SUGGESTIONS REGARDING PASSENGER RAIL IN ALBERTA

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "SUGGESTIONS REGARDING PASSENGER RAIL IN ALBERTA"

Transcription

1 SUGGESTIONS REGARDING PASSENGER RAIL IN ALBERTA Before I start, a brief look at the past Back in 1950, passenger trains were the dominant form of transportation for a variety of reasons. a. Very few people had a car so that anybody travelling long distances had to resort to trains b. Even if you had a car roads were very primitive. For example highway 5 between Magrath and Waterton was a gravel road. The highways that were paved had narrow shoulders or no shoulders. As a result it was very difficult to travel safely on these roads at very high speeds. A car could travel faster than a train but it was still a long slow trip. Buses because of their frequent stops were as slow as, or slower than trains. c. Air travel was in its infancy and there were few routes available and planes could only make short hops between airports. The cost of flying was relatively expensive compared to the ground based alternatives. Between 1950 and 1960, more people owned cars and more highways were paved so that the economics and relative ease of travelling by car resulted in increased use of cars for travel across the province, the result was a slow but steady decrease in the market for passenger rail. Additional factors were the economy of travel by car and the quicker travel time of the car. These highways also allowed bus companies to compete with trains in terms of speed and cost. The completion of the Trans-Canada highway from Calgary to Lake Louise and the completion of a four lane highway all the way from Calgary to Edmonton were significant events resulting in large declines in passenger rail traffic By 1960, there was a marked decrease in passenger rail traffic due to the above factors. As the decade proceeded, airlines had evolved to provide cheaper, faster, more frequent and more extensive service. As a result, the decline of demand for passenger rail service decreased even more. Examples were the decline in demand between Calgary and Edmonton due to the introduction of the airbus by PWA. Another example was the decline of trans-continental demand for rail service due to improved airline service as a result of introduction of jets across the country. The railways hastened the decline due to deteriorating equipment and slower schedules. In 1963, the train between Edmonton and Calgary travelled at a very high speed (90 mph in some sections), typically 70 mph. The 3½ h trip time was due to frequent station stops. Once the traffic from the intercity towns disappeared, the travelling speed of the trains decreased pronouncedly to maintain the same 3½ h trip time. The stations at Calgary and Edmonton became more dilapidated, the closure of the downtown Edmonton station left passengers to their own device to reach downtown Edmonton.

2 Present time 2014 There has been a massive improvement in highway infrastructure throughout the province, particularly around Edmonton and Calgary and at very high cost. For example the approximately ten-twelve billion dollar ring roads around the two cities. Even highway 4 between Lethbridge and Coutts has four lanes, in spite of the fact there is very little population south of Lethbridge to accommodate. I believe the major rational for this four lane highway was to facilitate truck traffic between Canada and the United States. In spite of these improvements there are periods of severe traffic congestion around Calgary and Edmonton, especially in rush hour and weekends. The legal speed limit has not changed in 50 years on most highways. This places a limit on the quality of inter-city bus service. On occasion, I have travelled to Calgary by bus have been amazed that the buses were able to arrive on schedule despite being caught in downtown Calgary traffic gridlock. The combination of increased traffic, unchanged speed limits and congestion close to and within the major cities can result in longer travel times than was the case 40 years ago. Many motorists solve this limitation by travelling at speeds much faster than the legal speed limit and/or driving aggressively. In periods of severe congestion this is dangerous to say the least. In spite of all the improvements congestion markedly slows down travel through Calgary or Edmonton. At one time, I could travel from Lethbridge to Edmonton at any time of day without any delays. Now, I have to leave early enough to avoid rush hour traffic, because rush hour traffic on the Deerfoot is a slow crawl at that time. Many people in Lethbridge use the Vulcan highway and highway 21 to get around Calgary. Some sections of the Stony Trail have been built and travel on it is pretty quick. However it is easy to see that even though the road was built to bypass Calgary, new residential areas have been developed outside the perimeter of the road and this traffic is entering and exiting Stony Trail. A similar situation exist on the Anthony Henday. It seems likely that the same pattern on these two roads will develop as has occurred on the Deerfoot Trail namely a bypass road becomes part of the city roadwork system. In summary, road traffic is becoming problematic even with all the money spent on it. Air traffic is relatively cheaper, faster (less than 1 hour) and frequent. The airport facilities are first class. The only weakness of air travel are the extra times required to travel from the city to the airport and the time required to pass through security. I have found that you are looking at about an hour of extra time. Calgary is not as bad as Edmonton unless you are in rush hour traffic.

3 Thoughts regarding future travel in Alberta I believe that very high speed bullet trains belong a long time into the future. Besides the cost, I don t think the hourly frequency suggested is realistic at this time. Before such an initiative is taken, I believe that it would be necessary to create a culture of train travel. I suggest that consideration of an improved conventional rail service would serve as a useful starting point to begin the development of this culture. I recognize that there is considerable scepticism about using the CPR line between Calgary and Edmonton but there is a similar situation worth looking at for evaluation and comparison. This is the Cascades rail service under the direction of the departments of transportation of Oregon and Washington. The service extends from Vancouver B.C to Eugene Oregon. There are five daily trains between Portland and Seattle. Two of these originate in Eugene and terminate in Vancouver. In addition there is a daily west coast Amtrak train. The number of trains between Portland and Seattle is to be increased with the recent acquisition of extra train sets. At present the service is pretty slow but the long term objective is to invest in infrastructure to increase speed to 79 mph. Passenger volume has increased steadily since the introduction of service. Here are the ridership statistics from 1993 to 2012 Ridership statistics Washington State Department of Transportation. Year Ridership 94, , , , , , , , , ,346 YoY N/A 91.6% 59.1% 6.2% 14.8% 21.6% 6.4% 17.2% 5.7% 4.3% Diff. % Year Ridership 589, , , , , , , , , ,099 YoY 0.1% 2.3% 5.5% -1.0% 7.4% 14.4% -1.7% 10.1% 1.1% -0.3% Diff. % Please note the initial ridership compared to the ridership in 2012 The large population of Seattle and the smaller but still substantial population of Portland plus the large number of substantial cities in between such as Tacoma, Centralia, Olympia and Vancouver probably has had a large part in it success. What seems remarkable is that Eugene-Springfield which has a population of approximately can generate enough demand to support two trains a day. No bullet trains here but a demand. Does a similar latent demand exist here? The introduction of a lower cost train to re-establish a train travel culture may also benefit from the congestion factors mentioned previously. So much so that a reasonably fast train could compete time wise with car travel.

