All aboard! There are trains of all shapes and sizes from the magnificent Royal Hudson to the crowded Chicago ‘L’ transit cars. It’s an amazing way to travel, and it’s how our country was built by opening new routes for commerce and travel.
The Evergreen Line is a planned extension to the SkyTrain system in Metro Vancouver. Rather than using another technology, like the Canada Line, the Evergreen Line will make use of Bombardier’s Advanced Rapid Transit technology, which already is in place on the Expo and Millennium Lines. This method was chosen over a light rail system to provide passengers with a smooth ride from Coquitlam City Centre through Port Moody, into Burnaby, a total of 11 km. A trip between Douglas College Station and Lougheed Town Centre Station is expected to take about 13 minutes, or 40 minutes if going all the way to Waterfront Station in Vancouver.
Lougheed Town Centre Station
The proposed line will branch off from the Millennium Line at Lougheed Town Centre Station and run north along North Road. After the Burquitlam Station, the tracks descend into a tunnel along the west side of Clarke Road and exit just east of the Barnet Highway in Port Moody. The Port Moody Station will allow passengers to transfer over to the existing platforms for the West Coast Express. The Ioco Station will be the last at ground level before the tracks return to the elevated guideway and enter the Coquitlam Central Station, which will be another transfer point to local buses and the West Coast Express. The guideway then turns north again to follow Pinetree Way before terminating at the Douglas College Station which is slated to be built on the south side of the campus.
Construction is expected to start in 2010 and finish by 2014. The Provincial and Federal governments have already committed to funding, however TransLink, the regional transportation authority, needs to come up with an additional $400 million required for the project.
After a significant absence from the streets of Vancouver, the street car has returned courtesy of the City of Vancouver, Bombardier, and Société des Transports Intercommunaux de Bruxelles. Two Bombardier Flexity street cars are now operating on a 1.8 km stretch of track between Granville Island and the Olympic Village Canada Line station (Cambie Street and West 2nd Avenue).
I was finally able to get a chance to ride the street cars on what is being called the Olympic Line. The cars are 32 m long and feature five doors on each side along with large picture windows to provide an unobstructed view. The really neat thing is that the cars have low floors, basically riding only a few centimetres from the ground, which makes it easier to board and alight, especially for those who have strollers or use a wheelchair.
The trains are actually one long articulated car which can navigate sharper curves and winding streets, like those in older European cities. Digital displays on the side and ends of the cars make it easy to advertise the line or destination. The two cars on loan are designed with a silver, bronze and carbon black livery and carry the Société des Transports Intercommunaux de Bruxelles logo.
Doors from inside
Inside, there are unique seating arrangements, including seats that face the aisles, row seating, fold-up seats and larger bench-style seats. Standing passengers also have the added luxury of holding on to leather straps that are attached to the stanchions. There’s plenty of room for everyone on-board!
Security cameras are mounted along the ceiling along with two display screens that are positioned over the aisles to announce upcoming stops and route maps. Buttons on the stanchions allow passengers to alert the operator to stop the train at the next platform. It’s pretty much like a bus, but one that runs on rails.
The ride is really smooth and quiet, even though the train doesn’t run very fast (wouldn’t say more than 30 km/h). It’s only a 3 minute journey between Granville Island and the Olympic Village station on Cambie Street, but it gives you few minutes to enjoy the ride and the sights of the community in between.
Hopefully this experiment will allow street car service to return to the city and offer an alternative mode of transportation around False Creek and into the busy downtown core.
The Olympic Line is free and runs between 6:30 am-12:30 am PST until March 21st, 2010. Additional photographs are available on Gallery.
The Royal Hudson will be taking to the rails once again on Monday, February 8th, 2010, when she steams from Pacific Central Station in Vancouver out to White Rock for a number of events. The Royal Hudson will return to Pacific Central on Tuesday, February 9th, 2010 after spending the night on the coast. Those who do not wish to stay over night will have the opportunity to take a motorcoach for their return journey.
Since opening in 1985, SkyTrain has become an integral part of transportation in Metro Vancouver. Linking the communities of Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster and Surrey together, SkyTrain utilizes close to 69 km of track with 47 stations on two lines: The Expo Line and Millennium Line.
The Expo Line was completed in time for Expo 86 with extensions in 1989, 1990 and 1994, and the Millennium Line was opened in 2002, and then extended in 2006. A third proposed line, the Evergreen Line, which will diverge from the Millennium Line at Lougheed Town Centre and terminate at Douglas College in Coquitlam, is expected to be completed in 2014. Other possible extensions see the Expo Line extended further into Surrey, and the Millennium Line running out west to the University of British Columbia.
