Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is Getting MASSIVE Upgrades

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQw18DQ4TlY MA$$IVE Upgrades? Compared to what, other provincial backwaters? 

SkyTrain Front Window View - Canada Line to YVR https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxTEBfxYH0g This is very sad & pathetic that the stations weren't designed to be long enough to accommodate a 5 car train. The stations can only accommodate a 2.5 car joke of a train. The real sad joke is that the line is still only running 2 car trains on what is supposed to be a major urban area on the Pacific Rim.

Unfortunately, even if Vancouver-Surrey & Abbottsford, Victoria & Nanaimo, Prince Rupert & Kitimat were all upgraded to proper big urban areas on par with Melbourne, Sydney & Brisbane, or even Seattle & Calgary, BC just isn't as warm as Australia, or even NZ for half of of the year. Edmonton & Calgary, Seattle & Portland are able to have wider bridges & roads, and even longer trains than Vancouver to Richmond & Vancouver to Surrey-Langley. 

Fortunately, the Pacific Rim part of Australia hasn't been trapped in a provincial backwater mentality like the Pacific Rim part of Canada. For too long there has been a keep BC small and backwards mindset. AKA, the BC Mind Virus (BCMV).

Running short & frequent trains could be seen as a cost saving measure initially, but unless there is a genuine to have proper long big city type trains, the BCMV still wins out. The fanatical approach to keep most of the bridges in BC so narrow has made it very difficult to have a proper regional express bus network, let alone BRT. 

The 3 main seaport regions of BC, Greater Vancouver, Victoria-Nanaimo-Kitimat should become proper big city ports on the Pacific Rim. BC is 23 times the size of Switzerland, yet it doesn't even have the population of 1 CH. Canada in turn, has less than half of 1% of the worlds population. 

Highway 99 Tunnel Program Update

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvaPpt2R69Y 

A parallel bridge or tunnel should have been built decades ago.

There should have been 3 + 1 express bus lane each way, but also a temporary HOV lane each way. Then eventually, becoming 4 general lanes each way with the 5th becoming a totally separate BRT line each way. 

Unfortunately, no 10 lane tunnel, just like no 10 lane bridge. Thus, whenever the 8 lane tunnel finally opens, there should be serious planning for a parallel BRT and LRT bridge or tunnel. 

An extension of the YVR-Canada Line to the mall and ferry terminal would be of great benefit. However, since BC doesn't have 24hr train service, 24hr BRT can fill in the gaps.

New RapidBus ride between Park Royal and Metrotown starts early September

 https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/r2-marine-willingdon-rapidbus-route-launch-september-2026-metrotown-translink 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R2_Marine_Dr Finally, a better connection between Park_Royal_Exchange, Lonsdale_Quay, Phibbs_Exchange, Kootenay_Loop and Metrotown_station. 

https://www.translink.ca/plans-and-projects/projects/bus-projects/r2-marine-willingdon-rapidbus 

https://www.cnv.org/streets-transportation/transportation-projects/past-projects/marine-main-r2-rapidbus-upgrades

https://movementyvr.ca/r2-and-brt/ 

https://vancouver.ca/streets-transportation/metrotown-to-north-shore-rapid-transit.aspx 

Unfortunately, 2 bus lanes weren't added to a widened Iron Bridge, or a parallel bus-bridge. A North Boundary Road bus-bridge over the Inlet and a South Boundary Road bus-bridge to Richmond, would dramatically improve bus connections between the North Shore and Richmond. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RapidBus_(TransLink)

https://www.translink.ca/plans-and-projects/projects/bus-projects/rapidbus-projects 

BRT in backwards BC

 Of course Greater Vancouver really needs a big city BRT network, but unless a proper series of bus and bike bridges are built, its all just a Half-A$$ED joke of an attempt.

https://www.pattullobridgereplacement.ca/about/projectoverview Of course the new bridge opened without any express bus lanes, especially no BRT corridor. Yet, Skytrain isn't a 24hr system, but a bus can be.

https://www.railforthevalley.com/latest-news/translinks-hype-and-hoopla-about-brt-is-just-another-wet-squibb 

https://www.railforthevalley.com/tag/brt 

https://jfdatalinks.blogspot.com/search?q=BRT

Reykjavík, Iceland

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reykjav%C3%ADk

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Reykjavik 

The BC part of Canada has more than 10 times the population of Iceland. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capital_Region_(Iceland) 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reykjav%C3%ADk#Roads Once an urban area is busy enough, there should be a 3rd or 4th lane each way, so that there can be a bus lane or express bus lane each way. Of course, a proper BRT system requires its own right of way. Thus, its usually separated from the general traffic lanes.

