Free SeaB US trip a rihwhile notion Dear Editor: I wrote TransLink chair George Pail over a year age with a suevestion tor accommodating commuters travelling benveen the North Shore and Vancouver dunng the Liens Gate Badge deck replacement project. As the project: goes into its second year, one wonders how wise it Was to restrict Closures to one or two nights per week. With just a few new sections in place, the conipletion date remains far in the future. Perhaps motorists and North Shore business associations are now ready to consider a total closure of the Lions Gate Bridge until the pro- ject is completed. Vith oil prices at a 20-year high, now might be a good time to try out) TransLink's “improved” services. [ suspect, however, that more motorists would use the Iremvorkers Memorial Second Narrows crossing rather than use public transit. Although regrettable, current statistics for GVRD transit use bear this out. While rejected by Mr. Puil last year, making the SeaBus no-charge for the duration of the _ Lions Gate rehabilitation project might make the public transit option more attractive and could help convince more commuters to park their cars. It should be noted that commuters who use the bus/SkyTrain on cach side of the inlet during peak hours (the majority?) would still require a two-zone ticket oF pass, so -, TransLink would see no revenue loss there. Those commuters that only ride the bus or only use SkyTrain in one zone in combination with the SeaBus would pay $1.75 rather than $2.50 during peak hours, so there would be a revenue loss of 75 cents per passenger, Those commuters who currently pay $2.50 during peak hours vet do not use the bus or Sky¥ Frain would receive a much-deserved break, although [expect that they are few, ‘TransLink would offset some of the losses with increased ridership due to both the fare reductions and the Lions Gate Bridge being closed. Additionally, unless these habitual motorists live and work within walking distance of both SeaBus terminals, their commute would still cost, $1.75, $2.50 or $3.50. Perhaps TrawsLink could also request additional funding from the province, given that the government agreed ie spend $10 million to deal with the (dubious?) claims of North Shore business inter- ests purporting they would be negatively impacted by the project. Mr. Puil’s concern over limited SeaBus capacity is likely unfounded. Capacity could be increased by 25% simply by running on a 12- minute rather than 3.15-minute schedule, as has been done during trial periods and special events (Caribbean Days, Symphony of Fire) in the past. Assuming, as he did, an 80% capacity during peak periods, the present passenger load at these times could be increased by more than 50% in this way, During off-peak times, two and one half’ times as many passengers could be carried based on his 50% capacity figure. It is most unlikely, therefore, that demand for the SeaBus would ever be this high— free or not — during the bridge rehabilitation project. Ken Timewell North Vancouver Give children a chance to play : Dear Editor: . Give the kids a break. ‘The old adage’ “children hould be seen and not heard,” is alive’ and well in North - Vancouver. The latest com- plaint regarding the removal of the basketball hoop on Evelyn Street ‘is just one of many “anonymous” complaints from dults who have obviously for- eten their own childhood _ I feel sorry for our youth. Bit by bit their: activities are being curtailed, whether it be basketball hoops, skateboards, roller blades, or any other ways of getting rid of excess energy. I personally know of two other. incidents: a fort con- structed in the trees forced to be removed, and unfair limita- tions to the use of a basketball ‘hoop — the only form of and only blacktop where the kids can get together. — [I am sure there are many more. such incidents in other areas. ; Parents are expected to do their part to ensure the safety of the young and teach respect for the adults. Surely with ‘consul- tation compromises’ can be reached in any situation which can arise. Rec facilities a fit option to private clubs Dear Editor: fake strong exception te Mr. Baumgartner's selt-serv- ing attempt to further his business interests by trying to Mir up some sort of tay revolt against the North Vancouver Reereation Conmnission (North Shore News, Playing field uneven in fitness war, Oct. LE). Dtoo pay taxes and the NVRC program is one of the best services I get for my tax dollar. About two years ago | started to use the fitness facil- ities provided by the NVRC ona regular basis and since that time [ have seen a marked improvement. in my health. This not only pro- vides me with a better quality of life but [am sure that in the long cun it will save tax- payers money because I am less likely to need health ser- vices which, are much more expensive. Tam not the kind of per- son who is naturally interest- ed in fitness or athletics. [ am Not now, never have been, and never would be a poten- tial customer = for | Mr. Baunygartner’s private fimess club. My impression of pri- vate fitness clubs was that they used pressure sales tac- tics to sell customers more services than they could use. However, I have friends who prefer to go to a private club. Surely there is room for both. Instead of attacking the publicly provided fitness pro- grams, it would be more pro- ductive if Mr. Baumgartner . worked on ensuring and pub- licizing the fact that. kis industry provides business practices and programs that can attract customers despite the competition offered by the NVRC. amusement -—- in a co-op where there are no backyards, a }] EVERGREEN “Mem be r raft theTD Private Client Group : to issue. units called CaRTS, at an issue price of $25.00. «The Trust's fundamental investment objectives are: 100% Capital Repayment othe ord inesinetamoutin 10 yeas - Quarterly distributions with a target vield of at least 9.25% perannum Capltal appreciation above the original Investment amount _ For a copy sl the e preliminary prospects, please call Cory M. Jelich : Investment advisor (604) 482-8438 _fetoreedpankcs secitrities commission in certain provinces, but has not become final for fi | they 2 purpose of distribution to the public. 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