Oommuter rail Gonsultants say, reliability impessible Martin Millerchip News Reporter’ .- miller@nusnews.com ALL aboard! On second thought, don’t bother. The train now teaving on track one doesn’t ‘look. as_if it’s going to be heading. downtown anytime soon... A consultant's report has ‘concluded that a conimuter rail service from the North Shore - to downtown Vancouver could not com- : pete with existing transit “valternatives. : ‘But one North Vancouver . District. councillor is .con- \ vineed the’ consultants departed from the wrong : platform. . : Council’ agreed last November to ask staff for a report on the potential to use existing rail fine for a rapid transit link from the North Shore to Vancouver. The $3,000 report from N.D. Lea Consultants Ltd. was presented to council on Monday night. It concludes: “Although there is a rail network connecting — the North Shore to downtown Vancouver, this. review has conciuded that there are roo many constraints to allow the operation of a fast, cfficient, reliable transit service along these tracks that could effec- tively compete with the exist- ing bus and SeaBus opera- tions. “The rail corridor along the North Shore ... has insuf- ficient_ attractors or genera- tors of trips to make it viable — low ridership, high oper- ating cost.” N.D. Lea adds that the best opportunity for North Shore rail transit lies benween West Vancouver and ~ Lonsdale Quay. But Coun. Ernie Crist says the terms of the consul- tant study were all wrong. He insists the report should have looked at the routing and costs of a rail tunnel link to Vancouver and the implications of expanded rail service to the Whistler * area. “The moncy they are now talking about for a new four- lane Lions Gate Bridge would pay for a rail tunnel,” Crist told the News. The report acknowledges that railway rights-of-way provide an opportunity for developing new rail-based transit systems as an afterna- tive to congested car-based commutes. But in order to operate successfully rail facilities have to: @ be accessible; M@ serve the major cmploy- ment areas; @ offer fast, reliable service; ® be cost effective, frequent and Accessibility The report concludes that BC Transit Phibbs - Exchange Hastings two stations would have to be built: one at the foor of Lonsdale (possibly by break- ing into the rail tunnel there) and the other in the vicinity of Phibbs Exchange (requir- ing a pedestrian overpass to be built). There are no “obvious” park and ride sites near the tracks. Service of major employment areas To get to the central business district downtown a train would have to: @ cross the Second Narrows Bridge; @ pass through the tunnel on the south side of the Second Narrows; @ transfer onto the CN Rail mainline ar Willingdon; @ stop and reverse direct- ion; B travel along the Grandview Cut and on to the CP Rail tracks on the waterfront; @ cither run along these tracks to the SkyTrain termi- nal or to the main VIA Station on Main Street. atown Vancouver. would take more than double the SeaBus crossi \g tints. - nd through the tunnel would further delay reguiar rush hour service. — Free pick-up rop off ane on the North Shore Friday, May 15, 1998 — North Shore News ~ 5 ink runs out of track | unhindered passage the trav- Fast frequent el time from Lonsdale to and reliable service The report concludes that even in a perfect world with - See Commuter page 11 0397 rg oom core fin, scatch-gavtetfotea core. |” __ Faas cation cores. ie pes bs FACTORY. TOY "267 E Ist. Yan Entrance is feat lane ks sso : 4 Bicycling? el Summer Camping? Same De Service (most hiches) fy ” BikeiShi Racks & Carriers - Sold & instated Sport Utility, Van & Pick-up Specistists to ie cere 162 PEMBERTON AVE. 983-5903; DOMESTIC 4 IMPOAT SPECIALISTS “ “QUALITY WORKMANSHIP PRIVATE INSURANCE & ICBC REPAIRS. 27 YEARS IN BUSINESS .."’ steps to. dealing. with | ICBC 1. Gathering evidence 10. determine fault and the amount ot, damages ; 2. Assessing the evidence to determine who i is at fault ‘and the. proper amount of money to be paid in compensation for « , damages and No-Fault benefits ; . 3. Collecting the amount assessed from ICBC Ye Eacti of these sleps can be extremely complicated [BEFORE You SETTLE SEE US ARDAGH ne AFTER _ HOURS 926- -3181 Criminal matters only. secaaes, #300-1401 ‘LONSDALE AVE: NORTH VAN E-mail; huater@cyberion. com... McFlurry’s gone wild. introducing McFlurry’s newest flavour. Wild Berry : Crunch. A.taste explosion of strawberries, blueberries and raspberries mixed with a delicious _, vanilla “Crunch” topping. It's a cool new way to satisfy your ice cream craving. But you better hurry, it’s only here for a limited time. Bring this coupon into’ any - : North Shore McDonald's and receive _ a McFlurry” for SI. 49. plus, tax. Not ae with an Ha off RAR OOIIGGGE