Reykjavík has some overpasses and a bridge that are at least 6 lanes wide. 

A key overpass with four lanes each way. This already has enough space for eight lanes.

This already has the space for three lanes each way. Nine lanes with enough space for 10. 

In contrast, the Knight+Street+Bridge between Vancouver and Richmond becomes a classic 2 lane each way BC bottleneck-chokepoint. Unless a parallel bus and bike bridge is built, it will remain as an inefficient crossing. A parallel bridge could have 2 express bus lanes and 2 HOV lanes, plus 2 wide bike lanes and 2 footpaths. Two truck lanes would also be good, since Greater Vancouver is supposed to be a major port region.  

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keflav%C3%ADk_International_Airport 

There is enough space for this to be a big airport, someday.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Keflav%C3%ADk+International+Airport/@63.9799068,-22.6378612,4682m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m6!3m5!1s0x4929fdfce2ab799f:0x27f88d0a15c328cd!8m2!3d63.9814869!4d-22.6281862!16zL20vMDRkMTlz!5m1!1e2?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDgxOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

The 14 lane George Washington bridge vs...

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tH6Q8yWjYpM There are wider sections of freeways in the US, but the double deck GWB has the most lanes. 

Wow, in backwards Vancouver, or almost anywhere in backwater BC, just having 2 lanes each way is tough enough. A consistent 3rd lane each way could be for busses and a 4th lane for HOVs. Given that Greater Vancouver is supposed to be a major port region, several of the bridges should also have a truck lane each way. However, there is only one bridge in backwards BC that has 5 lanes each way. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_Mann_Bridge#New_bridge Unfortunatly, it wasn't designed to have a lower deck. Such a lower deck could have had 2 freight train tracks, 2 commuter train tracks and even a provision for 2 BRT lanes. 

Essentially, in any proper big urban area, the bridges should not only provide at least 3 general lanes each way, but a bus and HOV lane each way. That's 5 lanes each way, plus on some crossings that are closer to port activity, there should even be a 6th lane each way. That's the case with the Sir_Leo_Hielscher_Bridges. Unfortunately, unlike Queensland, BC has been very reluctant towards bridge duplication or twinning. 

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/driving-and-cycling/traveller-information/routes-and-driving-conditions/hov-lanes 

https://www.nsnews.com/local-news/bus-hov-lanes-different-2918490

https://www.reddit.com/r/vancouver/comments/1d3fixq/hov_and_bus_lanes_how_to_deter_abuse/ 

While Australia has Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane as its major Pacific Rim gateways, Canada just has provincial Vancouver, Victoria and Prince Rupert as port gateway cities. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sir_Leo_Hielscher_Bridges#Design

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6e/Gateway_Bridge_aerial4.JPG

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sir_Leo_Hielscher_Bridges#Duplication A 12 lane crossing.

The Port_of_Brisbane and the Brisbane_Airport are excellent port facilities in Queensland. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_of_Brisbane#Facilities

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brisbane_Airport#Rail Far away from the inept transportation planning in Greater Vancouver, Brisbane was able to do things correctly.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airport_line,_Brisbane Unfortunatly, backwards BC just can't seem to properly plan big city type infrastructure.

The YVR-Canada_Line is a total embarrassment! 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada_Line#Stations Not 150 m, not 100 m, only a 50 m level clarence was allowed for the stations. Even the first 2 Skytrain lines only have 80 m stations, when they should have almost been twice as long. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada_Line#Technology Aparently, the inept planning was due to cost saving measures. Thus, instead of designing the stations to be long enough to accommodate 5 car trains, they were only designed to ultimately have 2.5 car trains. Since 2009, the Canada_Line still only has 2 car joke trains. 

