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TransLink Overview and the Public Consultation Process
The document discusses the transportation governance and infrastructure developments in Metro Vancouver under TransLink, highlighting its extensive regional scope and significant investments made over the past decade. It addresses the aging demographic's impact on transit needs, the integration of public consultation in decision-making, and the importance of accessible transit options. Major projects and enhancements to the transit network, including an increase in ridership and improvements in service, are also outlined.
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TransLink Overview and the Public Consultation Process
- 1. Transportation in MetroVancouver
- 2. Outline Scope RegionGovernance Building for the Future Funding Public Consultation Next Steps
- 3. TransLink - Scope“ New” Organization Created 1999 – Provincial Legislation Extensive Consultation Regional in Scope Transportation Authority Public Transit Road Network Travel Options Emission Testing Regional Growth Self Financing Partnership with Government
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- 5. Large Region 2,800 Sq Kms Greater Toronto Area
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- 8. 2004 Aging DemographicRed shows areas where more than half the population is over age 65
- 9. Aging demographic 25%of population over 65 years by 2040 People are ‘aging in place’ Increases need for local, mid-day, accessible transit Need for more walkable communities, less automobile dependence Red shows areas where more than half the population is over age 65 2031 Aging Demographic
- 10. TransLink - GoveranceMayors Council Commissioner TransLink Board of Directors
- 11. South Coast BritishColumbia Transportation Authority Custom Transit Community Shuttle SeaBus Metro Vancouver Province of British Columbia Intelligent Transportation Systems AirCare West Coast Express Canada Line Contract Major Road Network Mayors Council Contractors Province of British Columbia Rail Division Wholly Owned Subsidiaries Intelligent Transportation Systems AirCare Bus Division SkyTrain Board of Directors CMBC Major Road Network Transit Police
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- 13. 10 Years ofTransit Investment Major upgrades to 45 bus routes 39 Frequent Transit Network routes 2 new B-Line express routes 43% increase in bus service 20 new low-floor trolleys – fully accessible fleet 69 standard ‘clean diesel’ buses 55 Community Shuttle buses 69 HandyDART vehicles 108 new SkyTrain Cars
- 14. Major Projects Majorprojects completed 1999 to 2010 39 km of SkyTrain added to network Canada Line, Millennium Line Third SeaBus vessel in service Frequent Transit Network reach extended Three major road projects completed West Coast Express capacity increased Golden Ears Bridge Canada Line
- 15. Golden Ears BridgeOpened Summer 2009
- 16. Canada Line OpenedAugust 2009 Links Airport to Richmond and downtown Vancouver Equivalent to 10 lanes of road
- 17. Annual Transit Ridership2008 179 million transit trips 1998 124 million transit trips Metro Vancouver Annual Ridership 1998 to 2008 Ridership up 44% Population up 13% = 5 million transit trips
- 18. Renewed and ImprovedFleet 1330 Vehicles 1830 Vehicles 1999 BC Transit 2008 TransLink 500 Expansion 770 Replacement 560 Original Still in Operation Figures include conventional buses, Community Shuttles ,and HandyDART vehicles
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- 26. Better Access Entiretransit fleet is wheelchair - accessible, easier to use for everyone
- 27. Transit Police Integratedwith Metro Vancouver jurisdictional forces, Transit Police maintain order, safety and security on and around transit facilities
- 28. Innovation Supports ChoiceNew tools that suit our customers’ needs make it easier to make transportation choices
- 29. 2010 Budgeted RevenueTotal $ 1.146 Billion
- 30. 2010 Budgeted ExpenditureTotal $ 122.5 Billion Total $ 1.225 Billion
- 31. Why Do PublicConsultation? Effective public consultation acknowledges the desire for humans to participate in decisions that affect them Effective public consultation facilitates understanding Effective public consultation improves decisions
- 32. TransLink Public ParticipationPrinciples Integrate public consultation into all applicable aspects of TransLink’s business Consider both local and regional perspectives. Work with municipal partners Clearly define the parameters of the consultations Consult in advance of key decisions Be inclusive and accessible, by offering a variety of opportunities for input Ensure participants have the opportunity to provide informed input Consider public input as advice Inform participants about the results of the consultation process
- 33. Public Participation SpectrumTo Inform To provide the public with balanced and objective information to assist them in understanding the problem, alternatives, opportunities and/or solutions To Consult To obtain public feedback on analysis, alternatives and/or decisions To Involve To work directly with the public throughout the process to ensure that public concerns and aspirations are constantly understood and considered To Collaborate To partner with the public in each aspect of the decision including the development of alternatives and the identification of the preferred solutions
- 34. Forms of PublicConsultation Community Events Transit Tours Presentations Kiosks Social Media Open Houses Stakeholder Workshops Public Workshops E-Consultation Advisory Boards
- 35.
