Get Ready for the Canada Line to YVR
Jul 16, 2009, 12:59 pm
#46
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Jul 27, 2009, 3:16 pm
#47
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Vancouver City Centre station was open to the public for a sneak peek on Saturday, so I stopped by to check it out.
I asked about the airport surcharge, and was told that it won't be applied until 2010 (presumably when they install fare gates).
I was somewhat disappointed with the trains. They look seriously bleak on the inside (light grey, blue seats), plasticky on the outside, and short.
Though it sounds like it'll open before Labour Day, I don't think BC Day is gonna happen. Still looking forward to it, though, and hope I can use it for my trip in late August.
I asked about the airport surcharge, and was told that it won't be applied until 2010 (presumably when they install fare gates).
I was somewhat disappointed with the trains. They look seriously bleak on the inside (light grey, blue seats), plasticky on the outside, and short.
Though it sounds like it'll open before Labour Day, I don't think BC Day is gonna happen. Still looking forward to it, though, and hope I can use it for my trip in late August.
Jul 27, 2009, 6:03 pm
#48
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For some reason, one of the new trains was in use on the regular line. It seems a bit wider than the previous generation but it's a 1-2 config in the middle. I prefer the 2-2 config myself. However, the shock absorbing system is by far the most advanced so far.
Jul 27, 2009, 6:11 pm
#49
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The difference I guess would be the colors of the train and it says "Skytrain" instead of "Canada Line" on the side. The new Skytrain cars are grayish.
Jul 27, 2009, 6:14 pm
#50
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One of the reps at the open house said the Canada line will open at the end of August... I'm betting on August 31st.
Also the add-fare amount to YVR is not yet set in stone. Here's a graphic from a train:
Jul 27, 2009, 7:59 pm
#51
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Completely different train. The Expo/Millenium Line trains don't have motors (the entire system is a giant linear motor) and are built by Bombardier, whereas the Canada Line trains are conventional, and built by [pretty sure] Hyundai.
What you experienced is the new batch of MkII cars for the existing line.
Jul 27, 2009, 9:17 pm
#52
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No idea, but it was the same grey colour that I see out in Richmond on the Canada Line. I didn't have much of an opportunity to look around inside as it was morning rush hour traffic. 
I haven't seen it again, since.
I guess I'll find out when the actual new line opens up.
I haven't seen it again, since.I guess I'll find out when the actual new line opens up.
Jul 28, 2009, 12:46 am
#53
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No idea, but it was the same grey colour that I see out in Richmond on the Canada Line. I didn't have much of an opportunity to look around inside as it was morning rush hour traffic. I haven't seen it again, since.
I guess I'll find out when the actual new line opens up.
I haven't seen it again, since.I guess I'll find out when the actual new line opens up.
New car for old lines;
http://buzzer.translink.ca/wp-conten...w-skytrain.jpg
New car for Canada Line;
http://www.canadaline.ca/gallery.asp...rPage=1#larger
Jul 28, 2009, 1:51 am
#54
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Jul 28, 2009, 1:54 am
#55
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Anyway the reason is most likely because it runs through Richmond and there is a large Chinese population in that area.
Another interesting note is I don't believe the Translink site is even available in French, just English only.
Jul 28, 2009, 10:01 am
#56
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Jul 28, 2009, 11:02 am
#57
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ENGLISH
CHINESE
KOREAN
TAGALOG
SPANISH
HINDI
As for signs near the airport, the City of Richmond, bc (which is where the airport is), is approximately 60% Chinese. Most street signs are in English and Chinese.
The only part of BC that has any significant French population is Esquimalt (nr Victoria) because of the Naval Base.
Jul 28, 2009, 11:04 am
#58
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Jul 28, 2009, 6:59 pm
#59
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No need to wait, I'll post pics of both right here. Again, I'll point out that train(a) wont run on track(b) and vice-versa. The systems work in an entirely different way.
New car for old lines;
http://buzzer.translink.ca/wp-conten...w-skytrain.jpg
New car for Canada Line;
http://www.canadaline.ca/gallery.asp...rPage=1#larger
New car for old lines;
http://buzzer.translink.ca/wp-conten...w-skytrain.jpg
New car for Canada Line;
http://www.canadaline.ca/gallery.asp...rPage=1#larger
Even the Olympic Oval in Richmond has English only signs. It even made the House of Commons a few months ago. Richmond stoutly refuses to pay for any French signage.
Jul 28, 2009, 7:30 pm
#60
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Looks great. I've taken the Sky Train on the downtown to Metrotown route and it's fast with a great view.
The track is mostly raised, like a monorail's.
(Obligatory Simpsons reference: "There ain't no monorail here and there never was!")
Sadly here in Toronto our streetcars and subways cars are 20-25+ years old. Think: AC's 767s before they were XM'd. Some of the subway cars still bear the gaudy orange interior and vinyl seats from the 70's.
The track is mostly raised, like a monorail's.
(Obligatory Simpsons reference: "There ain't no monorail here and there never was!")
Sadly here in Toronto our streetcars and subways cars are 20-25+ years old. Think: AC's 767s before they were XM'd. Some of the subway cars still bear the gaudy orange interior and vinyl seats from the 70's.