The Tilikum_Crossing in Portland vs the North_Arm_Bridge between Vancouver and Richmond. The Tilikum_Crossing accommodates 2 bike lanes, 2 footpaths, 2 MAX-LRT tracks, 2 articulated_bus lanes and even streetcars can cross on it. Such a fine bridge just hasn't been allowed in BC.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/35/NorthArmBridge.jpg 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Arm_Bridge#Details This bridge should have been wide enough to eventually accommodate 2 bike lanes, 2 footpaths and especially, 2 BRT lanes, the the Skytrain doesn't run on a 24hr schedule. 

Given that most of the bridges in BC are so narrow, there needs to be proper bus, bike & HOV bridges built.

Transportation infrastructure doesn't have to be such a sad joke in backwards BC. 

A look inside Broadway-City Hall Station's future Canada Line-Millennium Line interchange

 https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/broadway-city-hall-station-canada-millennium-lines-skytrain-interchange-construction 

It really would have been nice if the YVR-Canada Line was able to run 5 car trains by now. Unfortunately, due to inept transportation planning in the BC part of Canada, the stations were only designed to accommodate 2.5 car trains. 

A 2.5 car train fits right in with a 3 lane Lion Bridge that was never augmented with parallel BRT and LRT train tunnels. 

Backwards Vancouver and backwater BC, are some of the best places in the world to see inept multigenerational transportation infrastructure. 

More bus lanes for Greater Victoria, BC

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZ2cYBoQXAw 

https://transitapp.com/en/region/victoria-bc/bc-transit-victoria/blink-rapidbus-95 

https://www.bctransit.com/blink Not simply a B-Link, its a Blink. 

Several 4 lane roads and bridges in Greater Vancouver need a similar upgrade. Otherwise, just give up and only strive to have a Half-A$$ED express bus system. 

Actual BRT requires its own fully separated lanes, bridges and tunnels. Unfortunately, that type of bus service in BC is still very much in the Half-A$$ED phase.

Some massive transportation projects in Metro Vancouver

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emSr9NLwfT4 

Unfortunately, the Broadway+Subway will only open with the potential of 5 car trains, not 10. 

Unfortunately, the YVR-Canada+Line wasn't even designed to have 5 car trains, only a potential of 2.5 car trains, someday. 

Of course the Massey+Tunnel+replacement wasn't designed to have an LRT and a BRT section. Thus, in addition to the basic 3 lanes each way, there will only be an express bus lane.

A separate BRT section would be beneficial since BC doesn't want to run 24hr trains. Thus, when the LRT is shutdown for maintenance, a 24hr BRT line could still be running. Unfortunately, part of the BC Mind Virus is backwards thinking and inept infrastructure planning. Of course there is still no official plan to have LRT from YVR to the Tsawwassen Ferry terminal anytime soon.

Western Canada's tallest tower, gets green light from Vancouver City Council

 https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/holborn-vancouver-western-canada-tallest-tower-bay-parkade-redevelopment-approved 

There was a time when Vancouver wasn't allowed to have any building taller than the Great_Pyramid_of_Giza, then Ulm_Minster and then the Philadelphia_City_Hall. 

The Harbour_Centre had to be less than a 3rd of the CN_Tower. 

The stations on the first 2 SkyTrain lines are barely 2 thirds of the length of a Montreal_Metro station.

The Canada_Line only has 50 m stations compared to the 152.5 m Montreal_Metro stations. 

For too long, anything that is symbolic of a proper big city was watered down or scaled back in provincial Vancouver. Indeed, Vancouver was supposed to perpetually be a half-sized city, or even a third of what a proper size city should be. The mostly narrow bridges still have no parallel express bus bridge, or BRT bridge built next to them. 

https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/holborn-bay-parkade-vancouver-supertall-tower-nav-canada-federal-aviation

If the project actually gets built as envisioned it will be taller than First_Canadian_Place in Toronto, Columbia_Center in Seattle, and a little taller than the Sydney_Tower and the U.S._Bank_Tower_(Los_Angeles). It still won't quite be as tall as Australia_108 in Melbourne or especially the Salesforce_Tower in SF.

