Vancouver Technical School students showing their appreciation for bus operators.
Starting in the early hours this morning, students at Vancouver Technical School handed out hot chocolate to bus drivers as part of their 15th annual Bus Driver Appreciation Day. Every year on the last day of school before Christmas holidays, the students make hot chocolate and serve it to bus operators as they pull up at their stop on Broadway outside the school. Read more »
You may have noticed the ReindeerBus over the last few weeks, making its rounds of the Lower Mainland. After paying special visits to Canuck Place and Ronald McDonald House (along with Mr. and Mrs. Claus of course), it’s been stopping by TransLink operations, collecting toys donated by employees for our Toys for Tots program. All the toys go to the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau to distribute.
The ReindeerBus popped by TransLink head office yesterday to pick up donations from staff here and, as you can see in the photo below, it was already well on its way to being packed with toys.
John Strachan, Head Elf during the holiday season (and a CMBC operator instructor the rest of the year), says that the bus has collected more than 2,700 toys this year.
You can read more about the origins of the ReindeerBus in this 2008 post, and see some amazing photos of the bus and its community shuttle sibling in this post from last year.
It’s that time of the year again for ghosts and goblins to take to the streets. Starting last Friday, I saw people dressed up for Halloween everywhere. In stores, behind the till at the bank and, of course, transit. I felt like the odd man out this weekend not having a costume on while I walked downtown. Read more »
If you’re an elementary or secondary school student, there’s really no better time to get to know the transit system in Metro Vancouver than the week of October 3-7. That’s because this week is International Walk to School Week (iWalk), and children in kindergarden through Grade 12 ride for free (high school kids need a valid GoCard to ride free while kindergarden and elementary school kids don’t)!
The idea behind the week is to build a strong sense of community by encouraging kids to walk to school and to get to know their transit systems. It’s also about finding alternatives to private automobiles.
Schools and teachers have taken advantage of iWalk in the past to get out of the classroom and take their students on field trips using the transit.
Have you are your child participated in iWalk before? If so, please do share any tips that you may have that can make the week go smoothly.
If you’re a teacher and want to take your class on transit, here are a few helpful tips to make the most of your journey:
Take your classes during “off-peak” hours between 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Use TransLink’s online resources like m.translink.ca to plan your trip. No one wants to get lost on a field trip day!
Find out if other teachers in your school are planning trips at the same time and what route(s) they plan to take.
So, there you have it. Enjoy your free rides on the systems, kids! It makes me wish I was a kid again.
The first week of school is a hairy time. New students are trying to figure out where their classes are, staff are trying to help them and the bus loops and stops are a buzz with activity. Amongst the frenzy are back-to-school events planned to get people involved in campus life. One such event looks at helping others both on campus and off and involves both UBC and TransLink.
Shinerama is a cystic fibrosis fundraiser that’s been in existence since the 60s.
UBC Shinerama logo
The idea is to have people donate money to have things shined. What sort of things? Well, there are shoes, cars and, in the case of TransLink, a bus! That’s right, instead of getting a bath in the usual transit centers, a TransLink bus will get all sudsed up at the north end of the Students Union Building between 2-4 p.m. on September 6th.
If you’d like to donate to this worthy cause, you can do so through www.shinerama.ca or text SHINE to 45678 to make a $5 donation (charges will appear on your monthly service provider statement).
Buzzer blog mobile testers: Graham, Josh, Eric, Ronald and Walter
This morning, five Buzzer readers were among the first non-TransLink members of the public to test out the new mobile site. Choosing only five of the 37 people who applied to be testers was not easy. I appreciate all the enthusiastic applications many of you sent in!
A tester trying out the new site.
All but one tester brought an iPhone4 (we also had a Palm Pre in the mix) to try out the new TransLink mobile website. This was a good thing since this first phase of the new mobile site works best on iPhones (4 and 3Gs) and iPads. I’ve heard that the site also works fine with some Android phones and newer touchscreen BlackBerry phones. As the mobile team has told me, they want to get the three releases of the new mobile site up and working (Release 1 – searching by stop #, Release 2 – searching by route, Release 3 – searching by location) before they work on perfecting the compatibility of the mobile site with other phones and operating systems.
The testers sat down with a member of our mobile site team and were given access to the new site on their phones. Having over an hour to see how it worked, they peppered myself and our team member with questions about this and future releases of the site.
On the whole, the testers seemed to like the new site and found it easy to use. “Much better than the existing site,” was one comment I heard.
I wish I could tell you more about what was discussed, but that would spoil the surprise for when it goes live next Tuesday, September 6th!
