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Photos: Vancouver - The Best Place on Earth |
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Posted by AEM-7AC #901 on Sun Apr 29 20:56:07 2012       Yes, I rode SkyTrain, but then that's the main reason that any respectable railfan would visit the city. SkyTrain for those who don't know is the local railway network composed of three lines, one of which operates in a weird loop. Complementing this network is extensive bus network with electric trolley buses (trackless trolleys for SEPTA types), a ferry across the Burrard Inlet, and a dinky peak-service only commuter rail line to towns in the Frasier Valley. Admittedly, riding SkyTrain can rock one's foundation. Firstly, it admittedly blows away the notion of what constitutes a subway, how said subway should operate, and the tradeoffs that come with aiming for this type of network, decisions that admittedly haunt not just transit planners in the Vancouver area, but also planners and administrators around the world and railfans. Some would argue that systems like SkyTrain are not "real" subways, but if you're running full blown grade separation and running 4 car sets at 225 ft or so at two minute headways, are we dealing with a subway system or should these systems like Docklands Light Railway get dumped into so called intermediate systems that aren't light rail systems or subway systems? In turn, if one is building a new rail based transit network for a city, should we go with a classic human operated rapid transit network, a cheaper lightrail/stadtbahn network, or should one simply ape Vancouver and aim for a fully automated metro? After riding SkyTrain in full, I'm sold on the idea of fully automated, and SkyTrain proves that you don't need platform doors for that to work nor giant stations with 600 ft platforms in huge caverns to get high quality service given that they're running at two minute headways at peak on the Expo Line, and even though the line between what constitutes a "subway" is rather blurry, SkyTrain is certainly a "subway" compared to a proper Stadtbahn system, and the consists are only one hundred feet short of average European metro system consists. Mind you, some would argue that for nearly the same investment, the people of Vancouver could have had a light rail or streetcar network that covered far more of the city, a decision that's influencing the potential future extension of the Millenium line to the University of British Columbia. As for the stations, the Expo line stations reek of 1980s elements, while the Millenium Line stations are a testament to excellent design, and the Canada Line stations are simple, but well executed modern designs with the only downside being that the DBOM that built the line cut corners and the 2 car stations are far too small for the rapid growth in ridership. As for the city of Vancouver, I must say that it's one of the best cities that I've visited. Downtown is marked with modern highrise condos which if evoke a sense that the city is the "city of the future", which admittedly contrasts with the mountains to the north that can dominate certain views of the cityscape. Despite the high intensity development downtown or around certain SkyTrain stations, the rest of the city isn't that dense, but again like Portland, it feels like Queens with some outlying areas feeling suburbanish, but not too whacked out like a Sunbelt suburb. But then, I've always preferred Canadian urban planning over American planning. Mind you, one should note Vancouver is a city with much of it's growth in the post war period, so it's not going to feel as historic when compared to Northeastern cities, or for a Canadian comparison, Montreal or Halifax. It's an excellent planning lesson, but the lessons may be a bit more applicable to cities of similar vintage. And despite this being SubChat, I'll note that I had my first ride on an ETB. I'll quickly note that it's weird as looks like a bus, and the acceleration is better than your standard diesel bus, and it's quiet except for the AC traction whine, but it still rides likes a bus. And for roadgeeks, despite the city not having any highways that penetrate the core, the various bridges and tunnels around the area are worth visiting as the Lions Gate Bridge is a beautiful pre-war structure which offers beautful views of the city, but can also be contrasted with modern cable stayed design of the Alex Fraser or the extradosed design of the Golden Ears Bridge. So after writing all of that, I'd have to agree with the former motto of the province. Vancouver is probably one of the best cities that I've visited, and I certainly wouldn't mind moving here. It's a beautiful city surrounded by some of the most beautiful countryside in the world, and it's a functional place where one feels much comfortable when compared to nearby Seattle or Portland. I wish I had a chance to explore more around there, but I wouldn't hesistate going back, and I'd certainly recommend it for anybody looking for a vacation destination or simply a new place to live. As I jokingly point out, Toronto is the city that has spent years trying to be world class, but Vancouver despite being smaller has achieved that status. |
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