4 So far Greyhound has been able to maintain its 3 h 15min service but I question its ability to continue to do so due to the increasing congestion in Edmonton and Calgary. The Calgary bus station is a considerable distance from the centre of downtown Calgary. in Edmonton the bus station is fairly close to downtown but will soon have to move, there is no guarantee that the new bus station will remain in downtown Edmonton. These factors suggest a possible transfer of passenger traffic from bus to rail if rail stations are close to city centre in Calgary and Edmonton. I would be happy to use passenger rail between Edmonton and Calgary as well as Banff, but not without reservations. Important considerations are reasonable speed and comfort and proximity of stations to city centres. I would definitely not use a resurrected Via Rail service which was noted for slow speed and shabby equipment and remote stations. I would be happy with service taking 2 2/3 hours or less. This would require average speeds of about 80 mph (130 km/h). In Europe 80 mph service is considered slow. The potential for this level of service could be provided on the present CPR line with some modifications: 1. Introduction of PTC (positive train control) which it is claimed prevents collisions between trains. 2. Upgrading of grade crossing barriers. The gate barriers will stop drivers who are alert and obey the law but are ineffective otherwise. There are cable barriers which can absorb the momentum of vehicles and stop them before they cross the tracks. Some rural crossings would have to be eliminated or altered to avoid at grade crossing. 3. Addition of extra sidings with high speed switches to avoid sufficient capacity for passenger rail service so as to not constrict Canadian Pacific freight service. High speed switches would be needed at any point where switches are present anywhere on the route. 4. Location of functional and appropriate stations at Edmonton, Red Deer and Calgary easily accessed from the centre of these cities. As an aside to this point, I believe government has a role to provide intermodal transportation hubs to make transfers between travel modes simple and efficient. Under the present arrangement transfer from air to rail or bus is a trying experience. Consider coming to Edmonton from Jasper and then setting out to the International airport to travel to Toronto, very difficult and drawn out. 5. Use of equipment which allows for high speeds without passenger discomfort and featuring amenities as wi-fi and other features useful for business travellers. There are no private investors who would be willing finance this so there would be a definite need for various levels of government funding. I notice one criteria is used for funding of roads and another for private transportation. The only way government funding will ever be provided is if the criteria are changed. Motorists do not pay the full costs of roads to the province. The provincial information bulletins showing how

5 provincial taxes are allocated makes this perfectly clear. Based on this observation an argument could be made users of other travel modes should be expected to pay full freight. The task of the Alberta government is to provide for all modes of transportation to allow efficient transportation regardless of mode. Your debate will be if money can be given to alternatives to highways and how much. Another reason to consider reintroduction of passenger rail service is the uncertain future of air travel. Many years ago, I made a lot of money on PWA stocks. If I had not sold them off, I would have lost all invested money through successive mergers. My experience is not unique, the same thing held true for Air Canada shares. In short airlines have become very risky investments with very low returns if any. I would not invest in any airlines now in the for these reasons. At present air service is still expanding and shows no sign of slowdown in growth. Nevertheless unpredictable events such as economic slowdown or large increases in the cost of fuel could severely impact the operations of the airlines. For example higher ticket costs or reduced income of potential customers could reduce demand resulting in fewer flights. Although it may seem farfetched, it has to be a long term consideration. Even if a decision is made not to pursue intercity passenger service in the near term, there is still a potential need to be met by passenger rail near Calgary and Edmonton. In particular, rail service from Edmonton to the International Airport could reduce highway traffic if developed as an attractive alternative. Around Calgary, rail service to Airdrie and Cochrane certainly has potential for success if done properly. I was surprised by a comment from my brother in law, who lives in Airdrie, that given the choice he would prefer to take a train to work in Calgary than drive his car in the daily traffic jam. My brother in law is usually an autophile. Some final thoughts about VIA Rail Service in Alberta Nominally, the federal government set up Via Rail as a crown corporation to manage the rail passenger needs of the country. It is well known that past and present federal governments along with transport Canada would just like passenger trains to disappear. They appear to be succeeding by slowly strangling the system to death. In addition they appear to show no interest in improving the service outside of the Quebec City- Windsor corridor, much in line with the Macpherson commission of Even though Via Rail is supposed to serve the entire country, the bulk of capital expenditures have been made for equipment and stations in the Quebec City- Windsor corridor. Fairness should require that the Federal government should provide a proportional equivalent to Alberta for any capital expenditures made by any provincial initiative on passenger rail. The operating subsidy of approximately $168 million goes mainly to support operations in the corridor and remote services. Alberta and British Columbia constitute about 25 % of the population of the country but don t receive 25% of the operating subsidy. The Canadian is a pleasant service but slow, archaic and nonoptimized service in Alberta and BC. Given the federal trend, I would like to see Alberta

6 transportation along with their BC counterparts consider asking for a fair proportion of subsidies and equipment along with rights to appoint their own company to take over route(s) in Alberta and BC which are of some use to the transportation needs and tourism of these provinces. Personally I think the southern route through Calgary to Vancouver is a more logical choice for greatest revenue and utility than the present route. If Manitoba and Saskatchewan wanted to maintain passenger rail service and having it diverted to the southern route, perhaps the route could include Medicine Hat and Lethbridge so that a larger part of Alberta s population could have access to rail transportation, limited as it might be. The company would be created which would have the goal of providing a good, efficient and useful service. Another possibility is that the provinces have more power in determining goals and financial support for passenger rail. The provinces should have some say in passenger rail transportion instead of the federal government having total control. By comparison, although Amtrak is a federal agency it does receive some funding from congress and some from the states. The contributions from the states allow them considerable input in determining rail service in their jurisdiction. Some of these subsidies might be used to provide Edmonton Calgary passenger rail service. I mention this as the Globe and Mail reported last summer that Transport Canada is considering allowing the privatization of the Jasper Vancouver route so that there would no longer be a western transcontinental service with even less of the passenger rail subsidy benefiting Alberta and BC. Mr Armstrong s Rocky Mountaineer, nice as it is, serves only the needs of a very select affluent part of the tourist population only. I once asked Rocky Mountain rail how much it would cost from Banff to Calgary and they basically told me to take a hike. Thank you for allowing input. Barry Brown B.Sc (physics) M.Sc (physics) private citizen

