Absurdity, Hiatus, Ignominy, Irony, Paradox and Prognosis
The Cardinal cordially welcomes Zweisystem back & offers him wishes for a speedy recovery from his recent illness; – Hurry up and get the heck out of there!
Zwei, remember Mark Twainai??i??s advice `be careful when reading health books; you may die of a misprintai??i??
Ai??
With Zweisystem back in the section, continuing his mission, to hold TransLink, BC Transit & the politicians to account over their absurd vision for the Fraser Valleyai??i??s transport plans; Fang will step out of the parochial comfort zone of provincial BC and continue to report on what the rest of the civilised world is doing to improve the lives of their citizens.
Ai??
Taking absurdity to its incongruous limit, Zwei posted a letter, published in the Delta Optimist from Ken Hardie – Bio Director of Communication atTransLink, on the Blog under the title `Porkies from TransLinkai??i??.
Ken Hardie who? Donai??i??t Panic Ken Hardie is ArthurAi??Dent?
http://vancouverpublictransit.wordpress.com/2008/06/30/ken-hardie-is-arthur-dent/
However Vogon Ken Hardie, is not the hapless protagonist and anti-hero in the comic science fiction series The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams. Rather he is the architect of the Earth’s destruction as it is demolished to make way for a hyperspace bypass; aka the Gateway Programme.
More of a Ford PrefectAi??then?
A hiatus of sorts occurred in late December 2010, with the release of the Fraser Valley Regional Development FVRD Report & the Fraser Valley Transit Study FVTS. Strategic View of Transit in the Fraser Valley; Rail for the Valley have published their response to the TransLink proposal, concluding that `This report merely postpones a serious attempt to grapple with crafting a long-term solutionai??i?? a view held by much of the Fraser Valley press.
Ignominy, was very obvious in the response of the BC Liberal candidates to the Rail for the Valleyai??i??s Questionnaire response on crucial transportation issues in the Fraser Valley; the Liberals response was deafening ai??i?? nothing. Five responses were received from the BC NDP candidates. Then there is Kevin Falcon, whose anathema for any expansion of transit modes, especially Light Rail, in BC which arenai??i??t either a bus or the Evergreen or Expo Lines is well documented.
Ai??
Irony, yes; In Europe and the US, at-grade Light Rail & Tram schemes are proliferating. Since the beginning of 2011, the Cardinal has reported on the approval for 29 new French Tram schemes, new proposals, extensions & expansions in several US cities and the go-ahead given to extensions of the Birmingham, Nottingham & Manchester systems in Britain. Elsewhere in Europe, Germany continues to expand its Tram-Train network and approvals have been announced for systems in Denmark, Finland, Ireland & Norway; yet in BC & Canada, more silence unless you count Toronto where Mayor Ford is making a lot of noise as he threatens to close that city’s streetcars down.
Ai??
Ai??A Paradox, definitely in Canada!
Automated rapid transit systems, automated elevated Light Rail systems, Subways and Metros are preferred, by politicians, proponents, planners and SkyTrainai??i??s legion of blogosphere juveniles, they argue the superiority is down to:
Ai??Ai??Ai??Ai??Ai??Ai??Ai??Ai??Ai?? Faster journey times
Ai??Ai??Ai??Ai??Ai??Ai??Ai??Ai??Ai?? Greater speed of service
Ai??Ai??Ai??Ai??Ai??Ai??Ai??Ai??Ai?? Cheaper fares
Ai??Ai??Ai??Ai??Ai??Ai??Ai??Ai??Ai?? Lower operating costs per mile
Ai??Ai??Ai??Ai??Ai??Ai??Ai??Ai??Ai?? Higher capacity & efficiency
Ai??Ai??Ai??Ai??Ai??Ai??Ai??Ai??Ai?? Better serves higher population densities
Ai??Ai??Ai??Ai??Ai??Ai??Ai??Ai??Ai?? Less likely to be disrupted by cold weather related issues
Ai??Ken Hardie, Bio Director of Communication at TransLink, what in the world is a Bio Director? ..but Donai??i??t Panic? Captain Mainwaring,
star of the TV series Dadai??i??s Army has the answers.
Ai??http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZR6wok7g7do&feature=related
Prognosis – The Answer is 42.
..Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything..
Coincidently, 42 is the number of Light Rail, Tram systems, planned, built, commissioned & opened world wide in the same period since work on the Canada Line commenced.
Ai??
Reporter: Mr Gandhi, what do you think of Western Civilization ?
Mahatma Gandhi: I think it would be a good idea.
Porkies from TransLink!
In the UK, London's Cockney's (the East End crowd) have long had an interesting rhyming slang tradition – examples: jam jar is a car; dicky dirt a shirt and so on.
