Category Archives for Transit

Invest in What People Need Now Not Power That May Never Be Needed – Stop Site C

Below is the personal letter I sent regarding Site C. Managed to connect it to cycling and road safety.

If you want to send a similar letter, here are the emails:

John Horgan <premier@gov.bc.ca>, Michelle Mungal <MEM.Minister@gov.bc.ca>, Claire Trevena <Minister.Transportation@gov.bc.ca>

You can find your MLA’s email here: http://www.bccc.bc.ca/bc

Dear Premier Horgan, Minister Mungall, Minister Trevena, Minister Robinson

There are plenty of urgent needs that require investment that will help the people of British Columbia now. These investments include social housing, transit, cycling and road safety that will save lives and improve people’s health while creating more jobs in communities around BC. As such, it makes no sense at all to spend billions on Site C for power that may not be needed for years if ever.

For example, the BC Road Safety Strategy includes many excellent recommendations that would help significantly reduce crashes saving hundreds of lives and injuries while saving millions in health care and repair costs to the government and drivers.

The British Columbia Road Safety Strategy 2015 states:

These smart modes of transportation include walking, cycling and public transport. By reducing private car use, these other travel modes reduce the motor vehicle crash rate, encourage healthy physical activity, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and our carbon footprint.

With the 2016 Census showing increased transit and cycling use, now is the time to invest in the transit capacity and cycling routes that are needed now. Investing in cycling would create more jobs too. A study by University of Massachusetts Political Economic Research Institute found that for each $1 million, cycling projects in this study create a total of 11.4 jobs while road only projects create 7.8 jobs. Both are much higher than the jobs per million created by Site C.

It is no accident that ICBC costs have increased. The previous government failed to invest anywhere near the amount of funds needed to make our roads safer while providing people with affordable green and safe transportation.

Similarly, with thousands of people desperately needing homes in communities around the Province, it unconscionable to spend billions on electrical generating capacity that is not need for years or may never be needed. While the investment in modular homes is a good start, much more needs to be done so everyone in BC has a home.

The previous government made the same mistake by spending billions on bridge and road capacity (Port Mann Bridge, South Fraser Perimeter Road) that is not needed now and may never be needed. Thankfully, your government has put a hold on the Massey Bridge and hopefully will invest in other priorities including cycling and transit. I urge you to do the same and cancel the costly Site C dam.

Sincerely
Richard Campbell
Vancouver, BC

 

$131 Million Over 10 Years for Cycling!

On June 12, the Mayors Council release their Regional Transportation Investments, A Vision for Metro Vancouver which includes a 30 year vision and a 10-year investment program.  The 10-year program  includes significant investment in transit, cycling, walking and roads throughout the region.
The Vision calls for funding for a 2,700km network high quality bikeways including 300km of traffic-separated routes to help make cycling a real transportation option for people of all ages and abilities. The proposed investment in cycling network/routes and secure bicycle parking total $131 million over ten years, reaching $16.5 million per annum by Year 6. The $131 million consists of:
  • $96.7M – Regional Cycling Routes (not TransLink-Owned) ($11.9M/year by year 6)
  • $34.4M – TransLink-Owned Routes and Parking at TransLink Facilities ($4.6M/year by year 6)

In addition:

  • The proposed new four lane Pattullo Bridge will include high quality cycling and walking facilities.
  • Funding from the Capital for Minor Major Road Network (MRN) Upgrades  program ($200 million over 10 years) can also be used for cycling and pedestrian projects.
  • Improving pedestrian access to transit ($5M capital per annum by Year 6), $35.0 million

From Regional Transportation Investments, A Vision for Metro Vancouver (page A66)

PROGRAM: INVESTMENT IN BIKEWAYS

This program would provide funding and cost-sharing to support complete the region’s bikeway network as envisioned in the Regional Cycling Strategy over a time frame of about 20 years. In the first 10 years, this program would add to the existing bikeway network up to:

  • 300 km of traffic-protected bikeways on major streets in Urban Centres, such as on-street cycle tracks with physical separation from traffic or off-street paths;
  • 2,400 km of designated bikeways, such as marked bike lanes or neighbourhood street bikeways with bicycle-permeable traffic calming.