Governor s Transportation Vision Panel

Governor s Transportation Vision Panel Office of Governor Kate Brown Governor s Transportation Vision Panel JLA Public Involvement Project Overview The is a yearlong effort to develop a series of recommendations for the Governor that address

More information

TOWARDS A BIKE-FRIENDLY CANADA A National Cycling Strategy Overview

TOWARDS A BIKE-FRIENDLY CANADA A National Cycling Strategy Overview TOWARDS A BIKE-FRIENDLY CANADA A National Cycling Strategy Overview NationalCyclingStrategFrameworkv3.indd 1 Potential for this modal shift can be found in municipalities of all sizes, in every population

More information

2.2 TRANSIT VISION 2040 FROM VISION TO ACTION. Emphasize transit priority solutions STRATEGIC DIRECTION

2.2 TRANSIT VISION 2040 FROM VISION TO ACTION. Emphasize transit priority solutions STRATEGIC DIRECTION TRANSIT VISION 2040 FROM VISION TO ACTION TRANSIT VISION 2040 defines a future in which public transit maximizes its contribution to quality of life with benefits that support a vibrant and equitable society,

More information

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Frequently Asked s (FAQ) Study Process... 2 Rapid Transit Service and Operations... 5 Public Consultation... 8 Business Impacts... 8 Design and Property Impacts... 9 Construction Impacts...12 Traffic,

More information

Passenger Rail in Virginia

Passenger Rail in Virginia Passenger Rail in Virginia Executive Summary! In 2011, Washington DC-VA-MD ranked 1st in the U.S. per auto commuter in the following categories:1 o Yearly Delay; 67 hours o Excess Fuel; 32 gallons o Congestion

More information

2. Context. Existing framework. The context. The challenge. Transport Strategy

2. Context. Existing framework. The context. The challenge. Transport Strategy Transport Strategy Providing quality connections Contents 1. Introduction 2. Context 3. Long-term direction 4. Three-year priorities 5. Strategy tree Wellington City Council July 2006 1. Introduction Wellington

More information

Calgary Transit Route 302 Southeast BRT Year One Review June

Calgary Transit Route 302 Southeast BRT Year One Review June Calgary Transit Route 302 Southeast BRT Year One Review 2011 June Calgary Transit Route 302 Southeast BRT: Year One Review 2011 April Table of Contents 1.0 Executive Summary... 1 2.0 Introduction... 3

More information

Improving Mobility Without Building More Lanes

Improving Mobility Without Building More Lanes Improving Mobility Without Building More Lanes By Mike Salisbury and Will Toor July 2017 Copyright 2017 by Southwest Energy Efficiency Project. All rights reserved. Photo: Courtesy of the Denver Post Anyone

More information

Coolest Cities Results Summary

Coolest Cities Results Summary Coolest Cities Results Summary About Coolest Cities Canada s six largest urban areas provide homes and jobs for almost 15 million people, nearly half of our population. Transporting these citizens to and

More information

GOVERNMENT OF SASKATCHEWAN SUBMISSION TO THE RAILWAY SAFETY ACT REVIEW PANEL

GOVERNMENT OF SASKATCHEWAN SUBMISSION TO THE RAILWAY SAFETY ACT REVIEW PANEL GOVERNMENT OF SASKATCHEWAN SUBMISSION TO THE RAILWAY SAFETY ACT REVIEW PANEL Saskatchewan Highways & Transportation May 29, 2007 I Introduction Government of Saskatchewan Submission To the Railway Safety

More information

Regional Transportation Needs Within Southeastern Wisconsin

Regional Transportation Needs Within Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Transportation Needs Within Southeastern Wisconsin #118274 May 24, 2006 1 Introduction The Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (SEWRPC) is the official areawide planning agency

More information

WHITE PAPER: TRANSIT SERVICE FOR SOUTH SHAGANAPPI

WHITE PAPER: TRANSIT SERVICE FOR SOUTH SHAGANAPPI 9/27/2012 TRANSIT PLANNING WHITE PAPER: TRANSIT SERVICE FOR SOUTH SHAGANAPPI 2012 Calgary Transit 1 Table of Contents Purpose... 3 Area of Change... 3 Background... 3 Access to destinations... 5 Connecting

More information

Bus Riders of Saskatoon Meeting with City of Saskatoon Utility Services Department October 23, :30pm 2:30pm th Street West, Saskatoon

Bus Riders of Saskatoon Meeting with City of Saskatoon Utility Services Department October 23, :30pm 2:30pm th Street West, Saskatoon Bus Riders of Saskatoon Meeting with City of Saskatoon Utility Services Department October 23, 2014 1:30pm 2:30pm 301 24 th Street West, Saskatoon Bus Riders of Saskatoon Members: Marianne, Chief and Sarina

More information

Congestion Management in Singapore. Assoc Prof Anthony TH CHIN Department of Economics National University of Singapore

Congestion Management in Singapore. Assoc Prof Anthony TH CHIN Department of Economics National University of Singapore Congestion Management in Singapore Assoc Prof Anthony TH CHIN Department of Economics National University of Singapore anthonychin@nus.edu.sg Introduction 2 Introduction and What is Traffic Congestion?

More information

Chapter 7. Transportation. Transportation Road Network Plan Transit Cyclists Pedestrians Multi-Use and Equestrian Trails

Chapter 7. Transportation. Transportation Road Network Plan Transit Cyclists Pedestrians Multi-Use and Equestrian Trails Chapter 7 Transportation Transportation Road Network Plan Transit Cyclists Pedestrians Multi-Use and Equestrian Trails 7.1 TRANSPORTATION BACKGROUND The District of Maple Ridge faces a number of unique

More information

2045 Long Range Transportation Plan. Summary of Draft

2045 Long Range Transportation Plan. Summary of Draft 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan Summary of Draft Fredericksburg Area Metropolitan Planning Organization The George Washington Region includes the City of Fredericksburg and the counties of Caroline,

More information

Purpose and Need. Chapter Introduction. 2.2 Project Purpose and Need Project Purpose Project Need

Purpose and Need. Chapter Introduction. 2.2 Project Purpose and Need Project Purpose Project Need Chapter 2 Purpose and Need 2.1 Introduction The El Camino Real Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project (Project) would make transit and other transportation improvements along a 17.6-mile segment of the El Camino

More information

1.221J/11.527J/ESD.201J TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS FALL 2003 FINAL EXAMINATION. 1. Open-book and open-notes, calculators are fine -- no laptops.

