The first week of operation saw a steady stream of commuters embrace the Canada Line.
Canada Line spokesperson Jason Chan told 24 hours that the rapid transit line's first week averaged between 80,000 to 85,000 riders a day.
"I think we saw a combination of the line being brand new and the excitement people have for it," Chan said. "I can't say we're surprised because we were expecting a certain level of novelty, where people want to try it out."
The real test for the line will come after Labour Day, when extensive bus route changes go into effect to make better use of the Canada Line stations.
With all the hype and changes, Chan doesn't expect to get a true picture of how successful the Canada Line has been until the fall.
"Talk to us in about mid-October when people have had a chance to use it and decide if they want to make the line a part of their commute," Chan said.
TransLink spokesperson Drew Snider says commuters - especially those that drive - have a lot to get used to.
Because of that, TransLink will have more staff on hand at Canada Line stations to help commuters find their way.
But riders are also being encouraged to plan ahead.
"It is going to require some getting used to and some research on people's parts to know where they have to go," Snider said. "People need to figure out how it fits into their commute."
Matt Kieltyka reports for Vancouver 24 hours.
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realisticman
2 years ago
At the YVR Station.
Earlier this week I was at the YVR station and found myself answering questions from some novice foreign travelers that we all surprised to hear that the line had just opened. Many travelers and lots of luggage being wheeled and carried.
It seems funny to when thinking how foreigners just take to it automatically and yet there have been so many local critics that hat it and will probably drive instead.
I didn't hear anyone wanting to go anywhere near Arbutus, they all wanted to go to Yaletown or Downtown.
realisticman
2 years ago
Take 2
Earlier this week I was at the YVR station and found myself answering questions from some novice foreign travelers that were all surprised to hear that the line had just opened. Many travelers and lots of luggage being wheeled and carried.
It seems funny to when thinking how foreigners just take to it automatically and yet there have been so many local critics that hate it and will probably drive instead.
I didn't hear anyone wanting to go anywhere near Arbutus, they all wanted to go to Yaletown or Downtown.
southdeltawalker
2 years ago
Not so enthusiastic
Here is South Delta we have great bus service into Vancouver via the #601.
One bus ride and you are into town. This bus will be discontinued due to the Canada Line.
For a lot of us this means transferring twice and riding two buses as well as the Canada Line. This adds extra time-for me at least 20 min extra each way.
Translink had open houses here to explain the changes complete with two burly security guards at the door.
Why?-"cause folks get so animated when they hear the changes" explained a translink rep.
There is no excitement out here when it comes to the Canada Line, only angry or should that be "animated" transit users.
Translink has to subsidize it's private partner if the Canada Line gets less than 100,00 riders a day.
The transit needs of this community are not a priority, getting people on the Canada Line is.
G West
2 years ago
Ummm
Haven't been on the line yet. I was, however, talking to a Malaysian friend of mine who also happens to be something of a traveller - and who has much wider experience with subway systems than I do.
His verdict:
Small (cramped); cheap and uncomfortable seats; poor stations with no sense of space or style...poorly planned, cheaply executed and highly redolent of plastic.
Oh, and pretty slow!
happy
2 years ago
West
Maybe your friend should take the bus or pay through the nose for a cab instead and then ask what he thinks.
And if you think its slow....you haven't attempted to drive from the airport to downtown in a very, very long time.
Cheers
Wilfred Laurier
2 years ago
Canada Line
I live very close the Canada Line and I have been using it regularly. It is fast, clean and convenient. Yesterday I took it to the airport to meet a friend. I will never drive there again. Took 18 minutes from the station to the terminal. The station at the airport is very well designed and easy to use, even with bags. It is much better than the bus ever was because there is no change at the soon to be defunct airport station.
Garth, before you pan the line, go ride on it yourself.
DPL
2 years ago
So lets make sure everyone
So lets make sure everyone riding on the line actually pays the fare. Turnstiles work everywhere else but not in BC .
Grumpy
2 years ago
One doubts that the RAV/Canada Line ......
........ is carrying 80,000 to 85,000 (more like around 50,000 a day) a day, but hey, schools out and it's cheap entertainment to take a train to the airport.
I understand that YVR and The Great Canadian Casino handed out lots of free tickets.
The real test is: "does it take cars off the road?" If it doesn't we just spent almost $3 billion to inconvenience a lot of bus riders.
For another look at the 100,000 number for RAV try............
http://railforthevalley.wordpress.com/2009/08/26/the-apportioned-fare-what-is-it-will-translink-do-it/
Dan the socialist
2 years ago
This line may be good for
This line may be good for people in Vancouver or the North Shore but for me in Surrey it is still quicker to drive.
We need LRT or other light rail here in Surrey. Surrey is going to be the largest populated city in the province in a few years and all we have is 4 stations and poor bus service.
LRT to Langley and Abbotsford should of been built 30+ years ago.
Metro Vancouver transit system is 40 behind the times..
sals07
2 years ago
sals07
Hey who is representing the Canada Line? Translink or the private operator? Lets get this clear here. Are you sure that translink is having extra staff at stations to help commuters? Why should it be translink if it is them? The private operator should be staffing the stations. This private company which you again failed to identify gets enough aid in the form of subsidies up to 100K passenger fares a day plus the surcharge to the YVR.
