Riding the Canada Line to YVR
Riding the Canada Line this weekend made me feel a bit like a tourist in my own city. Cool. The stations are a modern mix of tilework, steel, glass, and natural stained wood (hemlock or pine I think). I went into the ride fairly unassuming of what I was about to experience; here’s my take:
1) surprised that there are only 2 trains and subsequent station platforms of same size. There is not a lot of room here folks. I just can’t picture the size being adequate for a busy rush hour environment in the future.
2) no driver, very neat. Remote control people movers, no room for error though as there is a single track in spots where oncoming trains have to wait for the switch.
3) walk through opening between cars, I liked this. Made the trains feel more open and spacious.
4) large front window with windshield wiper. We grabbed the front seat view on the way back from the airport which was really cool. Thoughtful that they have a wiper so riders can see during those rainy Vancouver days.
5) can’t beat the price. $2.50 to get to the airport (atleast for now, in 2010 there will be an “add fare” for YVR). Cabs start at that price in Vancouver, and an average trip to the airport runs $30-$50 so even when prices go up it should still be worth it. Also, its an honour system, so if you don’t stop at the Bridgeport Station adjacent to the Rive Rock Casino, I guess you can alway gamble for a free ride vs the possible fine of $173 bucks.