Western Canada's tallest tower, topped off by a world-class observation deck attraction, would give Vancouver a striking new landmark

 https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/western-canada-tallest-tower-downtown-vancouver-skyline-natural-setting-change 

https://skyscraperpage.com/b165343/vancouver/595-west-georgia-street 

Towers instead of stumps.

https://skyscraperpage.com/diagrams/?countryID=1&status=15 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_tallest_buildings_in_Vancouver#Timeline_of_tallest_buildings 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_tallest_buildings_in_Calgary#Timeline_of_tallest_buildings 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_tallest_buildings_in_Seattle#Timeline_of_tallest_buildings 

Unfortunately, Vancouver has such an imposed watered down or scaled back approach to the size of things. 

A 3 lane Lions+Gate+Bridge that still has no BRT, truck and LRT tunnel next to it. 

The shortsighted YVR-Canada+Line. Instead of designing longer stations that could accommodate 5 car trains, the 50 m stations can only accommodate 2.5 car trains, some day.

SkyBridge between NW and Surrey, BC

Unfortunately, due to inept regional transportation planning, the SkyBridge (1990) wasn't built with any extra width for bus lanes, bike lanes and sidewalks. Everything was just expected to be crammed onto the inadequate, 4 lane Pattullo_Bridge, which only had 1 narrow sidewalk. Back in the day, there was no concept of allowing additional future space for 2 wide truck lanes, 2 car lanes and 2 bus lanes on the Pattullo_Bridge_in_1937.

It was as if someone really didn't want to ever have any bus lanes on the Patullo Bridge and the SkyTrain Bridge.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SkyBridge_(TransLink)#Details 

Then, it was as if someone still didn't want to have any bus lanes on the Stalewasem_Bridge as well. Since the train isnt running 24hrs, a BRT crossing is important.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stalewasen_Bridge This new bridge should have opened with at least 3 lanes each way, plus a bus lane each way. However, an 8 lane bridge with 2 wide emergency lanes and 2 wide shoulders would look too much like big city infrastructure. Big city scale infrastructure is difficult to establish in backwards BC. 

Tillikum Crossing or Bridge

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tilikum_Crossing , https://trimet.org/tilikum Its not just a great bus and bike bridge.

The Oregon version of the Tilikum is so much better than any BC version, but it doesn't have to be. BC should be able to build first rate stuff as well.

https://www.cntraveler.com/activities/portland/tilikum-crossing This fantastic MAX-LRT and streetcar bridge is great for Portland. However, such a wonderful bridge almost seems impossible for Vancouver & Victoria, or anywhere in backwards BC.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Tilikum+Crossing+Bridge 

Of course the Victoria, BC (Saanich) version will be watered down. 

https://roninearthworks.ca/construction-news/tillicum-bridge

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation-projects/other-transportation-projects/tillicum-active-transportation-bridge-project 

https://victoriachamber.ca/government-local/new-trail-crossing-at-tillicum-will-ease-commute-time/

https://www.google.com/maps/search/transportation+bridge+across+Tillicum+Road/@48.4463043,-123.4007762,121m/data=!3m1!1e3!5m1!1e1?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDcwOC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D 

A Burnaby and Richmond Tillicum Bus and Bike bridge would be a great transportation link.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Tillicum+St,+Burnaby,+BC

There isn't even a South+Boundary+Rd bus and bike bridge in the works. Yet, the transportation planners claim that an efficient regional express and BRT network can be established. Its just another watered down BC joke. 

Greater Seattle’s Most Frustrating Freeway (I-405) Is Getting a $3 Billion Fix

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpFi4wBgCvw A freeway with BRT & HOV lanes can certainly move a lot more people. 

In Chicago, a CTA train in the middle of the freeway always offers another option. 

https://jfdatalinks.blogspot.com/search?q=Seattle

The Gateway Bridges in Brisbane vs the SCB in Seattle

The Sir_Leo_Hielscher_Bridges provide a 12 lane Gateway crossing. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sir_Leo_Hielscher_Bridges#Duplication

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6e/Gateway_Bridge_aerial4.JPG No problem in Queensland. 

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Gateway+Bridge Its tough enough just to get a 6 lane bridge built in BC, let alone a 12 lane crossing.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ship_Canal_Bridge (SCB) Its a 12 lane crossing.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/69/Ship_canal_bridge_and_downtown_skyline%2C_2000.jpg

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5c/University_District_Seattle%2C_May_2024.jpg/960px-University_District_Seattle%2C_May_2024.jpg The SCB has 8 lanes on the upper deck and 4 lanes on the lower deck.