1.221J/11.527J/ESD.201J TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS FALL 2003 FINAL EXAMINATION. 1. Open-book and open-notes, calculators are fine -- no laptops. 1.221J/11.527J/ESD.201J TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS FALL 2003 FINAL EXAMINATION Instructions: PROFESSOR JOSEPH M. SUSSMAN (LECTURER) 1. Open-book and open-notes, calculators are fine -- no laptops. 2. The exam

More information

WELCOME TO OPEN HOUSE # 1 June 14, 2017

WELCOME TO OPEN HOUSE # 1 June 14, 2017 Langstaff Road Weston Road to Highway 7 Class Environmental Assessment Study WELCOME TO OPEN HOUSE # 1 June 14, 2017 Please sign in and join our mailing list Purpose of Open House #1 & Study Area York

More information

WILMAPCO Public Opinion Survey Summary of Results

WILMAPCO Public Opinion Survey Summary of Results Wilmington Area Planning Council WILMAPCO Public Opinion Survey Summary of Results Prepared by: 2955 Valmont Road, Suite 300 Boulder, Colorado 80301 t: 303-444-7863 f: 303-444-1145 www.n-r-c.com Table

More information

Building a Toronto that Moves

Building a Toronto that Moves Building a Toronto that Moves Image courtesy of the City of Toronto Setting Election Priorities for Walking, Cycling & Public Transit Toronto is a fast-paced, dynamic city. It s a city that moves except

More information

Going Green: How California is Reviving Passenger Rail. APTA/ AASHTO AASHTO 2008 State Public Transit Partnerships. August 7, 2008

Going Green: How California is Reviving Passenger Rail. APTA/ AASHTO AASHTO 2008 State Public Transit Partnerships. August 7, 2008 Going Green: How California is Reviving Passenger Rail APTA/ AASHTO AASHTO 2008 State Public Transit Partnerships August 7, 2008 Eugene K. Skoropowski, Managing Director Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority

More information

2. Transportation in Ottawa Today and Tomorrow

2. Transportation in Ottawa Today and Tomorrow 2. Transportation in Ottawa Today and Tomorrow 2.1 Transportation System Overview The City. The City of Ottawa is the largest municipality in the National Capital Region (NCR). Urban development covers

More information

Corporate. Report COUNCIL DATE: June 26, 2006 NO: C012 COUNCIL-IN-COMMITTEE. TO: Mayor & Council DATE: June 22, 2006

Corporate. Report COUNCIL DATE: June 26, 2006 NO: C012 COUNCIL-IN-COMMITTEE. TO: Mayor & Council DATE: June 22, 2006 Corporate NO: C012 Report COUNCIL DATE: June 26, 2006 COUNCIL-IN-COMMITTEE TO: Mayor & Council DATE: June 22, 2006 FROM: General Manager, Engineering FILE: 0410-20(MoT/Gate) SUBJECT: Surrey Response on

More information

Typical Rush Hour Commute. PennyforTransportation.com

Typical Rush Hour Commute. PennyforTransportation.com Typical Rush Hour Commute In the News Overview of the Plan Collaborative plan with projects in every community Prioritizing connectivity and congestion relief Dedicated transportation-specific funding;

More information

Review of Considerations and Requirements for Automated Enforcement

Review of Considerations and Requirements for Automated Enforcement Review of Considerations and Requirements for Automated Enforcement Summary: The purpose of this report is to provide information related to expanding the use of automated enforcement in the City of Toronto,

More information

WEST AND SOUTH WEST RING ROAD DOWNSTREAM TRAFFIC IMPACTS

WEST AND SOUTH WEST RING ROAD DOWNSTREAM TRAFFIC IMPACTS Page 1 of 9 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Alberta Transportation ( AT ) is preparing to construct the final sections of the Calgary Ring Road. This includes the South West Ring Road ( SWRR ) (from Lott Creek Blvd

More information

Road Congestion Measures Using Instantaneous Information From the Canadian Vehicle Use Study (CVUS)

Road Congestion Measures Using Instantaneous Information From the Canadian Vehicle Use Study (CVUS) Proceedings of Statistics Canada Symposium 2016 Growth in Statistical Information: Challenges and Benefits Road Congestion Measures Using Instantaneous Information From the Canadian Vehicle Use Study (CVUS)

More information

MCTC 2018 RTP SCS and Madera County RIFP Multi-Modal Project Eval Criteria GV13.xlsx

MCTC 2018 RTP SCS and Madera County RIFP Multi-Modal Project Eval Criteria GV13.xlsx MCTC 8 RTP SCS and Madera County RIFP Multi-Modal Project Eval Criteria GV.xlsx Madera County Transportation Commission Regional Transportation Plan / Sustainable Communities Strategy Multi-Modal Project

More information

Shenango Valley MPO. State Transportation Commission 2015 Twelve Year Program Development

Shenango Valley MPO. State Transportation Commission 2015 Twelve Year Program Development State Transportation Commission 2015 Twelve Year Program Development Regional results of the survey and public feedback from August thru November 2013 Shenango Valley MPO Version 01-2014 Mobility Concerns

More information

Way. Roundabout (FUNCTIONING AS A ROUNDABOUT) Driving the

Way. Roundabout (FUNCTIONING AS A ROUNDABOUT) Driving the (FUNCTIONING AS A ROUNDABOUT) Roundabouts are becoming more common across the U.S. as a way to improve traffic flow and reduce serious accidents. But for drivers who have never used a roundabout, it can

