Vancouver
Transit - A Brief History and Overview: (Transit
Information 604-521-0400)
Back in the early part of the 20th
century, Vancouver had a fairly well developed Public
Transportation system with extensive Streetcar lines and
a Rapid Transit system known as the "Interurban" which ran from downtown
eastwards towards the
Fraser Valley & south to Steveston . With the rise of
the private automobile, we adopted the same philosophy as
Los Angeles and assumed that Public Transportation was
doomed, and the car was the wave of the future. Both the
Streetcar system and the Interurban were dismantled.
However, public pressure prevented the construction of
massive Freeways like those in Los Angeles, and Vancouver
was left with both a lousy transit and public highway
system. This has created an ugly traffic problem.
Toronto, on the other hand, took the
opposite point of view, and today has one of the finest
Public Transit systems in North America. It was not until
the mid 80's, that Vancouver's transit system underwent
major improvements with the construction of the Skytrain Rapid Transit
(I have an extensive section on the Skytrain system if you follow the
link below). The system got the name, Skytrain, since much of it is
elevated, however new lines are tending to be placed underground, so the
moniker is no longer totally appropriate. Vancouver still lags behind Toronto and
Montreal in Public Transit, but is rapidly improving. New Skytrain lines, Rapid Buses & other innovations
are taking the Vancouver Transit system towards becoming one of the
finest in North America. There is always public outcry at the
cost and proposals to help finance it, such as increased fares, tax
levies, & gas surcharges. Hopefully most people realize that an
efficient and extensive transit system is in everyone's
best interests, including those who never use the system.
After the election in 2008 of Mayor
Gregor Robinson, a avid cyclist, Vancouver embarked on an ambitious
program of bike lanes. Mr. Robinson apparently envisions Vancouver as
the new Amsterdam without the Red Light District and pot cafes. Of
course, Vancouver is not exactly as flat as a pancake, so I doubt it
will ever reach the level of the Dutch city. However, expect the same
attitude that cyclists own the road, and watch out for them.
Vancouver's Bus system is known under
the name "Coast Mountain Bus Company". The
parent company is known as "TransLink" and
consists of 4 main components, the Skytrain Rapid
Transit, Buses, the Seabus fast ferry and the West Coast
Express Commuter Train. The term "Translink" is
the common term used to describe the whole system. All are
described in the links below. Under "Other Forms",
you will find Taxis, Collectivo's, Hitchhiking, Biking, etc.
Transport to Vancouver Island is found under Ferries.
Vancouver is generally
divided into 3 Transit Zones (Commuter Trains are a
special case). The Skytrain crosses all 3. As of this writing (May
2012), Fares are
$2.50 for one Zone, $3.75 for two Zones and $5.00 for
three Zones.
Fare Zones disappear after 6:30 PM and the lowest transit
fare ($2.50) applies. (There is a surcharge for the rapid transit branch
to the Airport.) You will receive a ticket when you board a bus, this is
also your transfer to another bus, Skytrain or Seabus. You have to
insert them in a reader box every time you board another bus. This
checks the ticket for validity. They are good for
about 90 minutes and will allow you to transfer to
another bus, the Skytrain or Seabus, as long as you are
not doubling back. (Although you can often get away with that). If you board the Skytrain or Seabus
first,
your ticket also serves as a transfer. You MUST have
exact change for buses. Tickets for the Skytrain and
Seabus are from Automated dispensers in the stations. The
Skytrain is on the honour system, but there are spot
checks with heavy fines for cheaters. Your chance of being checked is
about 1 in 4, usually checks happen at the fare boundary points. If you
are a tourist, you may be given some leeway if you accidentally cross a
fare zone with the improper ticket. Most of the guards are quite
reasonable if you explain you got confused and can prove you are not a
Vancouver area resident.
You can also obtain
a day transit pass for $9.00 (2012) valid for unlimited travel. These are available at most supermarkets
(try Safeway or Save-On foods) and convenience stores. You may also purchase books of
transit tickets. These will save you about 10% and come in books
of 10.
