ED. Why are we in Vancouver being forced to build heavy rail? We need public debate on the future of transit and transportation in this province, not ill-informed politicians dictating what’s best for us. Of course, we still talking about trains rather than advanced PRT technology, which hopefully will be the next improvement after we give up on 18th Century rail.
The Columbian – Vancouver, WA
John Laird
Light-rail critics might have difficulty answering this question: If light rail is such a wasteful boondoggle, shouldn’t the systems around the nation be contracting and even closing?
Instead, the reverse has been happening for more than 25 years, and the pace of growth is even accelerating. Last week in Dallas, a 28-mile light-rail line opened and — as Texans are wont to brag — they’re calling it the longest light rail project on the continent.
Up in Seattle, light rail has taken many years to develop, but its recent launch and imminent growth are remarkable. A 14-mile line from Seattle to Tukwila opened in July. In December the line will extend 2 miles to the SeaTac Airport, offering a 36-minute ride from downtown to the airport. In the next seven years, a north extension to the University of Washington is planned, and voters have already approved new lines to Lynnwood, Federal Way and Redmond.
Last Saturday in Portland, TriMet opened the 8.3-mile MAX Green Line to Clackamas Town Center. About 40,000 people showed up for free rides on Saturday. Paid ridership on Monday was light, as is typical on new lines, but weekday Green Line ridership is projected to reach 25,000 in a year. Just since 2000, MAX has added 20 miles of service with 34 stations, expanding one of the nation’s top light-rail systems to 52 miles and 84 stations. A seven-mile light-rail line into Milwaukie is next on the drawing board.
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First hydrogen fuel cell bus in Whistler
November 19, 2009ED. $100 million of taxpayers money wasted. Time to use the limited transportation funds to actually solve problems, rather than experimenting on hydrogen – a power source rejected worldwide. This just more window dressing for 2010.
Pique Newsmagazine
By Clare Ogilvie
Whistler commuters will see the first hydrogen-powered bus by the end of the week.
It is already in town and undergoing commissioning.
“Everything seems to be going well,” said Joanna Morton, spokesperson for B.C. Transit.
“…In a month or so we will be seeing all 20 (hydrogen-powered buses) up there so we are quite excited.”
It is hoped that those riding the bus will be able to get information about the hydrogen power source and how the bus works, she added.
The ride is expected to be smoother and quieter than regular diesel buses. The only emission is water.
Once the buses arrive in Whistler, they will be kept at the new transit facility currently under construction near Nesters Road, for which the municipality is required to pay half the costs, over a 30-year period.
The $89.5 million hydrogen bus project is being funded with $45 million from the Government of Canada and $44.5 million from the province and B.C. Transit.
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Stephen Rees article
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