More information

Transportation Master Plan Advisory Task Force

Transportation Master Plan Advisory Task Force Transportation Master Plan Advisory Task Force Network Alternatives & Phasing Strategy February 2016 BACKGROUND Table of Contents BACKGROUND Purpose & Introduction 2 Linking the TMP to Key Council Approved

More information

4 Ridership Growth Study

4 Ridership Growth Study Clause 4 in Report No. 15 of Committee of the Whole was adopted, without amendment, by the Council of The Regional Municipality of York at its meeting held on November 16, 2017. 4 Ridership Growth Study

More information

Congestion Evaluation Best Practices

Congestion Evaluation Best Practices Congestion Evaluation Best Practices Todd Litman Victoria Transport Policy Institute Presented International Transportation and Economic Development Conference 10 April 2014 Congestion Indicators Indicator

More information

STAFF REPORT ACTION REQUIRED

STAFF REPORT ACTION REQUIRED STAFF REPORT ACTION REQUIRED 2016 Ridership Update Date: March 23, 2016 To: From: TTC Board Chief Executive Officer Summary This report provides an update of TTC ridership results to the end of February

More information

Climate Change Action Plan: Transportation Sector Discussion Paper: Cycling

Climate Change Action Plan: Transportation Sector Discussion Paper: Cycling Climate Change Action Plan: Transportation Sector Discussion Paper: Cycling ontario.ca/climatechange Contents 1. Minister of Transportation s message... 3 2. Introduction... 5 3. Sector Overview and Support

More information

WINNIPEG S PERIMETER HIGHWAY: DISASTER BY DESIGN

WINNIPEG S PERIMETER HIGHWAY: DISASTER BY DESIGN (FB042) SEPTEMBER 2006 WINNIPEG S PERIMETER HIGHWAY: DISASTER BY DESIGN Executive Summary Winnipeg is the only major urban area in the developed world without freeways. Although they are unpopular with

More information

Metropolitan Council Transportation Committee

Metropolitan Council Transportation Committee Nicollet-Central Transit Alternatives Metropolitan Council Transportation Committee August 2013 Project Purpose (approved by Policy Advisory Committee 10/25/2012) The purpose is to improve transit connectivity,

More information

ROUTES 55 / 42 / 676 BUS RAPID TRANSIT LOCALLY PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE

ROUTES 55 / 42 / 676 BUS RAPID TRANSIT LOCALLY PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE ROUTES 55 / 42 / 676 BUS RAPID TRANSIT LOCALLY PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE April, 2012 1 INTRODUCTION The need for transit service improvements in the Routes 42/55/676 corridor was identified during the Southern

More information

Regional Alternatives Analysis. Downtown Corridor Tier 2 Evaluation

Regional Alternatives Analysis. Downtown Corridor Tier 2 Evaluation Regional Alternatives Analysis Downtown Corridor Tier 2 Evaluation September 19, 2011 EVALUATION PROCESS REVIEW OF EVALUATION PROCESS Tier 1: Screen Seven Alignment Options into a Short List Tier 2: Evaluate

More information

North Vancouver Community Associations Network. November 15, pm to 9 pm

North Vancouver Community Associations Network. November 15, pm to 9 pm North Vancouver Community Associations Network November 15, 2017 7 pm to 9 pm Topics Decision-making processes and constraints What is TransLink? What financial and planning requirements does TransLink

More information

Aurora Corridor to E Line

Aurora Corridor to E Line Aurora Corridor to E Line Jack Whisner Transit Planner, Service Development King County Metro Transit Seattle, Washington jack.whisner@kingcounty.gov 206-477-5847 King County Metro Transit Part of general

More information

JONESBORO HIGHWAY 63 HIGHWAY 18 CONNECTOR STUDY

JONESBORO HIGHWAY 63 HIGHWAY 18 CONNECTOR STUDY JONESBORO HIGHWAY 63 HIGHWAY 18 CONNECTOR STUDY Craighead County May 2007 JONESBORO HIGHWAY 63 HIGHWAY 18 CONNECTOR STUDY Craighead County May 2007 Prepared by Planning and Research Division Arkansas State

More information

Welcome to the McKenzie Interchange Project Open House!

Welcome to the McKenzie Interchange Project Open House! Welcome to the McKenzie Interchange Project Open House! Purpose of Open House To provide you with information regarding the project and for you to have the opportunity to share your input on design concepts.

More information

2015 Urban Mobility Scorecard. Scott Weber, Transportation Planner & Analyst James Winters, Regional Planner & Policy Analyst

2015 Urban Mobility Scorecard. Scott Weber, Transportation Planner & Analyst James Winters, Regional Planner & Policy Analyst 2015 Urban Mobility Scorecard Scott Weber, Transportation Planner & Analyst James Winters, Regional Planner & Policy Analyst Introduction 1. Congestion Trends 2. Compounding Problems 3. Possible Solutions

More information

North Coast Corridor:

North Coast Corridor: North Coast Corridor: Connecting People, Transportation & Environment Legislative Hearing: 11.8.10 1 North Coast Corridor Region s Lifeline A Regional Strategy Mobility, Economy & Environment North Coast

More information

Southside Road. Prepared for: City of St. John s Police & Traffic Committee. Prepared by: City of St. John s Traffic Division

Southside Road. Prepared for: City of St. John s Police & Traffic Committee. Prepared by: City of St. John s Traffic Division Southside Road Prepared for: City of St. John s Police & Traffic Committee Prepared by: City of St. John s Traffic Division January 2007 Southside Road - Traffic Report Page 1 of 9 BACKGROUND: th At the

More information

DESIGN BULLETIN #66/2010

DESIGN BULLETIN #66/2010 DESIGN BULLETIN #66/2010 Highway Geometric Design Guide Chapter B, Climbing Lane Warrants for Two Lane Undivided and Four Lane Divided Highways - Revised Summary This Design Bulletin is being issued as

More information

5 AUTOMATED SPEED ENFORCEMENT PROPOSAL

5 AUTOMATED SPEED ENFORCEMENT PROPOSAL 5 AUTOMATED SPEED ENFORCEMENT PROPOSAL The Transportation and Works Committee recommends the adoption of the recommendations contained in the following report, September 20, 2006, from the Commissioner

More information

Chapter 2 Current and Future Conditions

Chapter 2 Current and Future Conditions Chapter 2 Current and Future Conditions 2.1 An Overview of Ottawa s Transportation System The City of Ottawa is home to about 870,700 people. The city covers an area of 2,760 square kilometres of which

More information

Public Consultation Centre

Public Consultation Centre Region of Waterloo Transportation Master Plan Update Public Consultation Centre See the Information Package on how to contact the Project Team and complete the Comment Sheet www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/exploring-the-region/transportation-master-plan.aspx

More information

REDUCING ACCIDENTS MEANS SAVING LIVES.