Well, a pork pie or porkie is – well you guessed it.
The following letter from Ken Hardie, to the Delta Optimist, is full of "Porkies" and if this is what is to be expected of TransLink in the future, it is time that this moribund bureaucracy is dissolved.
Zweisystem is going to dissect Mr. Hardie's letter and my comments will be highlighted in yellow italics.
Please remember, in 2008, noted American transit expert Gerald Fox, in a letter to a Victoria transportation group, shredded TransLink's Evergreen Line business case, stating; "I found several instances where the analysis had made assumptions that were inaccurate, or had been manipulated to make the case for SkyTrain. If the underlying assumptions are inaccurate, the conclusions may be so too."
Fox later said; It is interesting how TransLink has used this cunning method of manipulating analysis to justify SkyTrain in corridor after corridor, and has thus succeeded in keeping its proprietary rail system expanding. In the US, all new transit projects that seek federal support are now subjected to scrutiny by a panel of transit peers, selected and monitored by the federal government, to ensure that projects are analyzed honestly, and the taxpayers’ interests are protected. No SkyTrain project has ever passed this scrutiny in the US."
Re: SkyTrain supporters have failed us for far too long, letter to the editor, Feb. 2
SkyTrain critic Malcolm Johnston's latest letter omits some important points that need to be included in a thoughtful analysis of Metro Vancouver's rapid transit system.
In looking at systems around the world, most people here would use SkyTrain to describe automated light rail operating on a segregated right-of-way. Actually, the term SkyTrain is used to describe elevated railways, not automated railways. Johnston usually refers only to seven systems he reports as using SkyTrain's specific propulsion technology. There are only seven SkyTrain type proprietary railways in existence; Detroit, Toronto (soon to be dismantled); Vancouver, JFK airport New York, Kuala Lumpur; China and Korea; the rest are other proprietary transit systems. In fact, there are nine or 10 more automated systems that operate quite successfully in Japan, China and Dubai, not to mention our own Canada Line. Automatic or driverless railways have nothing to do being elevated, it is the signaling kit used, with the first automatic railway first operated in London, England in 1927.
Automated light rail is efficient, with our SkyTrain system operating at the lowest cost per mile in a comparison with a U.S. Federal Department of Transportation review of 10 major American rapid transit systems. This is only true because TransLink does not include the annual $250 million debt serving charges, which are included with US LRT accounting. Factor in SkyTrain's annual provincial subsidy of over $250 million and the mini-metro becomes very expensive when compared to modern light rail. It is, however, not the answer for every rapid transit application, which is why TransLink continues to keep all technology options on the table for expansion on the Broadway corridor and in the South of Fraser. It seems that SkyTrain is avoided by transit planners around the world with only seven such systems built, despite being on the market for over 32 years!
SkyTrain is popular with the public, as Johnson himself found out during discussions of rapid transit technology options for the Evergreen Line. Ha, ha, ha, SkyTrain is so popular for the Evergreen line, no one wants to ante up $400 million to get construction rolling. As well transit expert Gerald Fox, as noted many times by Zwei, reveals that the Evergreen line planning is grossly manipulated. With respect to the South of Fraser, we would particularly note the success of the Canada Line, which is well ahead of its ridership projections, is based largely on the number of people from South Surrey, White Rock and Delta who bus-in to the Richmond stations daily. Ha, ha, ha, the Canada line is only successful in TransLink's minds; no where else in the world that a $2.8 billion, truncated metro line, carrying less than 45,000 actual passengers a day, be deemed successful. Please note: 45,000 passengers a day traveling there and back, with some making multiple trips per day (U-Pass holding students) equals about 100,000 boardings per day.
Contrary to Johnston's assertion, 45 per cent of Canada Line riders tell us they used to drive for the trip they were making. Belive that and I can sell you shares in the Golden Ears Bridge P-3!
Rapid transit has an enormous impact on how our region grows and develops, and survey after survey shows it is the most effective in attracting people to public transit. Really, why then TransLink discontinue 30% of express bus service, due to lack of ridership from South Delta to Bridgeport Station?
While Metro Vancouver has clearly valued the benefits of automated light rail with its speed of service, high capacity and efficiency, we agree with Johnston when he correctly points out there are other rapid technologies we should consider as effective and cost-efficient ways to expand our network. Mr, Hardie quietly forgets that LRT made SkyTrain obsolete twenty years ago, as LRT has a higher capacity, etc., etc. than SkyTrain!