As part of the consultation, which includes the webinar in July, we’re looking for your feedback on which funding sources should support these improvements. The following in-person workshops are open to the public to ask questions, participate in round-table discussions and fill out a questionnaire:
Wednesday, September 7, 2011 – Lonsdale Quay Hotel
123 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver – 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Thursday, September 8, 2011 – Holiday Inn Metrotown
Salon E – 4405 Central Blvd, Burnaby – 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011 – Guildford Recreation Centre
Multi-purpose Room, 15105 105 Ave., Surrey – 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
September 15, 2011 – Evergreen Cultural Centre, Studio A – 1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam – 6:30 – 8:30 p.m
So, if you’ve read this far, I bet you’re wondering what are the next steps. Well, after seperate September consultations with the Mayor’s Council on Regional Transportation, Metro Vancouver Board of Directors and elected officials from across Metro Vancouver municipalities, TransLink’s Board of Directors will vote on the Supplemental Plan. In October, the Independent Regional Transportation Commissioner will report on the reasonableness of Moving Forward. Next, the Mayor’s Council on Regional Transportation is expected to vote on the plan. If Moving Forward is approved, the provincial government is expected to introduce legislation to give TransLink two cents/litre of motor fuel tax, which would go into effect April 1, 2012.
The SkyTrain system officially turned 25 late last year (December 11, 2010, to be exact), but today we celebrated the Silver Anniversary with an event at the BC Rapid Transit Company’s (SkyTrain’s) Operations and Maintenance Centre as a celebration of our 25th year of regular service.
Grace McCarthy and Bud Smith (Former Attorney General of BC who spoke on behalf of former BC Premier Bill Bennett) - photo by Anna Mae Abia
There were roughly 100 people in attendance including Grace McCarthy, the former minister of BC Transit, whose government under then Premier Bill Bennett was responsible for launching SkyTrain 25 years ago. Blair Lekstrom, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure and Member of the Legislative Assembly for Peace River South; Fleetwood-Port Kells Member of Parliament, Nina Grewal; TransLink CEO, Ian Jarvis, and SkyTrain President and General Manager, Fred Cummings, were also in attendance. Four SkyTrain employees were honoured at the event for working with SkyTrain for 25 years. Thanks for all those years of service!
TransLink COO Doug Kelsey - photo by Anna Mae Abia
Having helped put together this Silver Anniversary video, it’s amazing how long the system has been in operation. I personally love the old footage of Transit Control (now named T-Comm) SkyTrain Control Centre at the Operations and Maintenance Centre (OMC) and their old instruments. The video provided a dramatic entrance to a Mark II SkyTrain with a special design that entered the platform at Maintenance Centre seconds after the video concluded.
Now that the first 25-years is behind us, I can’t wait to see what the next 25-years will bring!
Canada Line turns 2!
Canada Line traveling over the Fraser River on the Canada Line Bridge
Yup, it’s been part of our lives for a couple of years now, and it’s become a mainstay for many Metro Vancouver commuters. Today marks the second birthday of this latest installment in Metro Vancouver’s SkyTrain system.
InTransit BC, the company that built the Canada Line, has this to say about the anniversary:
“Canada Line is a very successful public/private partnership between TransLink and InTransit BC. Average daily ridership is approximately 107,000, up substantially from when the System opened 2 years ago. At the end of our 2nd Operating Year, Canada Line has handled 73,622,384 passenger trips. InTransit BC’s Operator, PROTRANS BC, has delivered first-class service, and TransLink is to be commended for enhancing the integration of the overall transit system in Metro Vancouver. The new Canada Line schedule was developed based on increased level of service required under the contract between InTransit BC and TransLink. Doug Allen, the President and CEO of InTransit BC, is confident the new schedule will be well-received by passengers traveling all parts of the Canada Line System and beyond.”
That new Canada Line schedule mentioned is an increase in the number of trains running during peak hours. Here’s the skinny on that from the press release:
There will be 16 trains operating in peak service hours, up from 14, meaning more frequent service and shorter intervals between trains. Weekdays, peak service levels will start a half-hour earlier at 6:30 am and will run an hour later until 7 pm. On Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, peak service levels will continue to start at their regular times (9:00 am Saturdays and 10:00 am Sundays and holidays) but will run an hour later each day until 7 pm.