Wilfred Laurier
2 years ago
Ahhhh....
"but for me in Surrey it is still quicker to drive."
It isn't the intention of the Canada Line to transport people from Richmond and the airport?
It is an excellent system, I am finding myself using it all the time.
offended
2 years ago
80,000?
Are these numbers from Translink real? These are the same clowns that are trying to tell us that 21,000 vehicles are using the Golden Ears bridge daily since it was tolled, which is B.S. to put in mildly.
I do not believe them. I use the bridge, and if the number is real, I'll eat my transponder.
G West
2 years ago
So
It would appear my informant's comments must be accurate since none of the commentators here who've actually used the line specifically debunk his observations.
I'll repeat them here:
Small (cramped); cheap and uncomfortable seats; poor stations with no sense of space or style...poorly planned, cheaply executed and highly redolent of plastic.
Oh, and pretty slow!
As for my own opinion, I won't advance that until I've had a chance to see for myself...
Wilfred Laurier
2 years ago
Garth....
Since you have not actually used the Canada Line, why don't you try it and make your own observations?
I have used it many times. The stations are never crowded. The trains are frequent. The airport station is very convenient. The trip downtown takes minutes. The stations have become community hot spots with people sitting and chatting, boarders playing their craft, buskers singing their songs. Businesses are popping up around the stations like crazy. The handicapped access is very good since the stations aren't too deep.
I can leave my home and be in the airport in 25 minutes. I used to drive my car but if I don't have to fight traffic or pay for parking, the Canada Line is the way I'll go.
The cars are not in any way cramped. The are the same is subway cars all around the world and are in fact much larger than Skytrain cars. There is ample space to stow luggage on them.
Not everything is bad, Garth. You don't always have to be a naysayer. People like myself who live in the line use it and like it. It will be even better when it is fully integrated on Sept 7 and Airport Station is closed.
G West
2 years ago
I see
I see that there is still a fundamental problem with certain 'users' relative to the necessity to actually 'read' what others have witten.
A fuller response is clearly a waste of my time!
Grumpy
2 years ago
The fundamental question remains
RAV/Canada line is metro/subway. Will the RAV/Canada Line generate the 400,000 or so daily passengers to justify its construction?
http://railforthevalley.wordpress.com/2009/08/15/the-skytrain-lobby-pixie-dust-planning/
realisticman
2 years ago
G West
Bicycles are permitted on the line, so I guess they can't be that cramped. They might become cramped due to the overwhelming success. Too bad for chagriners, what?
As for slow, it's only 20 minutes from Downtown, which includes 12 stops. That's just about the same time it takes to get into KL Sentral from the Kuala Lumpur airport, as your buddy must know.
The Canada Line runs every 12 minutes off-peak as opposed to KL's 30 minutes. Altogether more convenient one would have to say. The Canada Line is every 8 minutes at peak, even London is about every 10!
I cannot comment as to whether they are redolent of plastic, perhaps it has not yet gassed off. Like you I would prefer plush leather and an attendant in each car.
Another bonus on the Canada Line is free cell-phone service throughout. Whether one likes that or not, it will be eagerly embraced.
Grumpy
2 years ago
One has to laugh at the RAV lobby...
Quote: "The Canada Line is every 8 minutes at peak, even London is about every 10!"
What a load of rubbish, London's metro system runs 2 to 3 minute headways during peak hours.
Yeah, only 12 stops, makes a quick trip for all those airport types, piss poor for local transit users.
Wait for the October/November rains, I'll wager that ridership will drop.
G West
2 years ago
Some people have tried the thing
I haven't...
...As for my own opinion, I won't advance that until I've had a chance to see for myself...
Perhaps some people didn't notice!
I am aware that the bicycle capacity on the RAV trains is very limited though.
realisticman
2 years ago
I say, Grumpy, don't be so
"London Underground's Piccadilly Line provides the most cost-effective rail route between Heathrow Airport and the capital.
Journey time is under an hour and you shouldn't have to wait longer than ten minutes for a train, even off-peak."
http://www.heathrowairport.com
realisticman
2 years ago
Here you go Grumps
"Transport for London
Piccadilly line's new timetable
08 January 2008
IN preparation for the opening of Heathrow Terminal 5 and the new Tube station, a revised Piccadilly line timetable will be introduced this Sunday, January 13.
It will continue to be used when the extension opens to customers.The service on the Heathrow branch of the line will operate as follows:
* Six trains per hour from central London will run direct from Hatton Cross to Heathrow Terminals 1, 2 and 3 - not via the T4 loop. When the trains return, they will pick up eastbound passengers at Terminals 1, 2 and 3"
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/media/newscentre/7156.aspx
Q. If there are six trains leaving the station each hour and the time between each train is the same, then what is the maximum amount of minutes you would ever have to wait?
realisticman
2 years ago
G West
Erroneous hearsay should be debunked. Especially when it's repeated; as I trust you agree.
G West
2 years ago
More hearsay
Ran into a couple of other world travellers - both of whom said they were disappointed with the meager facilities and consideration for cyclists...especially given the effusive advance hype on that score.
Apparently the lockers are only available on a one-month rental basis...I guess one can understand why that isn't much of a boon to tourists....