One of the actions identified in the Regional Cycling Strategy is to define and implement the Major Bikeway Network (MBN) of high quality regionally significant routes that parallel and connect to the rapid transit system and regional gateways. These routes should be traffic-protected to the extent possible. Examples of specific projects that could be designated as part of the MBN are outlined below, including upgrading the BC Parkway and completing the Central Valley Greenway, North Shore Spirit Trail, Evergreen Bikeway, and routes South of Fraser to parallel future rapid transit lines.This program would augment the existing Bicycle Infrastructure Capital-Cost Sharing (BICCS) program to provide cost-share funding to support an additional 300 km of traffic-protected bikeways and 2,400 of designated bikeways throughout the region, as identified by municipal transportation and cycling plans.

Facilities would generally be constructed on a cost share basis with municipalities, but the cost share amount may vary depending on facility type and regional priority.

  • Cost share funding would be ramped up over the first 5 years of the plan to ensure sufficient time to build matching funds into municipal capital plans.
  • TransLink-owned assets would be funded at 100%.
  • Regional priorities such as traffic-protected bikeways in Urban Centres and key links on the MBN would be cost-shared at up to 75%.
  • All other municipal bikeways would be eligible for cost-sharing at 50%.

If we do nothing, walking, cycling and transit will only account for 27% of trips by 2045, far short of the target of 50%. The Plan will get us to 36%. It is a great start, but much more will need to be done though to met regional targets. Lets get this plan moving forward then work on meeting the 2045 targets.

The Mayors preferred choice, was for the Province to help fund the improvements through a portion of the existing Carbon Tax collected in the region then shifting to mobility pricing at some point in the future. This would increase the effectiveness of the Carbon Tax by providing more people with better sustainable transportation options. Now, the Carbon Tax revenue was used to cut taxes so essentially this funding would have come out of general revenue. The Province is projecting surpluses of hundreds of millions of dollars in the coming years. There is a strong case to use some of this to help improve transit, cycling and walking. Ontario Premier Wynne, who just scored a dramatic election win, is doing exactly that by investing $15 billion in transit around the the Toronto area in the next ten years.

Unfortunately, the Province quickly reject using the revenue from the existing Carbon Tax but left the door open to an additional Carbon Tax which, according to Premier Clark’s election platform, would have to be approved by the public in a referendum.

Take Action

Please contact Premier Clark, premier@gov.bc.ca, encouraging the Province to provide more funding for transit, cycling and walking in Metro Vancouver. A good idea to copy Hon. Todd Stone, Minister.Transportation@gov.bc.ca, Claire.Trevena.MLA@leg.bc. ca, your MLA (Find your MLA here) and the Mayors Council, mayorscouncil@translink.ca.

Support GetOnBoard BC, the coalition leading the charge for more transit funding: http://www.getonboardbc.ca

More Info

http://mayorscouncil.ca

Mayors’ Council Approves New Transportation Plan & Funding Recommendation | HUB

Increased Regional Investment in All Ages Cycling Networks Badly Needed | Richard Campbell

 

Increased Regional Investment in All Ages Cycling Networks Badly Needed

TransLink, the Federal & Provincial Government, Burnaby, New West and Vancouver Provided Funding for the Central Valley Greenway

TransLink, the Federal & Provincial Government, Burnaby, New West and Vancouver Provided Funding for the Central Valley Greenway

Cycling is a transportation bargain for both individuals and government. Compared to the billions for a new bridge or transit line, bike paths are really inexpensive. Still, it is not free. High quality cycling facilities separated from traffic do cost money. The cycling and walking path on the Canada Line bridge cost $10 million. At least $40 million has been invested in the Central Valley Greenway and more is needed for upgrades.

