the most ever riding on Friday, February 19: 287,000 riders! Towards the end of the Olympics, the full set of 20 trains was deployed to handle the huge crowds, and most everyone seemed to have a good time, despite the close quarters on the cars. (For some more detail and stats about the Canada Line, check out this post from the APTA Rail conference. For more Olympic transit stats, see this press release.)

A few more photos follow. Enjoy!

A packed train car during the Olympics!

The LED displays cheer on Canada's Olympic team.

Crowds rush out of Richmond-Brighouse Station, heading for the O-Zone entertainment zone.

Curling crowds line up outside King Edward Station, waiting their turn for a trip.

The Canada Line lineup inside Waterfront Station.

Riders in costume approach Aberdeen Station.

A transit host helps a passerby!

A full train car heading into downtown Vancouver on the last day of the Olympics.

Canada Line turns one: photos from the opening, part 3

Jhenifer Pabillano - Buzzer Editor — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 16:00:44 +0000

The lineup at Oakridge-41st for the Canada Line opening. Taken August 17, 2009.

As I’ve mentioned, in honour of Canada Line’s one-year anniversary on August 17, I’ve dug up some little-seen photos from opening day. It turns out we have a lot of photos, so I’ll be posting them in four installments over the week!

This is part three, with pictures from Oakridge-41st, Langara-49th, and Bridgeport Stations. (Here’s part 1, part 2, and part 4 in this series.)

Again, this is just a small sample of many: see the full gallery of photos in this Flickr set!

A Canada Line attendant jokes with the crowd at Oakridge-41st Station. Taken August 17, 2009.

Langara College held a barbecue on campus to celebrate the Canada Line opening. Taken August 17, 2009.

Staff at the Langara-49th booth. Taken August 17, 2009.

The lineup at Bridgeport Station. Taken August 17, 2009.

Canada Line postcard mosaics

Jhenifer Pabillano - Buzzer Editor — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 20:00:18 +0000

Postcard mosaic of Marine Drive Station by Christian.

For the Canada Line anniversary, Christian sent along a link to postcard mosaics he’s put together for each station. Enjoy!

Canada Line turns one: photos from the opening, part 2

Jhenifer Pabillano - Buzzer Editor — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 16:00:57 +0000

Mayor Gregor Robertson cuts the ribbon opening Broadway-City Hall Station. Taken August 17, 2009.

As mentioned yesterday, in honour of Canada Line’s one-year anniversary on August 17, I’ve dug up some little-seen photos from opening day. It turns out we have a lot of photos, so I’ll be posting them in four installments over the week!

This is part two, with pictures from the Broadway-City Hall opening ceremony, and snaps from Yaletown-Roundhouse and King Edward. (Here’s part 1, part 3, and part 4 in this series.)

As you might recall, Broadway-City Hall Station had its own opening ceremony on opening day: Vancouver city council opened the station at 12:05 p.m. that day. (Here’s the schedule and activity map from opening day!)

Again, this is just a small sample of many: see the full gallery of photos in this Flickr set!

The lineup at Broadway-City Hall Station for the Canada Line opening. Taken August 17, 2009.

A full train at King Edward Station. Taken August 17, 2009.

The inside of a full train at King Edward Station. Taken August 17, 2009.

The lineup at Yaletown-Roundhouse Station for opening day. Taken August 17, 2009.

Volunteers handing out buttons and fortune cookies at Yaletown-Roundhouse for the Canada Line opening. Taken August 17, 2009.

For more, feel free to check out some first day stories, a roundup of opening day photo and video, and some past Buzzer posts about the construction of the line.

Cupcakes for Canada Line’s birthday!

Jhenifer Pabillano - Buzzer Editor — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 21:17:53 +0000

Amelia Shaw, TransLink's manager of public consultation, handed out cupcakes on a tray.

As mentioned, we had a little celebration today at Broadway-City Hall Station for Canada Line’s one year anniversary!

It was a lovely sunny day, and TransLink staff handed out many mini cupcakes to riders and well-wishers. Lots of people dropped by to say hello, and we were out of cupcakes by 1:45 p.m.! Here’s some photos from the event.

The cupcake tent was set up next to the entrance of Broadway-City Hall Station.

Cupcakes!

Ken Hardie, TransLink's director of communications, handed out cupcakes as well.

Vincent, one of our public consultation staff, jumped on a 99 B-Line to hand out cupcakes!

So many cupcakes!

The Canada Line attendants came out for a few cupcakes :)

Canada Line attendants!

Jean-Marc Arbaud, President and CEO of InTransitBC, the private company contracted to operate the Canada Line.

Former TransLink CEO Pat Jacobsen and Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie were there.

And I met SkyTrain superfan Lucas, who you may remember from my earlier SkyTrain cake post! He had a new SkyTrain toy that was built out of solid wood by his aunt :)

More cupcakes being handed out!

Bill Knight, community relations officer, with a tray of cupcakes to hand out!

Canada Line turns one: photos from the opening, part 1

Jhenifer Pabillano - Buzzer Editor — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 16:00:05 +0000

Premier Gordon Campbell, Minister Stockwell Day, and many other dignitaries cut the ribbon on the Canada Line at YVR-Airport Station, August 17, 2009.

Happy birthday Canada Line!

One year ago today, the Canada Line officially opened to the public. The day kicked off with an official opening ceremony, and was followed by a free day of rides for everyone! And today, ridership is already exceeding our projections.

In honour of Canada Line’s one-year anniversary, I’ve dug up some little-seen photos from opening day. It turns out we have a lot of photos, so I’ll be posting them in four installments over the week. (Here’s part 2, part 3, and part 4 in this series.)

In this post, check out some photos of the official opening ceremony, plus snaps from Waterfront and Vancouver City Centre Stations on opening day.

This is just a small sample of many: see the full gallery of photos in this Flickr set!

Premier Gordon Campbell, VANOC CEO John Furlong, Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson, Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie are part of the first official ride on the Canada Line. Taken August 17, 2009.

Dignitaries fill the platform on at Waterfront Station. Taken on August 17, 2009.

The commemorative ticket given to those on the first official Canada Line ride. Taken on August 17, 2009.

The lineup at Waterfront Station for the Canada Line opening. Taken August 17, 2009.

Another picture of the lineup at Waterfront Station for the Canada Line opening. Taken August 17, 2009.

Commemorative buttons handed out for the Canada Line opening. Taken August 17, 2009.

The stamp passport handed out during the Canada Line opening. Taken August 17, 2009

Lineup at Vancouver City Centre for the Canada Line opening. Taken August 17, 2009.

The lineup inside Broadway-City Hall Station for the Canada Line opening. Taken August 17, 2009.