LRT for Dummies – I hope Clark and Dix read this!

From the Atlantic. http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2011/06/infographic-light-rail-transit-for-dummies/239664/ Infographic: Light Rail Transit for Dummies Jun 2 2011 It's a subject that's sparked quite a bit of heated discussion, both in our own offices here at the Watergate and in homes across America. President Obama and his team have promised millions to transform our country's rail system, but several Republican […]

Aging Pattullo Bridge needs to be replaced – Why Not Build A New Combined Road/Rail Bridge Instead?

Ai??The decrepit Pattullo Bridge, with the rickety Fraser River Rail Bridge under it There is no surprise over this decision at all, the aged Pattullo Bridge needs to be replaced and so it should as it is literally falling apart. The Pattullo wasAi??originally built as two lane bridge in the 1930’s, like the Lions Gate […]

Trams are good for your health – 3

postedAi??from: The Regional Transport Strategy role of Tramways & Light Rail http://www.applrguk.co.uk/files/lruk%20v.1%20role%20of%20light%20rail%20&%20tramways%20v.%20150610.pdf Health Impact of Airborne Pollutants Evidence has now emerged which confirms that the long-term effects of particle air pollution are considerably more significant in damaging Public Health than heart disease. The Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants Report published May 2001, […]

Trams are good for your health

Woman gives up car to avoid buying gas http://www.azfamily.com/news/local/Woman-gives-up-car-to-avoid-buying-gas-121424504.html PHOENIX – Two months ago, Nicole Underwood had an epiphany. ai???When gas prices hit $3.50 I was like, thatai??i??s it!ai??? she said. She realized that at $3.50, gas stations were charging the same for one gallon of gas as it costs for an all day pass […]

IS IT TIME TO HAVE A ROYAL COMMISSION ON URBAN TRANSPORTATION?

Recent angst and confusion in local and national blogs concerning bus, light rail, metro, and commuter train makes Zwei wonder if a Royal Commission on Urban Transportation is needed. There are no national standards that readily defines transit mode and one is needed, so the average Canadian (read Canadian taxpayer) can engage in honest debate on urban transportation. […]

LRT and Subway Construction Costs

From the Toronto LRT Information Blog http://lrt.daxack.ca/blog/ Discussions on Toronto and GTHA LRT Possibilities Much of this site is devoted to promoting LRT as a viable alternative to Subway for rapid transit expansion within the GTA where capacity needs exceed or will exceed that of bus operation, but do not warrant a Subway level of […]

Kisses on a postcard

In the 19th & 20th centuries, Trams & Streetcars were part of the streetscape in towns and cities in Canada, Europe & America. Studying contemporary postcards, it can be seen how well this form of urban transport fitted in with homes, businesses & people. ThisAi??coloured postcardAi??of post World War One Karlsruhe, Germany, shows a typical […]

Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts calls for street-level rapid transit in her city

Light rail proponents say it's less expensive than SkyTrain They are cheering Surrey mayor Dianne Watts for her call for street-level rapid transit in her city Dan Burritt Apr 13, 2011 19:24:20 PM  News1130 http://www.news1130.com/news/local/article/212086–light-rail-proponents-say-it-s-less-expensive-than-skytrain SURREY (NEWS1130) – Surrey's plan for street-level rapid transit is welcome news to people who want to bring back street […]

Surrey Mayor Watts ups the TransLink ante – ‘We’re redefining Surrey’

Following on from Zweisai??i?? earlier posting of the Vancouver Sunai??i??s reporting of Mayor Dianne Wattsai??i??s state of city address `Surrey looks to light rail to ease huge growth’ `SkyTrain is too expensive, Mayor Dianne Watts says’ the Surrey Now paperAi?? published the following article on Tuesday: ‘We’re redefining Surrey,’ mayor says at annual State of […]

Tram makers hit curve as markets adjust

Financial Times London Published: April 8 2011 15:43 http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/42c826ec-618a-11e0-a315-00144feab49a.html#axzz1JP9NTSro By Robert Wright The segregated track that carries smart Citadis trams alongside the Aegean in Voula on the outskirts of Athens could scarcely form a more marked contrast with the tram line that snakes down the narrow, cobbled streets of the St Gilles district in Brussels. […]