Editor's Notes
- #4 TransLink's official name is South Coast British Columbia Transportation authority and it is governed under the provincial legislation of the South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority Act. TransLink is responsible for planning, financing and managing transportation modes and services in the Metro Vancouver region. The organization is relatively new, established on April 1, 1999 under the Provincial Legislation We are not a Crown Corporation like BC Hydro or ICBC. We are similar to BC Ferries. TransLink has the authority to expand into the Fraser Valley and the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District. Our services are delivered through subsidiary companies. We own two operating companies, Coast Mountain Bus Company and British Columbia Rapid Transit Company (SkyTrain). Our public transit system includes; a variety of conventional bus services SkyTrain, the worlds longest automated light rail rapid transit system SeaBus passenger ferries West Coast Express commuter rail HandyDart, a custom door to door transit service for the disabled Bus and SeaBus: TransLink’s largest subsidiary, Coast Mountain Bus Company Ltd. (CMBC) operates over 96 per cent of the region’s bus service including state-of-the-art clean diesel buses and zero-emission trolleys. Contracted companies, including West Vancouver Blue Bus and community shuttle services, operate the remaining four per cent of regional bus service. CMBC also operates the SeaBus passenger ferries, a vital link between North Vancouver and downtown Vancouver, which cross the Burrard Inlet. HandyDART: Our custom transit services are branded as HandyDART. HandyDART provides door to door transportation for people with disabilities. SkyTrain: British Columbia Rapid Transit Company Ltd. (BCRTC), operates the SkyTrain advanced rapid transit system, which connects downtown Vancouver with Burnaby, New Westminster and Surrey. TransLink’s SkyTrain is the world’s longest, fully automated, driverless light rapid transit system. Canada Line: a rapid rail service linking Downtown Vancouver to Richmond and Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Major Road Network: comprises most major regional arteries not owned by the provincial government. It includes 2,200 lane-km of roadways and several bridges (the Knight Street Bridge , Pattullo Bridge , Westham Island Bridge , and Golden Ears Bridge .) TransLink coordinates and funds major capital projects on the Major Road Network. For minor projects, TransLink contributes up to half of the costs of municipal capital projects, up to the maximum funding allocated to each municipality. West Coast Express Ltd: West Coast Express runs the rail and bus service that connects Mission, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam and Port Moody with downtown Vancouver, making the 65-kilometre commute to downtown in just over an hour. Amenities include computer plug-ins and a cappuccino bar. AirCare: AirCare, provides emission testing for vehicles in the Lower Mainland. The AirCare program is one of the most effective vehicle emissions inspection and maintenance programs in North America. 14 years after its inception, vehicle-generated emissions in the region has been reduced by 31 per cent. Our ITS (Intelligent transportation systems) involves the application of computer and communication technologies to maximize the efficiency and safety of the transportation network. ITS minimizes congestion, improves safety and security, reduces harmful emissions and provides access to better travel information.
- #5 TransLink currently services 22 municipalities, with a population of approximately 2.2 million. As you can see our service area expands from Lions Bay on the West to Langley in the East.
- #6 To give you and idea of how big the service area is, this is a scale comparison of the Greater Toronto Area over the Lower Mainland.
- #7 Historically people travelled in and out of Vancouver.
- #8 Since then, travel patterns have significantly changed with more and more people travelling in and around their own communities both for work and play.