Where we disagree is with his characterization of our SkyTrain system, with its 100 million-plus riders per year, as a "failure." .Compare with carrying 50% more passengers, with a LRT system, costing 50% less! Oh yes, let us not forget that 80 million per year of your SkyTrain passengers are forced from buses onto the metro and that no other city in North America has copied Vancouver or built with a SkyTrain style metro is tantamount to failure. SkyTrain's success is born on the back of the regional taxpayers
Ken Hardie,
TransLink
Nottingham Tram – Councils Negotiate NET Settlement
Nottingham NET Phase 2
Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council have negotiated a settlement which will allow the City Council to take the project forward as sole promoter.
http://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/netphase2/index.aspx?articleid=7487
Rail For the Valley – QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSES FROM THE CANDIDATES
CLICK HERE FOR THE COMPLETE QUESTIONNAIRE + RESPONSES
With new leadership coming to both major political parties in B.C., Rail For the Valley found out where the candidates stand on crucial transportation issues for the rapidly growing Fraser Valley.
On January 26, a Questionnaire was distributed to all leadership candidates from both political parties. Three weeks later, and the responses are in.
Encouragingly, all BC NDP Candidates responded, with the exception of Harry Lali. There are some very positive responses. Click here to read.
Unfortunately, as of February 16, none of the BC Liberal candidates have responded. With the Liberal race concluding next week, candidates are strongly encouraged to respond to the Questionnaire, as it deals with issues of the utmost importance to citizens of the Fraser Valley.
Some quotes from the candidates
John Horgan: “I support an at-grade light rail system through Surrey and Langley, eventually reaching Abbotsford and even Chilliwack. Skytrain is a mass transit/high density option that is neither suitable nor desirable for the needs of the Fraser Valley.”
“The Fraser Valley needs to have an integrated transit system that uses light rail to connect communities, with buses bringing commuters from their neighbourhoods to the line.”
“We need complete communities, with jobs, services and entertainment for local residents. Light rail encourages the private sector investments that provide those options.”
Adrian Dix: “Yes, [I support moving forward with planning Interurban Light Rail] with the objective of developing light rail to connect Central City to Newton then to Langley, using the existing line.”
“There is no question in my view that the south of the Fraser region has to have a much higher priority in transit priorities due to rapid growth and the overall neglect of transit south of the Fraser.”
Mike Farnworth: “Local communities should make decisions about their transit needs and solutions that fit their communities and are not imposed by Victoria.”
“Light Rail needs to be part of a comprehensive sustainable transit strategy both here in the lower mainland and in other growing urban areas in British Columbia.”
Nicholas Simons: “The province is trying to force both your communities and Lower Island communities into a Rapid Bus system that will not accomplish community aims, but may be marginally cheaper to implement in the short term than LRT.”
“The ability of LRT to attract ridership means that it can help build density at nodes and further complete-community objectives, where Rapid Bus cannot.”
Dana Larsen: “As Premier, I would immediately halt highways expansion and fund the rapid deployment and expansion of rail throughout the Fraser Valley, Metro Vancouver, Greater Victoria, and if feasible, the Okanagan.”
A note from Zweisystem and Modern Track laying
Just to let everyone know, Zweisystem is on the road to recovery after a serious illness. Many thanks to Cardinal Fang for his timely and interesting posts.
The following is an interesting link to a video showing modern track laying and replacing technique – click and play.
Light Rail, Tramway & Streetcar news from America
The Cardinal has posted a number of news articles on European Light Rail & Tramway developments in the past month; now from the US comes news of two new transit scheme initiatives and developments on a third.
Washington DC
Streetcars on track for return to D.C.
Washington Post 15 February 2011
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/mar/15/streetcars-on-track-for-return-to-dc/
Czech built Skoda Inekon Streetcars destined for the streets of Washington DC
Superior Plus is a 100 % Low Floor Tram designed for Toronto's unique requirements and specifications, issued in the original Request For Proposal by TTC in January 2008. http://www.inekon-trams.com/toronto/superior-plus-100percent-low-floor-tram.html
Minneapolis
Minneapolis CBS December 21 2010
Minneapolis A Step Closer To Return Of Street Cars
http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2010/12/21/minneapolis-a-step-closer-to-return-of-street-cars/
New Orleans
New Orleans tram project approved
Railway Gazette February 15 2011
http://www.railwaygazette.com/nc/news/single-view/view/new-orleans-tram-project-approved.html
Birmingham [UK] city centre tram project moves forward
City centre tram project moves forward
Centro Press release
Work to extend the Metro tram system through the streets of Birmingham city centre took a major step forward today after the Government made more than Ai??A?75 million available for the exciting scheme.
The joint project by Centro, the regionA?ai??i??ai???s transport authority, the Black Country and Birmingham City councils, is expected to boost the West Midlands economy by Ai??A?50 million a year and create up to 1,300 sustainable new jobs.