REDUCING ACCIDENTS MEANS SAVING LIVES. REDUCING ACCIDENTS MEANS SAVING LIVES. "Almost 3500 people lose their lives on the world's roads every single day. It's a shocking figure. We can raise road safety standards significantly, and save lots

More information

Executive Summary BEYOND THE B-LINE: RAPID TRANSIT LINE PHASE II - COMMERCIAL DRIVE WEST. Final Draft December 13, Appendix B BROADWAY/LOUGHEED

Executive Summary BEYOND THE B-LINE: RAPID TRANSIT LINE PHASE II - COMMERCIAL DRIVE WEST. Final Draft December 13, Appendix B BROADWAY/LOUGHEED BEYOND THE B-LINE: BROADWAY/LOUGHEED RAPID TRANSIT LINE PHASE II - COMMERCIAL DRIVE WEST Appendix B Executive Summary Final Draft December 13, 1999 UMA Lloyd Lindley Davidson Yuen Simpson Architects BROADWAY/LOUGHEED

More information

Capital Beltway HOT Lanes - Frequently Asked Questions

Capital Beltway HOT Lanes - Frequently Asked Questions Capital Beltway HOT Lanes - Frequently Asked Questions December 20, 2007 1. What is the cost of the project? The fixed-price design-build cost is approximately $1.4 billion. 2. Why have the project costs

More information

El Paso County 2040 Major Transportation Corridors Plan

El Paso County 2040 Major Transportation Corridors Plan El Paso County 2040 Major Transportation Corridors Plan Connect-our-County Online Transportation User Survey Preliminary Results June 24, 2010 Years of Residence 2. How many years have you LIVED HERE?

More information

BUILDING THE CASE FOR TRAVEL OPTIONS IN WASHING TON COUNTY. Image: Steve Morgan. Image: Steve Morgan

BUILDING THE CASE FOR TRAVEL OPTIONS IN WASHING TON COUNTY. Image: Steve Morgan. Image: Steve Morgan BUILDING THE CASE FOR TRAVEL OPTIONS IN WASHING TON COUNTY Image: Steve Morgan Image: Steve Morgan Image: TriMet Image: TriMet WHAT ARE TRAVEL OPTIONS PROGRAMS? Travel options programs encourage residents,

More information

Cutting Canada s Slowest Rush Hour with Public Transportation

Cutting Canada s Slowest Rush Hour with Public Transportation Cutting Canada s Slowest Rush Hour with Public Transportation Denny Yip September 30 th, 2011 1. Introduction Transportation is a key issue in Canada. In the province of Ontario, the Greater Toronto Area

More information

South King County High-Capacity Transit Corridor Study

South King County High-Capacity Transit Corridor Study HIGH-CAPACITY TRANSIT CORRIDOR STUDY South King County Corridor South King County High-Capacity Transit Corridor Study Corridor Report August 2014 South King County High Capacity Transit Corridor Report

More information

McKenzie Interchange Project Fall 2015 Engagement. Appendix 2: Engagement Materials and Feedback Form

McKenzie Interchange Project Fall 2015 Engagement. Appendix 2: Engagement Materials and Feedback Form Fall 2015 Engagement Appendix 2: Engagement Materials and Feedback Form Welcome to the McKenzie Interchange Project Open House! Purpose of Open House To provide you with information regarding the project

More information

Evaluating Grade Crossing Safety. Christopher C. Pflaum, Ph.D. Spectrum Economics, Inc. Overland Park, KS (913)

Evaluating Grade Crossing Safety. Christopher C. Pflaum, Ph.D. Spectrum Economics, Inc. Overland Park, KS (913) Evaluating Grade Crossing Safety Christopher C. Pflaum, Ph.D. Spectrum Economics, Inc. Overland Park, KS (913) 981-7200 www.spectrumeconomics.com Introducing Economic Reality Into the Discussion of Crossing

More information

Highway 217 Corridor Study. Phase I Overview Report

Highway 217 Corridor Study. Phase I Overview Report Highway 217 Corridor Study Phase I Overview Report November 3, 24 BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW Study purpose The Highway 217 Corridor Study is developing multi-modal transportation solutions for traffic problems

More information

WALK- AND bike-friendly TURLOCK

WALK- AND bike-friendly TURLOCK WALK- AND bike-friendly TURLOCK Ideas to Encourage Walking and Biking Benefits to the COMMUNITY Get Connected People who walk and bike have many more opportunities for casual interactions with friends

More information

Where We Live and Work Today

Where We Live and Work Today San Diego Forward: The 2019-2050 Regional Plan Network Concepts Transportation Committee Item 4 October 19, 2018 Where We Live and Work Today 2018 2 2019 Regional Plan Transportation Committee Item 4 October

More information

City of Edmonton Office of Traffic Safety

City of Edmonton Office of Traffic Safety Overview About OTS About OTS Key Facts Speed Management Committee and Speed Management Plan Evidence on Speed and Speeding Complaint Process Data Collection Speed Surveys Collision Review Speed Management

More information

Tulsa Metropolitan Area LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN

Tulsa Metropolitan Area LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN Tulsa Metropolitan Area LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN Indian Nations Council of Governments August 2005 CONTACTING INCOG In developing the Destination 2030 Long Range Transportation Plan, INCOG s Transportation

More information

PEDESTRIAN ACTION PLAN

PEDESTRIAN ACTION PLAN ATTACHMENT 2 CITY OF SANTA MONICA PEDESTRIAN ACTION PLAN CITY OF SANTA MONICA PEDESTRIAN ACTION PLAN This page intentionally left blank EXECUTIVE SUMMARY CHAPTER 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Setting the Stage

More information

Angling in Manitoba (2000)

Angling in Manitoba (2000) Angling in Manitoba (2000) TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Introduction 1 Angler Profile 2 Angling Effort 7 Catch and Harvest 10 Angling Expenditures 13 Bait Use 16 Nonresident Trip Characteristics 18 Angling in

More information

Public Consultation Centre For. Transportation Master Plan Update. Information Package

Public Consultation Centre For. Transportation Master Plan Update. Information Package Public Consultation Centre For Transportation Master Plan Update Information Package Date Location Hours Tuesday, September 12, 2017 Wednesday, September 13, 2017 Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Cambridge

More information

1. Operate along freeways, either in regular traffic lanes, in high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, or along the shoulders.