The Burrard Cornwall improvements were $6 million.  Until people of all ages and abilities can easily travel to anywhere from anywhere on a network of connected bike paths, separated lanes or low traffic streets, the bike routes already built will not be used as well as they could be by residents and tourists. Short sections of bike paths that vanish at busy intersection or don’t connect with major destinations will attract few people.

TransLink Provided all the funding for the Bicycle and Pedestrian Path on the Canada Line Bridge

TransLink Provided all the funding for the Bicycle and Pedestrian Path on the Canada Line Bridge

Rough estimates put the cost of creating all ages and abilities networks in communities around the region at nearly $1 billion. A fair amount of money but only third of the cost of Port Mann/Highway 1 Project and the proposed new Massey Crossing.

Currently, TransLink’s budget only contains around $2 million per year for cycling. Even when this money is matched by municipalities, it is nowhere near enough to complete the cycling network within our lifetimes.

TransLink’s Regional Transportation Strategy Strategic Framework States: “For decades, the region has called for priority for walking and cycling, but the level of investment has not always reflected that commitment. Early and significant investment will now be required to complete walkway and bikeway networks with a particular focus on traffic-protected bikeways in Urban Centres and other areas of high cycling potential.”

Cycling friendly jurisdictions spend much more on cycling. For example, the Netherlands invests around $40 per person per year or $100 million per year. As many of the benefits of cycling including health care costs savings and cycling tourism accrue to the Federal and Provincial Governments, they should provide matching funding for cycling as well. A regional contribution of around $34 million per year would be reasonable.

The good news is that many of the cycling and walking routes to transit stations are also important links in the regional cycling network. The BC Parkway, which needs a lot of work, provides cycling and walking access to many Expo Line stations in Surrey, New Westminster, Burnaby and Vancouver. The badly needed connection along United Blvd will connect Coquitlam and PoCo to Braid Station.

Improving these connections should prove to be a great investment for TransLink and the region. By enabling more people to walk and cycle to transit, ridership revenue will increase. And, there will be more space on buses for those who can’t or choose not to cycle.

Cycling can ease demand on busy transit routes delaying the need for costly upgrades enabling funding to be used on other transit priorities. For example, improvements to the BC Parkway, Central Valley Greenway and other routes connecting East Van to Downtown could relieve demand on the busiest section of the Expo Line. London is planning on investing billions in cycling to reduce crowding on the Tube. They are even naming the bike routes after the transits lines they parallel.

The Mayors Council is currently drafting a regional transportation plan which will likely form the basis of the transportation package in the upcoming referendum. Please email the Mayors Council, mayorscouncil@translink.ca, and your Mayor and Council encouraging them to support more regional funding for cycling and walking networks ($34 million per year) to supported by increased funding for cycling education and promotion ($3 million per year would be great). List improvements that are needed in your area to highlight where the regional funding is needed. A good idea to  copy Hon. Todd Stone, Minister.Transportation@gov.bc.ca, Claire.Trevena.MLA@leg.bc. ca, and your MLA (Find your MLA here). More on the BCCC’s funding recommendations to the Provincial Government here.

More Information

Cycling Recommendations for New Metro Vancouver Transportation Plan and Funding | HUB: Your Cycling Connection

 

Everyone Will Enjoy $300 Million Pt Grey Views

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Thanks to the vision and leadership of previous generations, the people of Vancouver today are able to enjoy the many parks along our waterfront. These parks make Vancouver a wonderful city to live in and visit. A hundred years ago, the water was lined with private houses leaving the public with limited access to the water. Over the decades, these houses were acquired by the city and converted to parks. This task was completed years ago along English Bay. Today these parks are on land worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

Along Point Grey, some properties were purchased but the prices started really going up so we essentially gave up. Today, by my quick estimated, the parks lining Point Grey Road would cost around $300 million to acquire. Currently, these parks are rather isolated and difficult to access. Point Grey is not very safe to cycle on nor very pleasant to cycle, walk or run along. Certainly not a pleasant or even safe family outing. There is little free parking so people can’t easily drive there either. The noise of the speeding traffic makes the parks less enjoyable to spend time in. People driving and cycling by would likely get harassed and honked at if they tried to slow down to enjoy the view. Certainly, the we are not able to get fully value of this gift from previous generations with Pt Grey as a commuter route.

