Metro Vancouver’s TransLink in its current incarnation has been around since 1998, but the city has a much longer history with public transit and It all started with lightbulbs in Victoria.
The History of Transit in B.C. is the first in a five-part series looking at the needs and future of transit in the Lower Mainland.
All Through The Town: A Transit Series can be heard Feb. 28 through March 4 at 2:30 p on 980 CKNW.
Monday, Feb. 28: The History of Transit in B.C.
This episode will go through the evolution of transit in the Lower Mainland and the major milestones it has gone through. How we all dream of rail transit out to Chilliwack in the future but can go back in time to find it already existed.
CKNW community contributor Eric Chapman talks to Rob Chew, transit historian and a member of the board of directors for the Transit Museum of BC.
In addition, Chapman speaks to Coast Mountain Bus driver TJ Auja, who has been a bus operator for 24 years.
Tuesday, March 1: Across to Delta
The completion date for the Massey crossing is still a long way away so what can be done in the meantime?
Transit enthusiast city councillor and Delta Mayor George Harvie’s alternate on the Translink Mayors Council, Dylan Kruger, gives his thoughts on what is more effective – abundant stops or frequency of buses?
Also, after almost 50 years of being an accessibility advocate, Vince Miele shares his thoughts on how things have changed in the Lower Mainland.
Wednesday, March 2: North Shore connects
When the only way you have to grow is up and so many communities in a small area are expanding, transit beyond the city limits becomes part of the conversation.
Not only to connect people with small businesses and employment, but locations within communities like gathering places, nation services and community centers – this gives us all the opportunity to learn about the land the original people and their traditions.
In this episode, Eric talks with City of North Vancouver Mayor Linda Buchanan, about a group of municipalities that have joined together to form a group to focus on the priorities of the local municipalities.
One of those communities is the Squamish Nation so we hear from Wilson Williams, Squamish Nation elected councilor about relationship building.
Thursday, March 3: Surrey Langley Connector
Historically transit beyond Surrey has not received the attention needed.
It is always the snobs in Vancouver that seem to get priority when it comes to rail and bus service. But growth out in Surrey and beyond is much more significant, so what does transit need to do to keep up?
Connections are also vital for small businesses so Eric speaks to the executive director of the Newton Business Association Phillip Aguirre.
While the connector is built, Langley Mayor Jack Froese is building ridership with buses in preparation for the coming rail transit.
Friday, March 4: Out to Abbotsford and beyond
As transit historian Rob Chew, mentioned in episode one, not only did Princess Chulaborn of Thailand, ride the SkyTrain, the original electric rail routes ran all the way out to Chilliwack, making it the longest transit line in North America.
So when we talk about rail transit out to Abbotsford, it is really a step back in time and one of Mayor Henry Braun’s favorite topics.
Transport 2050 is a bus route map on how to get there so Eric talked to Eve How the manager of policy development at TransLink about the possibility of car share service and other aspects of the plan.