1. Operate along freeways, either in regular traffic lanes, in high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, or along the shoulders. Most decisions about whether or not to use transit involve time and cost, and most transit services are slower than travel by private vehicle. However, when transit is faster or nearly as fast as travel

More information

Brainstormed Solutions - Passenger 1-1a Air / Exand: Expand capacity (runway lengths) at BG airport (LOW)

Brainstormed Solutions - Passenger 1-1a Air / Exand: Expand capacity (runway lengths) at BG airport (LOW) 1-1a Air / Exand: Expand capacity (runway lengths) at BG airport (LOW) Root find solution!! 1-1b Air / fuel: Improve fuel availabilty and reduce cost (LOW) Sound Walls Reduce scatter lighting - more focused

More information

Roundabouts in Edmonton - A Comparison to the State-of-the-Art

Roundabouts in Edmonton - A Comparison to the State-of-the-Art Roundabouts in Edmonton - A Comparison to the State-of-the-Art Authors: Carl Clayton, P.Eng. P.E. PTOE Stantec Consulting Ltd. Chuan Kua, P.Eng. City of Edmonton, Transportation and Streets Brice Stephenson,

More information

US 69 RELIEF ROUTE STUDY

US 69 RELIEF ROUTE STUDY US 69 RELIEF ROUTE STUDY Jacksonville, Texas PUBLIC MEETING #2 May 29 th, 2018 Welcome to the public meeting for the US 69 Relief Route Study in Jacksonville. This is the second public meeting for this

More information

Vision Public Workshop: Findings

Vision Public Workshop: Findings Vision Public Workshop: Findings Long Range Transportation Plan & Bicycle Mobility Plan February 2018 Vision Workshop South Kingstown 1/23/18 Providence 1/24/18 Newport 1/31/18 Long Range Transportation

More information

VOLUME 5 Technology and Option Evaluation

VOLUME 5 Technology and Option Evaluation VICTORIA REGIONAL RAPID TRANSIT Victoria / West Shore Link VOLUME 5 Technology and Option Evaluation August 2011 Prepared for BC Transit by SNC-Lavalin Inc McElhanney Consulting Services Ltd Errata 1.

More information

ARTINSVILLE ENRY OUNTY REA RANSPORTATION TUDY

ARTINSVILLE ENRY OUNTY REA RANSPORTATION TUDY ARTINSVILLE ENRY OUNTY REA RANSPORTATION TUDY DEVELOPED BY THE TRANSPORTATION AND MOBILITY PLANNING DIVISION OF THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION IN COOPERATION WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION,

More information

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY TRANSPORTATION LABOUR MARKET OUTLOOK ASIA PACIFIC GATEWAY CORRIDOR

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY TRANSPORTATION LABOUR MARKET OUTLOOK ASIA PACIFIC GATEWAY CORRIDOR EXECUTIVE SUMMARY TRANSPORTATION LABOUR MARKET OUTLOOK 2016 2025 ASIA PACIFIC GATEWAY CORRIDOR The Asia Pacific Gateway Skills Table wishes to acknowledge the funding support from the Government of Canada

More information

Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment A Business Case

Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment A Business Case Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment A Business Case In 2016, the Real Estate Foundation awarded the Capital Regional District a $50,000 grant for Shifting Gears: Land Use Change through Active

More information

Feasibility Study for Intermodal Facility in Anchorage, Alaska

Feasibility Study for Intermodal Facility in Anchorage, Alaska Feasibility Study for Intermodal Facility in Anchorage, Alaska Jeanne Bowie, Randy Kinney Abstract The Dimond Transit Center, operated by People Mover, is located in south Anchorage at the Dimond Center,

More information

Route 7 Corridor Study

Route 7 Corridor Study Route 7 Corridor Study Executive Summary Study Area The following report analyzes a segment of the Virginia State Route 7 corridor. The corridor study area, spanning over 5 miles in length, is a multi

More information

Memorandum. To: City Council. cc: Tony Piasecki, City Manager Date: 3/3/2016. Introduction

Memorandum. To: City Council. cc: Tony Piasecki, City Manager Date: 3/3/2016. Introduction I Memorandum 211 To: City Council From: Joe Dusenbury, Harbormaster cc: Tony Piasecki, City Manager Date: 3/3/2016 Re: City Government 101 -The Marina Introduction Staff is presenting this material as

More information

SMART 1 Public Meeting #1. February 24, 2016

SMART 1 Public Meeting #1. February 24, 2016 SMART 1 Public Meeting #1 February 24, 2016 Agenda Who is the SMTC? SMART 1 project overview Syracuse Metropolitan Transportation Council An Introduction: Who we are & what we do What is an MPO? A Metropolitan

More information

Terwillegar Drive Expressway Draft Concept Plan

Terwillegar Drive Expressway Draft Concept Plan Terwillegar Drive Expressway Draft Concept Plan Anthony Henday Drive to Whitemud Drive November 28 5:00-8:00 p.m. December 1 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Let s Talk Today you can: Learn about the new direction

More information

Transit Ridership - Why the Decline and How to Increase. Hosted by the. Virginia Transit Association

Transit Ridership - Why the Decline and How to Increase. Hosted by the. Virginia Transit Association Transit Ridership - Why the Decline and How to Increase Hosted by the Virginia Transit Association Virginia Transit Association 1108 East Main Street, Suite 1108 Richmond, VA 23219 804.643.1166 www.vatransit.com

