According to newly released documents by TransLink, we can all expect a dramatically different SkyTrain network by 2014 – not just in terms of the size of the system, but operationally as well. 2014 is the scheduled opening date of the Evergreen Line (assuming of course the feds chip in shortly). Once that line opens, the current two lined SkyTrain will change dramatically.
Currently, TransLink runs an Expo Line train and Millennium Line train, with the two going on their separate branches past Columbia. During rush hour, there are two Expo Line trains for every Millennium, and the cars sometimes shorttrack around Broadway (meaning they basically shuttle between Broadway and Waterfront, adding capacity to that busy stretch of track).
In 2014, not only will there be a Canada Line to catch, with alternate trains going to YVR or Richmond, there will be four other routing options on the SkyTrain network.
- Waterfront to Metrotown (shorttracked) on the Expo Line
- Waterfront to King George on the Expo Line
- Columbia to Lougheed will be the new Millennium Line (shuttle service)
- Douglas College to VCC-Clark will be the new Evergreen Line
This means there will be a continuous ride from Coquitlam to Commercial Drive, the most frequency between Waterfront and Metrotown, and the Millennium Line will become a new shuttle transferring service connecting the Expo and Evergreen Lines.
That will require two transfers (three trains) to go from (say) Production Way to Metrotown…. unless you want to pay an extra zone fare to go via Broadway/Commercial.
Hey Paul, what are the newly released documents you’re referring to? Just curious — I feel like I knew this already, although that might be just because I work at TransLink. Pretty map, by the way!
Jhenifer
Jhenifer, I did perhaps jump the gun in saying TransLink was doing this. It’s more an option at this point I suppose, and the date is so far off a number of things could change.
I got the info for this document from TransLink’s RFP section. Now you guys better not stop posting stuff there just because I pointed this out ;)
That’s it — RFP lockdown!
Just kidding, we won’t stop posting stuff there. We do need people to put in bids on our projects, after all, and you transit enthusiasts need your fun too :)
It’s my opinion that reconfiguring the evergreen line to use that eastern portion of the millenium line (connecting Columbia out to coquitlam) would make more sense, and also leave the western portion of the millenium line open to further expansion out to UBC. The travel from surrey to northern burnaby would still include 2 transfer points, but surrey to coquitlam would have one, and coquitlam all the way to UBC would have one. This also eliminates the need for such a shuttle service, as braid and sapperton would become points along the evergreen line.
It will be interesting to see how the new port mann bridge will play in the future of transit for the surrey area
www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_releases_2005-2009/2009OTP0024-000155.htm
I know this is an old post, but the map is based on the orientation of track/platforms at Lougheed. I agree with rbo that running Evergreen from Coquitlam to New West might be preferable, but it’s currently not feasible without significant changes at Lougheed.
That will require two transfers (three trains) to go from (say) Production Way to Metrotown…. unless you want to pay an extra zone fare to go via Broadway/Commercial.
Why doesn’t anybody consider putting the sky train out into Langley?