- #10 25% of population over 65 years by 2040 People are ‘aging in place’ Increases need for local, mid-day, accessible transit Need for more walkable communities, less automobile dependence
- #11 The Mayor’s Council on Regional Transportation The Mayors’ Council is composed of all the Mayors within Metro Vancouver who represent the viewpoints and interests of the citizens of the region. The Mayors’ Council appoints the Board of Directors for TransLink and the Commissioner. It approves plans prepared by TransLink, including the transportation plan, regional funding and borrowing limits. TransLink Board of Directors The Board of Directors are selected based on their skills and expertise and must act in the best interests of TransLink. They do not represent any other interests or constituencies. They are responsible for hiring, compensating and monitoring the performance of the CEO and providing oversight of TransLink’s strategic planning, finances, major capital projects and operations. Chief Executive Officer – Ian Jarvis The CEO runs TransLink, as directed by the board. The CEO, with the support of TransLink and subsidiary staff and contractors, is responsible for preparing plans and reports for approval by the board and for building and operating TransLink’s many transportation services in a manner that will allow TransLink to achieve its annual and long-term plans. These transportation services include the Major Road Network, SkyTrain, West Coast Express Ltd., Coast Mountain Bus Company, Canada Line, Golden Ears Bridge and all other contracts and services of the current TransLink. Regional Transportation Commissioner The Mayors’ Council appoints a Commissioner who is separate from the Council, TransLink Board of Directors and TransLink staff. The Commissioner approves cash fare increases above inflation. The Commissioner also approves TransLink’s plans for annual customer satisfaction surveys, its customer complaint process and any proposed sale of major assets. The Commissioner reports annually to the Mayors’ Council on their decisions and the performance of TransLink. Provincial Government The provincial government also plays a critical role because it has the responsibility for the legislation that establishes TransLink and its governance system. It participates in setting a long-term provincial vision for transportation on the south coast and contributes funding for major projects. Metro Vancouver Metro Vancouver continues to be responsible for the long-term growth management plan and the air quality plan of the region. TransLink is required to seek input from Metro Vancouver on its long range transportation plan and its borrowing limit increases
- #13 In the last 10 years, TransLink has successfully completed many projects we are very proud of.
- #14 These projects include: Major upgrades to 45 bus routes 39 Frequent Transit Network routes 2 new B-Line express routes 43% increase in bus service 20 new low-floor trolleys – fully accessible fleet 69 standard ‘clean diesel’ buses 55 Community Shuttle buses 69 HandyDART vehicles 108 new SkyTrain Cars
- #15 West Coast Express capacity increased Ridership has increased from 5,000 people to 10,500 people daily (since 1987)
- #16 The Golden Ears Bridge (GEB) opened June 16 th , 2009 and is the first direct, fixed route connecting Langley, Surrey, Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge. The 6-lane bridge and 14-kilometre road network provides a quick, easy and convenient link for families, friends, commuters and businesses. It enhances the economic competitiveness of the Lower Mainland by improving travel times, reducing regional congestion and opening up access to employment, markets, services and recreation.
- #17 Canada Line is TransLink’s newest light metro rapid transit service. It secures Metro Vancouver’s spot on the map as one of the most livable cities in the world and advances the region’s goals in sustainability and global competiveness. Whether you’re out shopping on Cambie Street or heading to the Airport, Canada Line is a fast, reliable and affordable link to the region and the world. Airport Check-in Kiosks Skip the long lines at the airport and check-in for your flight at any of the following stations: YVR-Airport Templeton Bridgeport Marine Drive Broadway-City Hall Olympic Village Vancouver City Centre Richmond-Brighouse
- #18 Since 1999, transit ridership has increased by one-third. Employer Pass membership four times greater in 2007 than1999 Fare structure promotes loyalty – 2/3 fares pre-paid
- #20 TransLink's transit network consists of: conventional bus, community shuttle rapid transit Ferry custom transit
- #21 Since 1999 North Vancouver - Dollarton Bridge (2005) Coquitlam- David Ave Connector (2006) Surrey – Fraser Highway widening (multi-stage) Port Coquitlam – Coast Meridian Overpass (2010) North Fraser Perimeter Road – (in planning) Murray-Clarke Connector (planning and design) Downtown Langley - 204 th Street O/pass (2007) Pattullo Bridge – (project scoping underway) Golden Ears Bridge (Summer 2009)
- #22 Canada Line Bike Bridge – A bicycle and pedestrian bridge running under the Canada Line connecting Vancouver and Richmond over the Fraser River. Central Valley Greenaway - The Central Valley Greenway is a 24-kilometre route for cycling, jogging, walking, wheelchairs, skateboarding and roller blading. It links to multiple destinations, communities, and workplaces in the Lower Mainland, quickly becoming a focal point for communities needing green space and providing a model for future greenway projects. BC Parkway - The BC Parkway is a 26-kilometre multi-use path that roughly parallels the Expo SkyTrain Line, connecting Surrey City Centre, New Westminster, South Burnaby and Vancouver. With the development of transit oriented neighbourhoods around SkyTrain stations, the BC Parkway will become an increasingly important facility for walking and wheeling (pedestrians, commuter and recreational cyclists, wheel-chair users, in-line skating etc.) TransLink is currently working on a conceptual design for improvements to the BC Parkway. Regional Cycling Strategy - A Strategy for Metro Vancouver between 2010-2040 to provide guidance on how cycling can contribute to realizing the goals of Transport 2040. This Regional Cycling Strategy will lay out TransLink’s policy direction for cycling, and is intended to provide a common framework for action by TransLink, municipalities and other partners.
