Phase Two of TransLink's UBC Rapid Transit Study Launched

TransLink has officially launched into phase two of their UBC/Broadway Rapid Transit Corridor Study. TransLink started the study in the summer of 2009 and expects to have phase two of it complete in early 2012. The UBC study is running in parallel with the Surrey Rapid Transit Study and SFU/SkyTrain Interface Study. In phase one of the study, TransLink looked at some high level corridor and technology options. Phase two of the study looks at seven possible rapid transit options. TransLink will be seeking feedback from the general public on the seven options.

I’ve outlined the different options, but I highly suggest that you check out TransLink's UBC Study Site. Right now transit service is very unreliable along the Broadway Corridor with trip to UBC taking from 25 to 45 minutes from Commercial/Broadway SkyTrain Station.

Bus Rapid Transit

Travel Time (Commercial Dr – UBC): 33mins
Capital Costs: $350m (Diesel) $450m (Trolley)
Incremental Operating Costs: $-1m (Diesel) $-2m Trolley
Project Daily Boardings (2021): 75,000

Light Rail Transit 1

Travel Time (Commercial Dr – UBC): 26mins to 29mins
Capital Costs: $1.1b
Incremental Operating Costs: $-3m to $-6m
Project Daily Boardings (2021): 99,000-109,000

Light Rail Transit 2

Travel Time (Commercial Dr – UBC): 26mins to 29mins
Capital Costs: $1.3b to $1.4b
Incremental Operating Costs: $-2m to $-3m
Project Daily Boardings (2021): 107,000-116,000

Rail Rapid Transit (SkyTrain)

Travel Time (Commercial Dr – UBC): 20mins
Capital Costs: $2.9b to $3.2b
Incremental Operating Costs: $-3m to $-7m
Project Daily Boardings (2021): 137,000-146,000

Light Rail/SkyTrain Combination

Travel Time (Commercial Dr – UBC): 27mins
Capital Costs: $2.4b
Incremental Operating Costs: $-5m
Project Daily Boardings (2021): 145,000

Bus Rapid Transit/SkyTrain Combination

Travel Time (Commercial Dr – UBC): 32mins
Capital Costs: $1.9b
Incremental Operating Costs: $4m
Project Daily Boardings (2021): 138,000

Best Bus

Travel Time (Commercial Dr – UBC): 30mins
Capital Costs: $325m
Incremental Operating Costs: $18m
Project Daily Boardings (2021): 75,000

When I look over the different options, it really seems like Bus Rapid Transit is not going to be a good fit for the Broadway corridor and we are likely to be settling on some combination of SkyTrain, light rail, or both.

If light rail is picked at the preferred alternative, the stations are being planned without fare gates. This is because fare gates will substantially increase station costs and decrees access. If we are to see fare gates, it will be a political decision. Also, the stations will be designed to handle four-car trains.

One of the challenges that TransLink will have to overcome is the issues of parking. All of the surface-based transit options will require the removal of some parking.

Cross-section of Broadway from Alma to Arbutus

Just like in Downtown Vancouver, there will be people who will claim that the world will come to an end with the removal of any parking even though we’ve seen time and time again that this is simply not the case.

TransLink first public workshop is tonight:

6pm - 9pm Vancouver Masonic Centre
4th Floor Jewel Ballroom
1495 W.8th Ave, Vancouver

Check out their website for more dates and for information on their online consultations.