Comments on TransLink's Facebook page about Canada Line turning 2
Although this birthday isn’t one of the big ones for Canada Line (we like to celebrate birthdays every five years), fans of TransLink on Facebook had some very nice things to say about the line:
****This event has just been cancelled due to a mechanical problem with the bus. :( It may be rescheduled for tomorrow. I’ll update this post as soon as more information is available.****
This is a little late notice (sorry, I just heard about it myself!), but I thought I’d let everyone know about the BYD Electric Bus demo at Metrotown today. The Coast Mountain Bus Company regularly tests different buses and this one seems pretty cool! It will be at the Metrotown Bus Loop between 3p.m. and 3:30p.m today. It would be great to see Buzzer blog readers there! I’ll be there taking a few photos of the bus. Here’s the specs:
39’4” long
100” wide
Maximum 60 passengers
100% electric drive, in-wheel motors, proprietary “iron phosphate” (Fe) batteries.
Range: 250-300km.
Top speed: 96km/h.
Charge time: a full charge takes 6 hours.
Air Conditioning
Front, center, and rear passenger doors.
Solar panels are integrated on the roof to generate some electricity.
I’ve been told that BYD is located in Shenzhen, China, and started business in 1995 as a battery manufacturer. They are currently one of the world’s top four battery manufacturers and are #4 in Chinese car sales. Warren Buffet’s Berkshire Hathaway owns 9.9% of BYD. Also of note, the bus is currently configured to a Chinese specification, and has some missing equipment: no bike rack, no wheelchair ramp, inadequate space for wheelchairs. It is equipped with window curtains!
Some Buzzer readers have commented on the new Nova diesel LFX 60’ (18.3 meter) articulated bus that TransLink has been trying out around town. Thanks to David Lam for taking some great photos of it! Many of you have had the opportunity to ride the bus, which has been traveling on a number of different routes over the past few months.
If you haven’t had a chance to check-out the bus and want to, tomorrow, Friday, August 5th is the day! Here are the details:
Gateway SkyTrain Station – on the North side of 108th at the bus stop in front of the tower (East of the SkyTrain Station) – Friday, August 5th, 1:15-2:00 p.m. 12:45 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
Metrotown bus loop – Friday, August 5th, 2:30-3:15 p.m. 2:00-2:45 p.m.
Those of you who are into the technical side of transit, take a look at this pdf with all the specifics you need. Here’s a little something to wet your appetite:
This Sunday, August 7, 2011, is the 10th anniversary of the Bus Stop Hop! Haven’t heard of this event before? Think of it like the TV show The Amazing Race but on transit and with wheelchairs. I spoke with Brad Jacobson (the guy in the video) of the BC Paraplegic Association in June about what exactly goes on during the hop as well as what the Bus Stop Hop means to him and others with physical challenges. Also, check out last year’s post of the event. The event has a little bit of everything from excitement and competition to empowerment and education.
Besides being a fun way to spend a day on the buses, SkyTrain, SeaBus and with your fellow competitors, there’s also a BBQ supper, a cash bar and entertainment! If you missed the deadline to register for the hop, luckily they still have a few spots left! To RSVP, contact Lydia at lwalczak@bcpara.org or 604-326-123.
Enjoy the hop, and if you participate, I’d love to see pictures!
Fred Cummings with a field operations supervisor. Photo by Anna Mae Abia
Last month, BCRTC president & general manager, Fred Cummings spent the morning on the Millennium and Expo lines talking to customers and staff. TransLink, CEO Ian Jarvis, and COO, Doug Kelsey, did the same earlier this year.
The idea behind the project is to bring our senior leaders and our customers together on the system so that they can have face-to-face discussions about TransLink and the service we provide across the enterprise to our customers. Fred spoke to people along his travels, and TransLink staff sent and answered questions people tweeted for Fred.
Here’s a wrap-up note from his morning, drawn from the notes my colleagues provided about the trip!
Fred heard from a number of customers as well as SkyTrain staff like David Gross (see picture below). David is the same guy who returned a $200, 000 certified cheque he found on a SkyTrain! Many people said they like the service and use it often. One gentleman said he only rides the newer trains (MKII) because they’re easier to maneuver in, and he’s got a scooter. There were also some comments on the need for better station and directional signage and better detailed station maps. Here’s a few items that came in online.
From Twitter:
Question: What has been your most memorable skytrain experience that has ever happened?:)
@translink Fred says that helping customers during the Olympics and keeping them safe during the riots is most memorable
@translink Fred with Debby and Rhonda at Production Station – these sisters have been with SkyTrain for 25 years http://ow.ly/i/dXMG.
Comment:@translink#Skytrain should run later on weekends and other days should have same hours as the Canada line.
@translink We need to do maintenance on the trains and tracks overnight and we’re currently running as often as funding allows.
@translink We had a Q about train maintenance: teams clean the train interiors nightly, so they’re ready for the morning commute.
@translink Strangest thing Fred’s seen on SkyTrain: 2 people carrying a couch and 2 people carrying a BBQ off a train at Stadium Station
There were about 29 tweets received about Fred’s ridealong: some were retweets or comments about the ridealong. And there were also questions about the Compass card, SkyTrain maintenance and more transit needed for Surrey.