- #23 Implementing computer operated traffic signals improves safety and security and reduces harmful emissions.
- #25 Examples:
- #29 Trip planner – 1.3 million visits per month NextBus – 14,000 requests for schedule info per day – highest traffic SMS service in Canada iPhone application – locates bus stops, full text search, integrated with Google Google Transit – first agency in Canada to partner 735,000 visits/month on website Facebook for transit information Website compatible with software for visually-impaired TransLink Listens – 1500 web panelists provide low-cost, fast market research and public opinion data 91 years old, The Buzzer in print, supported by a blog
- #30 GEB – Golden Ears Bridge tolls Other – Marketing/Advertising/filming, etc.
- #32 Effective public consultation acknowledges the desire for humans to participate in decisions that affect them. Provides a means for incorporating the publics values, interests, needs and desires into decisions that affect their lives. Encourages the public to provide meaningful input into the decision process. Effective public consultation facilitates understanding Stakeholders working together to focus on the problem or opportunity and finding the common ground Incorporation of the publics issues (fears, concerns, needs and desires into the decision process) Clear, understandable rationale for the decision Effective public consultation improves decisions Includes all participant perspectives, contributing to a richer understanding of the scope of the decision and the problem or opportunity
- #33 Principles for Public Participation & Community Engagement – Only read details if time allows TransLink has worked diligently to develop a full, inclusive public consultation approach to all its plans and projects. To help us accomplish this, the following Principles for Public Consultation and Engagement have been developed. These Principles help TransLink develop and implement projects and plans that reflect the organization's and region's desire for a sustainable transportation system. Integrate public consultation into all applicable aspects of TransLink’s business. Public consultation will be integrated into the planning of all major capital projects, the development of all significant new policies, and all major planning processes. Consider both local and regional perspectives. Where geographically-specific projects have broader implications, perspectives from throughout the region should be sought in addition to local views. Work with municipal partners. Public consultation programs will be planned and implemented in cooperation with interested Metro Vancouver municipalities and other levels of government as appropriate. Clearly define the parameters of the consultations. When initiating its public consultation processes, TransLink will define the objectives, scope and parameters of the consultations, noting which matters are subject to dialogue with the public and stakeholders. This process will include estimated timing of any decisions, who the decision makers are and what criteria will be used in guiding these decisions. Consult in advance of key decisions. Public consultation will be undertaken well in advance of decisions made by the South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority (SCBCTA) Board of Directors on major projects, policies and programs, when options are still open to consideration. The results of the applicable consultation process will be communicated to the Board and the public for the Board’s consideration of the project, plan or policy, either in a separate report or within a broader report to the Board. Be inclusive and accessible, by offering a variety of opportunities for input. A range of opportunities and information in a variety of formats will be provided for meaningful public input, to ensure the process is appropriately inclusive. Public consultation will be tailored in response to the needs of the public and stakeholders regarding the issue at hand. Activities may include, but will not be limited to, open houses, advisory committees, workshops, public forums, websites, and survey research. A public consultation web page will be identified on the TransLink home page. This web page will clearly state TransLink’s principles for public consultation and community engagement and will direct viewers to the appropriate areas of the website where public consultation reports, opportunities for feedback, etc can be accessed. Ensure participants have the opportunity to provide informed input. Public consultation requires informed participants. TransLink will ensure sufficiently comprehensive and accurate information in a variety of formats is available to participants in a timely manner, and that opportunities for interaction with TransLink representatives are provided, so questions can be answered as part of the information-sharing process. Consider public input as advice. Public input obtained through consultation processes is considered as advice to the SCBCTA Board of Directors and other decision makers. The Board will use this advice in its decision-making processes, in addition to technical, environmental, social, economic, and financial information, and other considerations deemed appropriate. Inform participants about the results of the consultation process. TransLink will report to the public on the results of its consultation processes in a variety of locations and formats, and will demonstrate how public input has been used in its decision-making processes.