More information

21.07 TRANSPORT CONNECTIVITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE

21.07 TRANSPORT CONNECTIVITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE 21.07 TRANSPORT CONNECTIVITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE 21.07-1 Connectivity and Choice Transport connectivity and mode choice are critical to achieving productive, sustainable and socially just cities. Travel

More information

Economic Outlook for Canada: Economy Confronting Capacity Limits

Economic Outlook for Canada: Economy Confronting Capacity Limits ECONOMICS I RESEARCH Economic Outlook for Canada: Economy Confronting Capacity Limits Presentation to the Responsible Distribution Canada 32 nd Annual General Meeting May 29, 2018 Paul Ferley (Assistant

More information

Airside Expansion at Lambert Field: The Blues in St. Louis. Tudor Masek December 6, Airport Systems Planning, Design, and Management

Airside Expansion at Lambert Field: The Blues in St. Louis. Tudor Masek December 6, Airport Systems Planning, Design, and Management Airside Expansion at Lambert Field: The Blues in St. Louis Tudor Masek December 6, 2007 16.871 Airport Systems Planning, Design, and Management Overview Motivation Expansions at Lambert Trans World Airlines

More information

Southwest Bus Rapid Transit (SW BRT) Functional Planning Study - Executive Summary January 19 LPT ATTACHMENT 2.

Southwest Bus Rapid Transit (SW BRT) Functional Planning Study - Executive Summary January 19 LPT ATTACHMENT 2. Southwest Bus Rapid Transit (SW BRT) Functional Planning Study - Executive Summary 2011 January 19 1 of 19 Introduction This executive summary presents the results of the Southwest Bus Rapid Transit (SW

More information

Automatisch rijden, het gedrag van bestuurders en verkeersstromen

Automatisch rijden, het gedrag van bestuurders en verkeersstromen Automatisch rijden, het gedrag van bestuurders en verkeersstromen Bart van Arem EVU Symposium, 9 september 2016, Postillion Hotel Amersfoort Veluwemeer Rivium Buses (Rotterdam) 2013: DAVI on the road 2016:

More information

Briefing Paper #1. An Overview of Regional Demand and Mode Share

Briefing Paper #1. An Overview of Regional Demand and Mode Share 2011 Metro Vancouver Regional Trip Diary Survey Briefing Paper #1 An Overview of Regional Demand and Mode Share Introduction The 2011 Metro Vancouver Regional Trip Diary Survey is the latest survey conducted

More information

Proposed. City of Grand Junction Complete Streets Policy. Exhibit 10

Proposed. City of Grand Junction Complete Streets Policy. Exhibit 10 Proposed City of Grand Junction Complete Streets Policy Exhibit 10 1 City of Grand Junction Complete Streets Policy Vision: The Complete Streets Vision is to develop a safe, efficient, and reliable travel

More information

Highway 1 Kamloops to Alberta Four-Laning Program

Highway 1 Kamloops to Alberta Four-Laning Program Highway 1 Kamloops to Alberta Four-Laning Program COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT DISCUSSION GUIDE AND FEEDBACK FORM February 7 March 1, 2013 www.bchwy1.ca 1 FEEDBACK FORM INSIDE HOW INPUT WILL BE CONSIDERED FAST

More information

Facility preferences & safety

Facility preferences & safety Photo Flickr: Boegh Facility preferences & safety Evidence from two studies Kay Teschke School of Population & Public Health University of British Columbia Canadians don t cycle much % of trips by bike

More information

Standing Committee on Policy and Strategic Priorities

Standing Committee on Policy and Strategic Priorities POLICY REPORT Report Date: January 15, 2019 Contact: Steve Brown Contact No.: 604.873.9733 RTS No.: 12955 VanRIMS No.: 08-2000-20 Meeting Date: January 30, 2019 TO: FROM: SUBJECT: Standing Committee on

More information

Spring Lake Park Mounds View North Oaks. Arden Hills. Shoreview. Roseville. Little Canada. Falcon Heights SNELLING. Lilydale. West Saint Paul 35E

Spring Lake Park Mounds View North Oaks. Arden Hills. Shoreview. Roseville. Little Canada. Falcon Heights SNELLING. Lilydale. West Saint Paul 35E Coon Rapids Blaine Spring Lake Park Mounds View rth Oaks In 2011, Metro Transit embarked on the Arterial 494 Minnetonka Maple Grove Plymouth Hopkins Brooklyn Park New Hope Golden Valley Louis Park Edina

More information

Dear City Council Members,

Dear City Council Members, From: Bob Kenyon [mailto: ] Sent: Monday, February 08, 2016 10:20 AM To: City Clerk Subject: Please prioritize Caltrain and a complete transit network Thank you for prioritizing bringing BART to San Jose

More information

TRANSPORTATION & MOBILITY

TRANSPORTATION & MOBILITY TRANSPORTATION & MOBILITY ROADWAY SYSTEM There are approximately 40 miles of roadways in Manitou Springs. For planning purposes, roadways are typically assigned a functional classification which defines

More information

Telling Canada s story in numbers Elizabeth Richards Analytical Studies Branch April 20, 2017

Telling Canada s story in numbers Elizabeth Richards Analytical Studies Branch April 20, 2017 Recent Developments in the Canadian Economy: How have the decline in oil prices and a weaker Canadian dollar affected Canada s economy? www.statcan.gc.ca Telling Canada s story in numbers Elizabeth Richards

More information

The Northern Avenue Bridge is being replaced, and the city is debating just who will be allowed to use it

The Northern Avenue Bridge is being replaced, and the city is debating just who will be allowed to use it The Northern Avenue Bridge has been closed to vehicles since 1997 and to pedestrians since 2014. The Northern Avenue Bridge is being replaced, and the city is debating just who will be allowed to use it

More information

The Moscow Department for Transport and Road Infrastructure

The Moscow Department for Transport and Road Infrastructure Moscow Government The Moscow Department for Transport and Road Infrastructure Transport for Moscow. Green mobility. September, 2013. The main goal to improve the environmental situation will be achieved

More information

Washington DC Section of ITE Project Briefing

Washington DC Section of ITE Project Briefing Washington DC Section of ITE Project Briefing November 5, 2015 Renée Hamilton, VDOT, Deputy District Administrator I-66 Outside the Beltway Improvement Area Project Location Virginia 2 Purpose and Need

More information