News

Local, national or global stories that are fairly interesting, screwed up, or guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Helping those affected by the earthquake in Japan

  Frederick Linsmeyer • March 15, 2011 • News

We’re all aware of destruction that has left the north-eastern portion of Japan in utter ruins. Thousands have perished, many more missing and millions without water or electricity.

There are ways you can help; both the Canadian Red Cross and American Red Cross, along with Doctors Without Borders in Canada and the United States are accepting donations as are many other local charitable organizations.

Have family or friends in Japan? The Google Person Finder can help you locate loved ones.

The Anime News Network is also publishing a list of manga artists and other members of the anime inustry who have checked in after the disaster. Various artists are also working on a collaborative doujinshi with profits going toward relief efforts.

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Earthquake in Japan

  Frederick Linsmeyer • March 11, 2011 • News

For those living in a region prone to seismic activity, it’s incredibly sobering to see images from Japan where safety is ingrained into their culture. While many of the buildings did not collapse from the initial shaking, the second punch in the form of a tsunami finished off what the quake started.

The west coast of Canada has been fairly complacent in its standards and with an ever increasing building boom, Metro Vancouver may not even hold up to a medium or larger sized tremor. This reality is very unnerving.

All that we can do is ensure we are prepared and hope that we may never have to experience the same destruction that plagues those who live in an area like the Ring of Fire.

Check out this post on Gakuranman for photos, videos and Twitter updates from Japan.

The Canadian Red Cross is also accepting donations for aid in the stricken north-east region.

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Paying for the Evergreen Line

  Frederick Linsmeyer • November 10, 2010 • Local, News

Ever since the Evergreen Line was announced, one of the largest questions surrounding the proposed line was “how much?” (the other being “when?”). The $1.2 billion extension already has $800 million from both the federal and provincial governments, with the remaining $400 million to come from TransLink.

In order to support the new SkyTrain extension, which falls under the 2011 Supplemental Plan, the transit agency needs to come up with funding. TransLink’s Board of Directors has approved two 2011 Supplemental Plans and is asking for the Mayor’s Council to approve them. If no alternative funding is found, property taxes would need to be increased to cover the costs.

The base plan includes the Evergreen Line and the first phase of the North Fraser Perimeter Road while the second plan includes the first two projects, increased bus service and various improvements to infrastructure in the region. TransLink is pushing for the second plan, which is the most expensive of the two.

The Mayor’s Council are scheduled to vote sometime in December 2010.

Sources: TransLink, News1130

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TransLink fare increase

  Frederick Linsmeyer • March 25, 2010 • News
SkyTrain at Waterfront Station

It'll cost more to ride public transit again

Starting April 1st, 2010, passengers who take the bus, SkyTrain, Canada Line, West Coast Express and SeaBus will be paying more for monthly FareCards and FareSavers. TransLink is increasing the cost of these fares to help pay for new and extended services.
Fares purchased at vending machines in stations or on the bus will be unaffected by this. Visit the TransLink web site for further details and price structures.

Monthly FareCards
1 zone $81.00
2 zone $110.00 ($46.50 concession)
3 zone $151.00

FareSaver Tickets
1 zone $21.00 ($17.00 concession)
2 zone $31.50
3 zone $42.00

DayPass
All Zones: $9.00 ($7.00 concession)

NOTE: above listed prices are for adults. Concession fares (for seniors and students) are listed in brackets when applicable.

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Helping those in need

  Frederick Linsmeyer • January 13, 2010 • News

In response to the earthquake that devastated the island nation of Haiti, nephrus.net is providing links to reputable organizations committed to helping those affected.

For the Red Cross, visit http://www.redcross.ca/ (Canadian Red Cross) or http://www.redcross.org/ (American Red Cross) to donate.
For Doctors Without Borders, visit http://www.msf.ca/ (Doctors Without Borders – Canada)  or http://doctorswithoutborders.org/ (Doctors Without Borders – United States) to donate.

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Stricter security measures for U.S. bound flights

  Frederick Linsmeyer • December 26, 2009 • News, Travel

If you’re flying to the United States anytime soon, be prepared for new security measures in light of Friday’s attempted destruction of a Northwest Airlines plane.

Passengers will undergo an additional search, which include a pat-down and inspection of carry-on luggage. The restrictions also include limiting carry-ons to one item only. Extra bags will be put on the plane as checked luggage.

Consider leaving earlier as there will be delays since the new processes will definitely slow everything down.

Source: News1130

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More taxes on parking and driving

  Frederick Linsmeyer • December 7, 2009 • Local, News

Vancouver-area residents are expected to be hit with additional taxes starting January 1st, 2010. Commuters will be paying extra for parking as well as filling up at the pump as TransLink tries to raise $150 million towards its operating budget.

The parking tax will remain until the new HST comes into effect on July 1st, 2010. After that, the tax will be merged into the HST and then given back to TransLink. The gas tax will add three cents to the current price at the pump.

Source: The Vancouver Sun

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Cell phone ban coming up

  Frederick Linsmeyer • December 1, 2009 • News

In one month, it will be illegal to use a cell phone or any other portable device while driving in British Columbia. The only exceptions are if the phones are set up to use hands-free adapters, such as headsets, one touch or voice activated devices.

Starting January 1st, 2010 drivers will face $167 fines and three demerits towards their license if caught using a cell phone, mobile device, or media player. Drivers in the Graduated Licensing Program will be prohibited from using any mobile device at all.

British Columbia will join Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador where similar laws are already in place.

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CTA fare hike averted

  Frederick Linsmeyer • November 12, 2009 • News, Trains
Your wallet won't feel as light when taking transit.

Your wallet won't feel as light when taking transit.

A sigh of relief is being heard throughout the Chicago region as state and transit officials reached an agreement that would see CTA fares stay at their current prices.

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn worked with officials to use capital funds, which are meant for new projects, expansion, and equipment upgrades, towards paying employees and for day-to-day operations. This deal would mean that the $3 fare to ride the ‘L’ would be held off.

The CTA is facing a $300 million deficit for 2010 which would increase over the next few years.

Sources: MSNBC, Chicago Sun-Times

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SkyTrain service change in downtown Vancouver

  Frederick Linsmeyer • October 13, 2009 • Local, News, Trains

Beginning on October 14th 2009, TransLink will be performing repair work in the Dunsmuir Tunnel on the route used by Expo and Millennium Line SkyTrains, to address water seeping into the 77 year old tunnel.  This work is scheduled to be completed by December 11th, 2009

Starting at 9:45 PM PDT until the end of service, trains headed to Waterfront will stop at the Stadium-Chinatown Station. A shuttle train has been setup to run on the outbound track and will stop at Granville, Burrard and Waterfront Stations running on 12 minute intervals.

TransLink recommends taking an extra 15 or 20 minutes during travel during this time. SkyTrain Attendants will be available to assist during the service changes.

SkyTrain service will be running at normal levels on October 28th, November 5th, and November 11th, 2009. Canucks fans may experience some minor delays as the work also falls on a number of home games at GM Place.

Full details are available on the TransLink web site.

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