- #34 Def: To provide the public with balanced and objective information to assist them in understanding the problem, alternatives, opportunities and/or solutions Example: Marine Drive Bus Lane – West Vancouver Def: To obtain public feedback on analysis. Alternatives and/or decisions. Example: Langley community shuttle routes Def: To work directly with the public throughout the process to ensure that public concerns and aspirations are constantly understood and considered. Example: Surrey Rapid Transit Study Def: To partner with the public in each aspect of the decision including the development of alternatives and the identification of the preferred solutions. Example: Access Transit Advisory Council
- #35 Community Events: Attended 8 community events in 2009. In 2010 we will be attending 12 community events. Purpose: Inform and educate the public on who TransLink is, what services we provide and how we are actively involved in the community. Example: Surrey Canada Day, Langley car show, West Vancouver Community Days, etc, Tours: TransLink annually receives numerous tour requests from international, national and local delegations, government representatives and transit agencies. Purpose: To provide representatives with a broad overview of TransLink, including governance, funding, and services. (If your group would be interested in attending a tour I would be happy to work with Nathan and Joe to plan it) Example: Surrey Rapid Transit Study – Olympic Line Tour, Brazilian Delegation, Australian Habitat Studies, Japanese Delegates, Calgary Transportation committee, etc. Presentations: This year we are expanding our community engagement to include personal presentations just like the one I am doing this evening for your organization. We will be inviting community associations/organizations, businesses, hospitality service providers and multicultural groups.. Purpose: The purpose is to inform organizations of who we are, and what we do throughout the Lower Mainland and specifically in their community. Staff will proactively contact various community groups to inquiry if they would be interested in a presentation and/or a personal tour. Kiosks: Community Relations staff will manage kiosks located in various communities. The kiosks will primarily be located in malls close to where TransLink initiatives are taking place. Purpose: To inform the public of initiatives that TransLink is working on in specific communities. Example: UBC Line, Capilano University transit exchange, South of Fraser Area transit plan, etc. Social Media: Currently we are looking at expanding our consultation means. Staff are examining social media strategies and tactics to effectively inform and educate the public on who TransLink is and what we do. Areas that will be examined include Facebook, blogging, online contests, mobile technologies such as Twitter and e-consultation i.e. forums and online questionnaires. Purpose: Inform the public via new media techniques of our policies, what we are doing in their communities and how they can get involved. Examples: Buzzer, Olympics (Twitter), UBC Line, Be Part of the plan, etc. Open Houses: To inform or gather feedback regarding a specific project. Example: Marine Drive Bus Lane, Langley community shuttle routes, Capilano University Transit Exchange, etc. Stakeholder Workshops: Discuss and gather input from stakeholders on specific study objective. Workshops are often interactive. Example: Surrey Rapid Transit April Stakeholder Workshop., Regional Cycling Strategy, BC Parkway. Public Workshops: Similar to Stakeholder workshop but more public interaction. Example: Phase 2 of the Surrey Rapid Transit Study – following the stakeholder workshop, UBC Line, etc. E-Consultation: Online discussion and forums. Example: Be Part of the Plan, UBC Line, Surrey Rapid Transit Study. Advisory Boards: Help develop the strategy from the very beginning. Example: Access Transit Advisory Board