Fred with SkyTrain's David Gross Photo by Anna Mae Abia
There are loads of festivities and, hopefully, relaxing planned for this weekend. In order to make your three days off as smooth as possible, it’s a good idea to take note of changes and additions to transit service over the next few days. Here goes…
Celebration of Light
Rush-hour level of SkyTrain service
More SeaBus sailings
Extra buses to and from Downtown before and after the event
The #5, #6, #22, C21, and C23 will be rerouted between 7:30 p.m. and 11 p.m.
A special West Coast Express train for the finale (Aug 6)
All transit services will run on a Sunday/holiday schedule for B.C. Day (Aug 1), meaning single-zone FareCards work in all zones. And if you have an adult FareCard, West Coast Express 28-Day Pass or Employee Transit Pass, you can take five children or one adult and four children on transit with you for free!
Note: This is a scheduled post as I’m away this week, returning Thursday July 28, 2011. If you need to reach TransLink info or staff, see this post.
The CUTA BC Youth Summit is looking for a few more volunteers. I’ve been involved with the preparations for the conference and it looks like it will be an exciting, educational and fun event!
The conference is for youth aged 18-30 who live in BC and are interested in sustainable transportation. Every year or so, the Canadian Urban Transportation Association (CUTA) partners with local agencies to host a youth conference, encouraging young people to learn about transportation, sustainability, and planning. This year, TransLink, BC Transit, and CUTA will sponsor 50 or so youth to attend our conference at UBC from August 19-21, 2011.
The summit provides volunteers with the opportunity to meet youth from across British Columbia interested in sustainable urban transportation and learn from experts from around the province. Check out translink.ca/bcyouthsummit for all the details as well as the Facebook Page. Here’s a note on specifics:
Volunteer roles include administrative assistance, program session support and technical support. Shifts will be on average four hours long. Please specify your availability when applying. Multiple volunteers will be needed throughout the conference. If you would like to volunteer for more than one shift, please note this on your application.
To apply, send your full name, contact information, resume, availability and why you are interested in volunteering at the CUTA Youth Summit to sarah.chung@translink.ca.
If you have any questions regarding volunteer positions please contact Sarah Chung by phone 604.453.4619 or by e-mail at sarah.chung@translink.ca
Last night’s webinar on the 2012 Base Plan and Supplemental Plan was chock-full of useful information and questions on the maintenance and improvements to our region’s transportation network. I’ve posted the webinar for you to watch above, but the best way to watch the webinar is via our provider’s web page, which not only has the above video but also the accompanying slides that the presenters reference throughout the webinar. After a slight false start at the beginnning, TransLink CEO, Ian Jarvis; Program Manager, Geoff Cross; and Manager of Corporate Communications, Erin McConnell, launched into a quick video followed by a presentation on the Base Plan. Ian and Geoff took questions on the plan before getting into specifics on the ‘Moving Forward’ Supplemental Plan.
One interesting question that followed the Base Plan presentation was about the option of accepting outside funding for improvements to SkyTrain stations and bus service (private sector, developers, etc.). Ian answered that TransLink has done this for the Gateway SkyTrain Station on the Expo Line and the future Canada Line station known as the Capstan Way Station.
The presentation on the ‘Moving Forward’ Supplemental Plan focused on the additional revenues needed for upgrades and expansion of the transportation system. In 30 years, there will some significant changes to the region. This includes an approximate increase in population of a million more people, an aging population, as well as higher fuel prices and changes to travel patters. For more info on the plan, you can read up on Transport 2040 (where the goals for the Supplemental Plan) or get more specifics on the Supplemental Plan itself.
We had a few questions asking why everyone should pay for transit if not everyone uses transit. Ian’s answer in a nutshell is that everyone benefits from a good transportation system (TransLink looks after the Major Road Network, buses, SkyTrain and cycling routes, remember). There was also a question about the impact that the Evergreen Line would have on the West Coast Express. Geoff answered that the two lines serve different purposes. People who want to go directly to downtown will continue to take the West Coast Express, while those who wish to connect to the system could jump on the Evergreen Line. The last question we received last night, was regarding what would happen if the Supplemental Plan is not approved. Ian informed the listeners that TransLink does have stable funding to maintain the existing service through the money allotted to TransLink in the Base Plan, but with an increasing population and other future challenges, there would be a cost in terms of service provided if the Supplemental Plan is not approved.
For the big picture on all of this, do take a bit of time to watch or listen to the webinar. I am collecting you questions that you’ve posted on my last blog post, and with your patience, I will try my best to get some answers.
