The Expanding World Of TramTrain

TramTrain, unknown in Canada, mocked by those who have not even researched the mode, is now expanding across the world. The concept is simple and well understood a century ago, but time has erased the memory of the “interurban” from our present crop of planners. Until 1992…….. The German City of Karlsruhe opened it’s first […]

Absolute Madness!

Absolute madness from the Mayor’s Council on Transit. The game has changed, the taxpayer is broke and cannot pay more. The transit customers are broke and cannot pay higher fares. Covid-19, like it or not has changed the transit game completely. Spending a budgeted $4.6 billion to extend the Movia Automatic Light Metro lines (Expo […]

Did I just hear “Shovel Ready”?

Two transit projects in BC are “shovel ready”. 1) Rail for the Valley’s plan for regional railway connecting, Chilliwack, Sardis, Abbotsford, Langley, Cloverdale and North Delta to Vancouver and 2) The E & N Railway connecting Courtney, Qualicum Nanaimo Chemainus, Duncan, Langford to Victoria, with a future connection to Port Alberni. All is needed is […]

Rethink And Introduce TramTrain!

As Covid-19 wrecks havoc with BC’s economy, it is time to rethink the provincial policy of building more light-metro, highways and bridges and instead concentrate on “rail” transport. The Provincial Ministry of Transportation should refrain from building mega projects like subways and massive 10 lane bridges and concentrate on providing proven modes of alternative transportation. […]

It Is Time For TransLink And The Mayor’s Council Rethink Light Rail

It is time, during this pandemic crisis and the billions of dollars being spent for the security of Canada and Canadians, it is time TransLink and the Mayor’s Council on Transit rethink their stand on light rail. It is time that TransLink and the Mayor’s Council on Transit show fiscal responsibility for public transit and […]

Is It Time To Rethink SkyTrain Expansion?

As reported, the ongoing Covid-19 epidemic has greatly reduced transit ridership. A 52% drop in boarding’s from March 19, 2019 to March 19, 2020 is greatly affecting TransLink’s bottom line. With over 80% of SkyTrain’s ridership first take a bus, the collapse of ridership must be dealing a vast economic blow to TransLink! The SkyTrain […]

Time To Rethink Transit – Tramways Instead Of Light-Metro?

Montpelier, France What the following article is talking about is not light rail, rather a tramway or streetcar. Light rail is a streetcar operating on a reserved or dedicated rights-of-way and by doing so, offers a service superior to that of a light metro and close to that of a heavy-rail metro. Building a tramway […]

Roundabout? No doubt!

It seems European tram planning is inching its way into the USA. A tram through a round about is an interesting concept and one hopes that the auto drivers are skilled enough to negotiate it safely. Large-roundabout on Marszalkowska Street near Central tram station in Warsaw Roundabout for Light Rail Is One of First in […]

On-Street Trams Around The World

During these dangerous times a small photo essay on on-street tram or LRT operation to brighten up the day. Luxembourg’s new tramway, classic modern light rial   Edinburgh’s newer tramway. Lot’s of teething problems but now a solid performer.   Melbourne’s streetcar/tram system, now being slowly upgraded to light rail status. Trams have now returned […]

Smoke And Mirrors for The North Shore

Smoke and mirrors. Classic political bait and switch; bait the public into thinking that the province is really doing something, but in reality, doing nothing. The key is funding and of course funding is never mentioned. Without having each option showing cost, means the study is next to useless as people don’t have real information. […]