Editor: Re: LRT not just a dream, Feb. 14 If you're competing with others for more of something, you don't want be the one underutilizing what you already have.
Passengers waiting at bus stops in Vancouver were bypassed 200,000 times in a year by loaded buses. TransLink told Delta Chamber of Commerce: "Some of the challenges in South Delta stem from the fact 73 per cent of all its commuter trips leave the community but only 38 per cent of its bus capacity is utilized."
Where might TransLink invest in improved service? Where might it save with service reductions? Dedicated guideway rail transit systems like SkyTrain are expensive. SkyTrain handles up to 15,000 passengers per hour per direction and is designed to serve communities of a million.
If on dedicated guideway, light rail can be of similar capacity and cost. If operated at street level with conflicting traffic, LRT can be less expensive but offers reduced service.
If South Deltans want more service they must demonstrate the demand needed to justify its cost. Fully utilizing the service we already have might secure more buses, but a community of 50,000 isn't likely to secure a system designed for a million.
Ed Ries
