10-year transit | plan an off-track pre-election ploy - Dear Editor: The Light Rail For Vancouver Committee (LRFVC) has reserved comment on the recent BC Transit 10-year plan, including the intro- duction of Light Rail Transit (LRT), until time was taken to study the overall plan. Though we applaud introduc- ing LRT to the planning process, the 10-year plan is ineffective. . inefficient, expensive and badly flawed. “The LRFVC rejects the BC Transit 10-year plan because we feel it is merely a sop to the elec- _torate prior to the upcoming provincial general election. v»' To be effective, LRT should ” take the user from where he lives to where he wants to go. Not building LRT to UBC and... downtown Vancouver,’ denies potential LRT ridership aad regu- lates it to a role of a slightly faster ‘and much more expensive bus. Failing to service major trans- ‘portation destinations with LRT aS proven not to attract new rider- - ship and thus will not reduce traf- “fic congestion. . “Tt has been stated that trolley- bus Service will still parallel the “LRT operation on ‘Broadway. One oe of the operational cost benefits of “LRT. is that one LRT driver can carry a passenger. toad that would : require six to eight bus drivers. As upwards of 70% of transit -{° operating costs can be attributed to “wages, it is easy to see the econo- ‘my of LRT when ridership “exceeds 2,000. persons per hour per direction, Operating LRT and ‘buses ‘on the same route would » Megate any economic advantage of : LRT operation and would create a ays to stay with us Making a reservation at Victoria’s Quality Inn Harbourview ‘really pays off, Not only will you benefit from a terrific $70* room rate, you also receive a $30 credit stowardsfoodand " beverage... making highly subsidized and very con- gested transit corridor. Despite the hype and hoopki of “rapid bus," BC ‘Transit fails to show that investment in’ “rapid bus" will attract, new ridership. especially as studies from many sources has shown that buses de not altract motorists form their car. Both the only true rapid bus (guided bus) operations in Essen, Germany, and Adelaide, Australia, have failed to attract new ridership, despite many years in operation. Transit managers in both cities are now planning to reinstate or build new LRT lines. These two points are just a hint of how overly optimistic and badly , flawed the 10-year plan is — ~ clearly Showing that the manage- ment of BC Transit and the minis- ter in charge lack a fundamental understanding of modern LRT operation and construction. BC Transit and the provincial “government are following the Greater Vancouver Regional District’s badly flawed long- and medium- -range plans, planning transit to increase density rather than to move people. While increasing ~ highway capacity by 50% they have pro- duced an extremely expensive and fractured public transit plan that will not provide the ambient net- work. and not attract motorists from their cars. The NDP govern- ment, despite cynical promises, "has produced a transport plan that belies the original implied promise of better urban transit and trans- portation. D. Malcolm Johnston Chairman, The Light Rail For Vancouver Committee There are more pari, still. a location steps awvay from the Legislative Builaings and downtown... use of our first class Athletic Club... newly renovated rooms with views of the inner Harbour... Friday, October 13, 1995 - North Shore News - 7 aa MSP premium perturbance Dear Editors Ao sia) addendum to C.DL. Dyke's letter “Inequities ailing our health care.” Sept. 24 North Shore News, Our “diseuse-care” biggest scam yoing, In January [ needed some dental surgery and found out it wasn't cov. ered by MSP unless someone wal- loped wie in the mouth, Even the unnecessary drugs weren't covered. Under “the plan” | supposedly get 12 “free chiropractic visits per calendar year. Lwas a little shocked when my chiropractor asked ine to hand over a $15 “user” fee in addi- tion to my “premium.” system is the WV museum was maligned Dear Editor: Concerning the Trevor Lautens’ article, “Unite “the | North Vancouvers” in last week’s North . Shore News, Mr. Lautens’ attack on our jewel of West Vancouver, the Gertrude Lawson house museum, deserves only warmth, simple char- ity. and a sincere invitation for him to learn more about his focal muse-_ um and archives. Educational guides are always needed, gallery docents are in short supply, cataloguing clerks provide real assistance; there is definitely a job for a person of Mr. Lautens* capabilities, talent, and commit- ment to public service. The most honored criticism comes from the person showing his/her knowledge about the subject. From this anyone can Jean. But a throwaway. spiteful _denigration only exhibits the igno- rance of the writer. Come and work with the muse-— um volunteers, Mr. Lautens. { chal- lenge you.” - Hilary Clark West Vancouver Aad hete comes the topper, ‘To geta driver's medical exam --- that's where an official doctor tells anoth- er afficial sameane —- Urreugh it mound of official paperwork -~ sohint tf cutld Have said tniysel! wilheust ine another $90.50, 1s not covered by MSP cither. What is my $36 per month “pre- miu” paying for? To keep the car- diae ward open for the ¢tl-phone Jou that ibinks tbe bovwom-dine takes. privrity: over fresh air and exctense? ‘To supply drugs to those who believe drugs are better than a proper diet! This “premium, certainly isn't helping me any. Cirapting out, Garry R. Sununers North Vancouver Special thanks to LGH Dear Editor: ICis no fun to prow old and fear inevitable death. So many of us have parents with var ing degrees of physical and/or mental disabili- vy. We love them dearly and try our hardest to make their remaining time happy and> safe. My father spent the final 5) days of his life on the third, fourth and fifth floors of Lions Gate Hospital. ere res ae a | would like to personally com- mend the dedicated staff there — doctors, techsiicians, nurses aides and volunteers —: for their efficien- cy, their respect and especially their compassion. We ure truly fortunate to have such a caring final “home” for our loves ones in our community. Judy Renaud - West Vancouver. 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