View from the front of a Mark II car
SkyTrain is unlike other rapid transit systems, operating driver-less trains and using a unique traction method. The entire system is remotely operated from the control centre in the Edmonds yard out in Burnaby. Automation allows for better headway, especially during peak hours and isn’t subject to the same mistakes humans make.
Trains on the Expo and Millennium Lines are propelled using linear induction motors — which means the cars are essentially being pushed along by magnets. This propulsion method is quite evident from the aluminum clad plates that are mounted between the running rails and allows a top speed of 80 km/h. The linear induction technology allows for less moving parts and a much smoother ride. The trains are fed by two power rails placed vertically along the side of the tracks, with the top rail charged at +300 volts DC, while the bottom rail is charged at -300 volts DC.
The position of the train is tracked through two wires mounted near the aluminum centre plate, while communications between the on-board computers, passenger intercom, and announcements are done via radio through an antenna on the roof of the cars.
As the system is automated, special devices have been implemented to ensure passenger safety. If a person or large object lands on the track, an audible alarm will sound and will stop any oncoming trains until the alarm has been manually reset. On the platform, special panels feature a red telephone with a direct line to the control centre, an emergency train stop button and a fire extinguisher. The panels also outline safety and security procedures to provide a hassle free ride. Security cameras are also present, linked directly to the Control Centre and used to monitor platforms, stairways and escalators.
Inside the train, speaker phones are located near the doors and connected to the control centre. There is also a silent alarm strip mounted on each of the windows should an incident prevent use of the speaker phone. A fire extinguisher is stored underneath the seats, usually behind a panel. The doors are designed to reopen if a person or object is caught between them when closing. In the event the doors cannot be opened automatically, latches located above the doors and on the outside of the car can be used for manual operation.
A Mark I train leaves New Westminster station
When SkyTrain first began operation, Urban Transportation Development Corporation (UTDC) manufactured the boxy-styled Mark I cars which feature two doors and three large windows per side with top mounted hopper windows, and a single door on the ends (for emergency or operator use). The interiors have 36 seats, with those in the middle of the car facing the aisle, for a total capacity of 80 passengers. The 12 m long cars are permanently coupled together in married pairs.
In 1991, UTDC manufactured additional cars for the extension of the Expo Line to Scott Road and again to King George in 1994. These cars are a variant of the Mark I, which are aptly named Mark Ia, and saw the removal of the end doors and increased space by the side doors. There are 150 Mark I cars in operation.
A Mark II train at Lougheed Town Centre
With the Millennium Line under construction, Bombardier, which acquired UTDC, was contracted to manufacture new cars. The Mark II cars were built in a facility in Burnaby near the Edmonds yard. The Mark II cars are 17 m in length, feature aerodynamic ends with a large window, three doors and four large windows per side, air conditioning, and are permanently coupled together in 34 m pairs. The spacious interiors provide more room for standing passengers and have 41 seats arranged in a theatre-style. The Mark II design also allowed an articulated joint between the two cars to increase passenger capacity and as a result of this, Mark II cars are permanently coupled together in pairs.
Bombardier was tasked again 2006 to provide 34 new Mark II cars, labelled as Mark II 1300/1400, in anticipation of increased ridership and the upcoming Olympic Winter Games. The same aerodynamic theme would be used again, but would have upgraded amenities – LED destination signs on the ends, LED station maps, security cameras and door indicator lights. There are 94 Mark II cars in operation.
Most Mark I trains are run as 4 car consists, but can be run as short as 2 or as long as 6 cars, which is the maximum limitation due to station design. The Mark II trains are run as two car consists, but can be run up to 4 car consists, again due to station size limitations. Longer car configurations are only seen during busier times, including rush hours, or during special events.
BC Transit Logo
Over the years, the SkyTrain cars have gone through a few livery changes. During Expo 86, the trains sported red and blue stripes with the letters BC in blue and a stylized provincial flag. The majority of the cars were labelled with communities from across the province, such as “Spirit of Kelowna” or “Spirit of Nakusp.” When TransLink took over BC Transit’s operations in the Metro Vancouver region in 1998, a number of the Mark I cars were stripped of their decals and given a bland white appearance with the blue and yellow scheme familiar to TransLink. A few cars still retain the red and blue stripes, but have the TransLink logo instead of the BC Transit emblem.
When the Mark II cars were delivered, the cars appeared completely white with the exception of the blue and yellow bands and word “SkyTrain” in blue near the front. However, the newer Mark II 1300/1400 series car came with an updated colour scheme: charcoal and blue separated by a thin stripe of yellow. The design is similar to those on the original Mark II cars except that the blue band is grey due to the background colour. The SkyTrain logo appears in white near the ends of the cars.