Point Grey Cornwall Greenway proposal to divert commuter traffic off Pt Grey making the street much more comfortable to cycle, walk and run along will give far more people access to these parks. People walking and cycling will be able to enjoy the $300 million views from the parks as they pass by or stop to relax, picnic or enjoy a sunset. To get there by transit, people can jump off the bus at Macdonald and Pt Grey.

While the Sun’s headline screams Vancouver’s Point Grey Road set to become a ‘park for the rich’ with new plan restricting traffic, the reality is anyone rich enough to afford a bike, a pair of shoes or a $2.75 bus fare will be able to enjoy the new Point Grey Road. According to a recent survey by the BCCC, almost 80% of people own or have access to a bicycle. Pretty sure nowhere 80% of people in B.C. are rich. For those without a bicycle, there is Vancouver’s new bike sharing system where using the bikes will only cost $5 a day and $95 a year, hardly a fortune. For those who can’t ride a bicycle, separated bike lanes are proving popular with people propelled by power wheelchairs, e-bikes and mobility scooters.

With only 50 or so homes along the Point Grey waterfront, not even most millionaire can buy a piece of the view. With the Point Grey Cornwall Greenway, everyone will be able to enjoy the fantastic $300 million views!

Take Action

So, please encourage the City of Vancouver to build the Point Grey Cornwall Greenway now and speed up the implementation of other badly needed all ages and abilities cycling and walking improvements. Lets realize the health, safety, environmental, social and economic benefits of as soon as possible! Tell them the problems that you have experienced along Point Grey & Cornwall and let them know what the Point Grey Cornwall Greenway would mean to you, your family and community.

More on Point Grey Cornwall

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Rapid Transit is an Investment in the Future

That Many Cities are Making Now

Cities and regions all around the world know the huge economic, social and environmental benefits of rapid transit and are investing billions of dollars in their networks. We live in a global economy and are competing with these other regions for business. The knowledge workers essential for the economy of the future want to live in cities where they can walk, cycle and use public transit.

Unfortunately, even after our successes over the last two decades with our investments in transit, we seem to be forgetting about the huge benefits and are focusing way to much on the capital costs.

Both Broadway Subway to UBC and Rapid Transit in Surrey are critical investments for the region. The Broadway Subway will serve the growing number of people working and living along the Broadway Corridor and at UBC. It will also provide people living in Burnaby, Coquitlam and Surrey with better connections to the Airport and Richmond. Rapid Transit in Surrey will help shape growth encouraging the development of vibrant walkable communities south of the Fraser.

Both are behind schedule already. SkyTrain to Granville was supposed to be finished by 2006 while the construction of Rapid Transit in Surrey should have already begun.

The real judge of these projects will be how much additional revenue will be needed. Unfortunately, the capital cost of transit projects tends to be highlighted. The Broadway Subway to UBC is projected to carry 320,000 trips per day by 2040 including 54,000 new transit trips. The new transit trips will generate an estimated $260 million in additional fare revenue over 30 years (page 132, in 2010 dollars discounted at 6%) while operating costs will be much lower than the buses that are replaced. Taking this into account, the Net Present Cost in 2010 dollars is estimated to be $1.7 billion, much less than the $3 billion capital cost. The Surrey Rapid transit options fare well too in this respect. The $2.2 billion dollar options both have Net Present Costs of around $1.6 billion. All this means that the life cycle costs of both these projects will require somewhat less tax dollars than otherwise might be expected.

