To those who do not live in Metro Vancouver, see you tomorrow, there is not much to see here! ^_^;;; OK, OK, just kidding… Two weeks ago, a new metro line in Vancouver opened: Canada Line. This metro line connects Richmond Centre, Vancouver Airport and Downtown Vancouver. There has been controversies, lawsuits and detractors but this post is not related to any of these. Instead, this is about the end result and my first ride through the system. So, enjoy this photo essay!
Entrance through Waterfront Station. I should mention that it is not physically connect to the Expo Line/Millennium Line. If you are riding one, there is a small walk before you can reach the other.
A “new” feature in the Skytrain system. Compared to the old lines, this one provides more information.
First station after Waterfront: Vancouver City Centre. The name given to this station is a bit of a misnomer, as it is not technically the City Centre. But, had they called it “Granville”, it would have confused with Expo/Millennium Line’s Granville Station… Now that I mentioned Granville Station, yes, there is an underground passageway connecting these two.
Yaletown-Roundhouse. Not sure about the Roundhouse part of the name but, otherwise, yes, it connects to Yaletown.
Olympic Village station, near the 2010 Olympic Winter Games Athelete’s Village.
At this point, I took a break and snapped some pictures of the “features” of the stations. Here, a train arriving to the station.
The ticket vending machines.
The exit signs, though I can’t help to ask why it says “Way Out” instead…
Although the system is currently based on an honour system (which random checks inside the train), don’t tempt yourself on take the train without buying a ticket!
Broadway-City Hall. This is in the intersection of Cambie and Broadway. There are some good eats in the area and I am sure I will be using it rather than driving here.
King Edward station. At this point I am sure you will say that these stations look quite alike. Yes, most underground stations are quite generic. If it wasn’t because of that small blue sign, it is possible you might not even notice that is a station!
Oakridge-41st
Langara-49th
Marine Drive, the first station above ground and the last before Richmond.
Again, the train arriving to the station. The tunnel to the underground section can be seen to the left.
No, my lens/camera weren’t dirty. It was the glass of the train itself. This is the bridge that connects Vancouver and Richmond and was built specifically for the Skytrain, though you can walk it, as there is a pedestrian walkway.
The north arm of the Frasier river
Bridgeport station, where there is a large parking lot. The idea is for drivers from Richmond park their cars here and then take the Skytrain to Vancouver. That is not the “key” feature, though, instead, the last station before the rails “fork” into the airport or Richmond Centre. But, wait!
There is one more thing: River Rock Casino is next to it! So, to those interested in gambling…
I chose to go to YVR (Vancouver Airport) first. Here, this is the first station: Templeton.
In the far right, River Rock Casino & Resort.
Sea Island Centre station. Along with Templeton, I would assume these stations are for people who work in the area…
This is YVR-Airport station, which, as the name suggests, connects to YVR, Vancouver International Airport. Unfortunately, it does not go all the inside the airport and you still have to walk a bit. If it snows or rains, well, I am not sure how people will manage it. After getting here, I went back to Bridgeport station so I could then take the other part of the route, i.e., Richmond-Brighouse.
Aberdeen, on No 3 Road and Cambie Road (not to be confused with Cambie Street in Vancouver). One thing I must say is that I am not particularly impressed with the design (visuals) of the stations. They look too similar. As for the station itself…
To the right, Richmond Centre, to the left, one of the (almost) hundred of strip malls in the area.
Deja Vu? No, not really, this is Landsowne station, with Landsowne Centre right next to it…
Finally, Richmond-Brighouse, the terminal station.
Again, I won’t go into the politcal debate regarding this metro line. Instead, here are my thoughts: it rocks and it sucks. It rocks because it provides a fast alternative to go to some areas (Cambie Street area mainly). However, it sucks as well because, the day I took it, there were some mechanical issues and the trains were way behind schedule (in some cases, I had to wait for over 20 minutes for the next train). Of course, it was a weekend and there is the possibility there is reduced service. And there is the problem on some stations were the doors were not kept open long enough (this happened to me in Richmond-Brighouse), though it is possible it was a one day issue. Regardless, it is good the option exists.
 |
 |
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Awesome Kim! I want to do the same thing sometime. I’m gonna try midweek, but I guess I should avoid rush hour. How long is the walk from the station to YVR? I’m going to YVR in the next few months and probably will skytrain it.
Sherman, I did not walk to the airport itself but, from what I saw, to the domestic terminal, it is the equivalent of a block and a half. To the US one; however, that might be a pain because you have to take a set of stairs/elevator before you can walk to the terminal. Regardless, it is between the parking lot and the terminal so, if you have parked in the nearby parkade, it won’t be that different. As for taking the Skytrain to the airport, well, there is one thing you must consider: how much luggage are you carrying and/or are you going by yourself? If you are taking only carry on or only one suitcase, that might be an option if you don’t live that far from a Skytrain station. However, if it is more than one, not to close to the stations, going with others, you might take a cab instead (again, depending on where you live). And, oh, right now, you don’t have to pay the additional airport fare right now so it would be your regular Skytrain ticket; once the airport fee hits, there will be an additional airport charge. Regardless, it is an interesting experience!
I think I may pop over to the airport next week! I love the spa at the Fairmont there. It will be way more convient than taking the B-Line!
Kate, welcome! It somewhat depends on where you are coming from. If you are in the Granville area, unfortunately, you will have to go to Cambie first. But, if you are in Downtown, you are set!
This is strange, there was not a single picture of food…how is this possible? This doesn’t fit your blog name
.
I rode it the opening day and a couple times since, it’s really nice and convenient.
The best thing about it is that I can go to Richmond without having to sit on a bus for an hour….yay!
I’m thinking the “Way Out” sign is an attempt to mimic the London Underground signs…
Priscilla, welcome! Somehow, what you mention makes sense but I am sure Expo/Millenium line uses Exit! (<– will check that for you, just in case).
You must log in to post a comment.
{ 1 trackback }