One of the system’s most notable features are the automated announcements and door chimes. Karen Kelm originally voiced the station announcements with the famous “The next station is…” and then the name of the approaching station phrase. When the Millennium Line was completed in 2002, Laureen Regan took over as the voice of SkyTrain and now advertises the next stop and line the trains travel.
Also unique to the system, a three toned chime plays when the doors are about to close, which differs from the standard vocal warning used elsewhere. With the introduction of the Mark II 1300/1400 cars, an amber light in the doorway blinks when the chimes play providing a visual alert.
SkyTrain doesn’t utilize turnstiles at stations, but operates on a proof of purchase system. Passengers purchase fares from ticket vending machines or cards/passes from authorized vendors and retain them for the duration of the trip. Random checks are performed by SkyTrain Attendants or officers of the South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority Police Service and can occur at any time; at entrances to the platform level, on the platforms and on board trains.
A plan to install turnstiles at all stations has been proposed by TransLink and is currently in the design phase.
SkyTrain outside of General Motors Place
The name SkyTrain comes from the fact, the majority of the system is elevated. The elevated structure is a viaduct constructed of prefabricated concrete sections and is designed so that pedestrians or traffic don’t have to encounter the trains or electrified rails. Some portions, including downtown Vancouver and between New Westminster and Columbia stations run underground, while sections between Nanaimo and Joyce, Edmonds and 22nd Street run at grade.
Under Vancouver, the SkyTrain runs in an old Canadian Pacific Railway tunnel, which was built in 1932, to connect the company’s yards on Burrard Inlet with the yards and shops on False Creek. The eastern portal is south of the Stadium station and is obscured by the recent construction of new high rises. The western portal is just north of the Burrard station, below the Vancouver Convention Centre. The tunnel’s width prevented both tracks from being run side-by-side, so the bottom was dug out, which allowed the westbound track stacked above the eastbound track.
The SkyTrain system is operated by the British Columbia Rapid Transit Company, a subsidiary of TransLink.
Starting January 18th, 2010, passengers taking the Canada Line from the YVR-Airport, Sea Island Centre and Templeton stations, will be hit with an additional $5 when purchasing tickets. The fee, called Add Fare, will be added on automatically to all fares at ticket vending machines at these three stations. Passengers who are traveling to the airport will not be required to pay the additional $5.
The concept for the Add Fare was approved previously in 2004 to help fund the cost of constructing the new transit line, which runs from Downtown Vancouver to Richmond and Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Originally, TransLink had proposed to offer an additional $2.50 for passengers going to and from the airport and adjacent stations.
Commuters who hold pre-paid passes and cards, including FareSavers, monthly FareCards, Vancity U-Passes, and BC Government Bus Passes will not be affected by this.
If you’re planning to head out on New Year’s Eve, why not take the train or bus? The CTA is offering penny rides, starting from 8:00 pm CST, Thursday, December 31st 2009 until 6:00 am CST, Friday, January 1st 2010, where passengers pay only one cent to ride.
Trains and buses will be running on the Sunday/Holiday schedule for New Year’s Day.
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.
TransLink will be replacing some of the rails on the track just west of the New Westminster station this month. This work will only be done during the weekends of the 7th to 8th, 14th to 15th and 21st to 22nd with one track out of service at a time.
Expo Line trains will be running on single platforms from the 22nd Street station to the New Westminster Station. Millennium Line trains will run from VCC-Clark to Columbia during this period. TransLink advises passengers to plan for delays during the work.
Rail replacement starts on Friday night and will continue until the following Monday morning.
More information is available on TransLink’s web site.
Canadian aerospace and rail manufacturer Bombardier, has teamed up with the City of Vancouver to offer an alternative transportation option during the 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympic games – the aptly named Olympic Line.
A 1.8 km line of existing track, stretching from Granville Island to the Olympic Village Canada Line station, will feature Bombardier Flexity streetcars, which are on loan from the Brussels Transport Company in Brussels, Belgium. The streetcars have low floors which make boarding and alighting much easier, especially for those with strollers or in wheelchairs.
The streetcar service will operate 18 hours a day, 7 days a week, starting on January 21st, 2010 and run until March 21st, 2010.
Additional information on the streetcars, maps and media are available on Bombardier’s web site.
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.
The Evergreen Line is a planned extension to the SkyTrain system in Metro Vancouver. Rather than using another technology, like the Canada Line, the Evergreen Line will make use of Bombardier’s Advanced Rapid Transit technology, which already is in place on the Expo and Millennium Lines. This method was chosen over a light rail system to provide passengers with a smooth ride from Coquitlam City Centre through Port Moody, into Burnaby, a total of 11 km. A trip between Douglas College Station and Lougheed Town Centre Station is expected to take about 13 minutes, or 40 minutes if going all the way to Waterfront Station in Vancouver.