While the costs of these rapid transit projects are significant, they are well within our ability to pay. In Metro Vancouver, over the last 12 years (most of it over the last 8),$12.26 billion (an average of over $1 billion per year), has been invested in major infrastructure projects. This includes $3.48 billion for rapid transit; $6.9 billion for roads and bridges; and $1.86 billion for BC Place and the Convention Centre.

Put in this context, even $3 billion Broadway Subway  to UBC and $2.2 billion Surrey Rapid Transit options, are reasonable over the next 10 years with some funds aside for other investments. This region and province definitely have the economic capacity for this level of investment. The population and the economy will be growing so these investments relative to population and GDP will even be more favourable.

To put this all in perspective, lets look at what some other regions are investing in rapid transit.

Greater Toronto has a rather bewildering array of plans and changing plans. From what I can tell, between TTC, Metrolinx and GO Transit, they have around $16 billion, $2,650 per person, worth of projects underway or at least funded over the next ten years. Metrolinx has just announced an additional $34 billion, $5,600 per person, worth of transit projects and is starting the conversation on how to fund them.

Perhaps the project that is most similar to the Broadway Subway is Toronto’s Eglinton LRT that will cost around $5 billion for 19km. That’s a half a billion dollars more than the Evergreen Line and the Broadway Subway put together. In the denser areas where Eglinton is a width similar to that of Broadway, a 10km tunnel is planned with the remainder being on-street. The fully grade separated SkyTrain lines will provide more frequent reliable service with a higher capacity. With around 320,000 riders per day expected by 2041, the Broadway Subway will carry many more passengers as well.

Paris is investing over $33 billion in the Grand Paris Express project. This project involves 200km of new automated grade separated metro lines linking suburbs to the core and other regional destinations. In addition, the plan also includes $9.2 billion for upgrades to existing lines and two light rail lines. Together, this amounts to $3,600 per capita from 2013 to 2030.

Even cities with little or no rapid transit are realizing the value of transit.

Honolulu, with a population of less than half of ours, is investing $5.12 billion,$5,400, per person) over the next ten years in an elevated automated light metro system very similar to SkyTrain.

Seattle, with a population of less than twice of ours, is spending nearly $10 billion, $2,600 per person, over the next ten years on a LRT system. Many sections of their LRT are underground or elevated due to their challenging geography.

Ottawa is spending $2.1 billion, $2,290 per person, on a partial underground LRT system. The cost increases to almost $2.5 billion, $2,700 per capita, when other project associated including costs road expansion required to detour buses during construction and contingency are added in. While they chose LRT because of its ability to run on city streets, it is looking more and more like their extensions will be grade separated.

The UBC Line plus Surrey RT would be a maximum of $2,300 per capita in the region. Arguably for a fairer comparison, as some of the projects in the other cities are under construction now, the Evergreen Line should be included which brings the cost per capita to $2,900. A bit higher than Seattle’s, Ottawa’s and Toronto’s current projects but much less than Honolulu, Paris and Toronto’s next wave of projects. At any rate, the capital costs would be paid over 30 years or so. The cost per person will be much much less than the $10,000 per year it costs to own and operate a newish automobile not taking into account the cost to taxpayers of building and maintaining roads.

So, it is time to get on with it. The Province needs to step up and give  the region the funding sources it needs to build both rapid transit in Surrey and the Broadway subway in the next decade.

More Info

UBC Line Rapid Transit Study – Phase Two Evaluation Report

Surrey Rapid Transit Study Phase 2 Alternatives Evaluation

TransLink concludes SkyTrain clear winner for Vancouver – and Surrey | Civic Surrey

The UBC-Broadway Corridor – Unlocking the Economic Potential

What to Do

Check out Get on Board BC to find out how to support more funding for transit.

Its election time. Talk to candidates about transit and encourage them to commit to complete both Surrey Rapid Transit and the Broadway Subway in the next ten years.