Was in Vancouver BC for a few days. Rode the SkyTrain a bit. Very interesting. Linear induction motor propulsion (how expensive is that ROW!), sharp curves, steep grades, high superelevation, zippy acceleration, short trains, close headways, lots of riders, really cool bridge over Fraser River. Totally automated! Really amazing. The only down side is the trains get pretty dirty on the inside during the day.
New Canada Line is conventional heavy rail, but is also totally automated. Why only in Vancouver?
Vancouver also has a maze of trackless trolley routes downtown. Looks like many were converted trolley lines. Never found a good city transit route map, though. Visitor’s center had schedules but no map.
Hello Don ~
First, [why only in Vancouver] > lower mainlanders in particular, and most BC residents in general have such a love affair with their gas guzzlers, and the gov’t is very wishy-washy when it comes to cutting back on roads and increasing rail … Vancouver is at least making an effort [they don’t have much choice]. The government still owns much of the BC Hydro ROW so land acquisition wouldn’t be [an honest] reason to deny light rail expansion. They will eventually have to run it Vancouver - Hope [and, preferably, both sides of the Fraser]. Second, all of the systems in BC Transit, whether by rail, road, or water; are available at BCTransit.com. Not that many large scale maps, but all routes have maps accompanying, along with schedules. On a different tack, if you’re interested in ‘older’ things, I can send you a file of Victoria circa 1907 that has some excellent scenes where rail is included, streetcars included. The film is old but has been partially restored, and shows how many things were at that time - contact me by email if you would like to receive the file.
Bob
just a quick note; much of the line between vancouver and new westminster follows the original central park interurban line, the second interurban electric ry. in north america, the first, beating vancouver - new west by a few months, was tacoma - steilacoom; the one often listed as first, portland - oregon city, was 3 years later. -arturo