It will provide a fast link between BirminghamA?ai??i??ai???s two major rail stations and deliver more than 3.5 million passengers a year right into the heart of the cityA?ai??i??ai???s shopping district.
It will also give a fast link from New Street Station to the emerging business district at Snow Hill and the unique and historic Jewellery Quarter and serve as a platform for a futureAi??Ai??rapid transit network that can connect and feed into the cityA?ai??i??ai???s forthcoming High Speed Rail terminus.
Meanwhile, the fleet of new, bigger trams will bring major benefits to Metro in the Black Country by increasing passenger capacity and frequency of service to every six minutes throughout the day.
A city committed to tram-trains
Kassel’s tram-train system has transformed public transport in the region. With other cities starting to take an interest in the concept, it is no wonder people from around the world are making the journey to central Germany.
Report from the Light Rail Transit Association [LRTA] published in the January 2010 edition of Tramways & Urban Transit [TAUT]
http://www.lrta.info/tramforward/TAUT_Jan_Tramtrain.pdf
29 new Tram Projects announced for France
11 February 2011 Railway Gazette
Funding allocated to 78 French urban transport projects
FRANCE: Transport Minister Natahalie Kosciusko-Morizet announced the final tranche of light rail, metro and bus funding allocations under the Grenelle de l’Environnement on February 9.
The announcement covers a total of €590m allocated to 78 urban transport projects in 54 conurbations outside Ile-de-France. These include 29 tram projects (152 km), two metro projects (14 km) and 45 bus corridors (456 km).
The city of Lille will receive €9·1m to improve services on metro Line 1 while Rennes will get €90·7m towards the construction of metro Line B. The 14 km automated line will be built by Siemens and is due to open in 2018.
The projects were selected on the basis of their contribution to air quality and addressing climate change; improving links to suburban areas; attractiveness to passengers; accessibility and transport punctuality; and making a direct contribution to the local economy and employment. Works are due to start within the next two years.
The long-term objective of the Grenelle de l’Environnement policy is to invest €1·3bn to create 1500 km of new lines over 15 years. Of this, 1000 km will be completed or underway by the end of 2013.
The original article by the French Ministry of Ecology & Sustainable Development can be read here:
78 nouveaux projets de transports urbains collectifs en site propre (TCSP)
http://www.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/78-nouveaux-projets-de-transports.html
Dix in favour of light-rail transit in the Fraser Valley: group
Dix in favour of light-rail transit in the Fraser Valley: group
BY IAN AUSTIN, THE PROVINCE FEBRUARY 7, 2011
Advocates for light rail in the Fraser Valley can claim an early victory in their quest to get support from leadership candidates for the B.C. NDP and the B.C. Liberals.
Adrian Dix, one of the favourites in the race to become the new leader of the B.C. NDP, has thrown his support behind light rail on the Interurban Line.
A?ai??i??Ai??WeA?ai??i??ai???d like whoever is elected to take into consideration the new studies that show that light rail is a viable component of public transportation in the Fraser Valley,A?ai??i??A? said John Visser of Rail For the Valley, which argues that railcars on the existing rail right-of-way are far more cost-effective than expanding the SkyTrain heavy-rail line.
A?ai??i??Ai??For the cost of two to three kilometres of SkyTrain, we can build light rail for 250,000 people.A?ai??i??A?
Rail For the Valley sent out transit questionnaires to the dozen candidates vying for their partiesA?ai??i??ai??? leadership, and Dix is the first to endorse the light-rail proposal.
A?ai??i??Ai??All responses will be posted on our website (railforthevalley.com)A?ai??i??A? said Visser. A?ai??i??Ai??WeA?ai??i??ai???re looking forward to honest assessments from all the candidates.A?ai??i??A?
Dix is very supportive of the light-rail concept in his response to the five-question survey.
Asked, A?ai??i??E?Do you support moving forward with planning Interurban Light Rail?A?ai??i??ai???, Dix replied:
A?ai??i??Ai??Yes, with the objective of developing light rail to connect Central City to Newton then to Langley, using the existing line. This core service could be supported with expanded fast-bus and bus feeder services.A?ai??i??A?
Residents south of the Fraser River have long lobbied for improved transit services as an alternative to the daily traffic bottlenecks at the Port Mann Bridge.
A?ai??i??Ai??With new political leadership soon coming to this province, it is vital the public, and political party members, know where candidates stand on a crucially needed light rail system,A?ai??i??A? said Rail For the ValleyA?ai??i??ai???s John Buker.
iaustin@theprovince.com
twitter.com/ianaustin007
Ai??Ai?? Copyright (c) The Province
via Dix in favour of light-rail transit in the Fraser Valley: group.
Recent Comments