While Brisbane and Seattle are both on the Pacific Rim, backwards Vancouver, BC might as well be on another world. Brisbane and Seattle are allowed to function like proper big port cities, because they aren't hindered by anything like the VMV, or the Backwards BC Mentality. 

If such a 12 lane crossing was allowed in Greater Vancouver it would mean that there could be 2 BRT lanes, 2 HOV lanes, 2 truck lanes and at least 6 general traffic lanes. However, the backwards BC approach is to funnel everything into just 2 or 3 lanes each way.

Major changes to Highway 1 traffic in Metro Vancouver to last for months

 https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/highway-1-metro-vancouver-traffic-pattern-changes 

Ultimately, this should be a 10 lane corridor between Horseshoe Bay and Hope. Plus, 2 BRT lanes, 2 LRT tracks, 2 HOV lanes and even the provision for a double track commuter rail line.

BRT in Greater Vancouver

 https://www.translink.ca/plans-and-projects/projects/rapid-transit-projects/bus-rapid-transit

https://www.surrey.ca/services-payments/parking-streets-transportation/surrey-bus-rapid-transit-brt 

https://translinklistens.ca/bus-rapid-transit-program , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZXE9jaipF4

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bus-rapid-transit-translink-9.7055644 

https://www.translink.ca/news/2025/january/translinks%20bus%20rapid%20transit%20routes%20take%20step%20forward 

https://www.mapleridge.ca/your-government/city-council/maple-ridge-moves 

https://www.reddit.com/r/vancouver/comments/1i2vtu6/new_details_and_public_engagement_for_translinks/

Metrotown to North Shore Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)

 https://vancouver.ca/streets-transportation/metrotown-to-north-shore-rapid-transit.aspx 

Unfortunately, the Second Narrows Crossing wasn't designed to have a lower deck for BRT, or express busses and LRT. The bridge was never widened to 10 lanes, so there isn't enough space to have 2 proper BRT or express bus lanes and no HOV lanes. There was no proper planning to even have 2 emergency lanes or 2 wide shoulders.  

https://www.translink.ca/plans-and-projects/projects/bus-projects/rapidbus-projects 

https://vancouver.ca/streets-transportation/transportation-2040.aspx 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RapidBus_(TransLink)  

https://jfdatalinks.blogspot.com/search?q=BRT

New replacement George Massey Tunnel to cost $8.5 billion and opening in September 2031

 https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/george-massey-tunnel-new-replacement-cost-timeline-update 

Of course with all the extra delays costs, there still won't be an LRT tube and no HOV lanes. While the new tunnel will be 4 lanes each way, there should have been an extra section for 2 LRT tracks and 2 rapid bus lanes. BC has a problem providing 24hr rapid rail transportation, so 24hr BRT is essential. 

A 10 lane version of an Alex_Fraser_Bridge with a provision for LRT, could have been completed a few years ago. However, just because some people didn't want a bridge crossing that part of the river, the plan was scrapped. The result is more cost and delay in what should have been completed a few decades ago. 

If ever a proper LRT and rapid bus crossing can be built parallel to the new tunnel, then that 8 lane tunnel could still have 3 general lanes each way, plus the 4th being an HOV lane. A parallel LRT and rapid bus needs to be built between Richmond and Delta so that there can be an efficient connection between YVR and the 2 ferry terminals.

Something like a Tilikum_Crossing between Richmond and Delta should have already been built decades ago, but there just isn't proper transportation planning in backwards BC.

Either an extension of an improved YVR-Canada Line, or an LRT like the C Train or MAX_Train. Since such a train won't be running 24 hours a day, there would need to be a Rapid bus_crossing as well. Such redundancy is important, especially if there is an occasional problem with the train. A Streetcar_Crossing would also be nice, because the Skytrain, LRT and BRT can't go everywhere. Where as express and local buses and streetcars can fill in the gaps. 

Of course more bicycle and footpaths can be a great improvement.  

https://jfdatalinks.blogspot.com/search?q=Richmond-Delta+Tunnel

The Emerging BRT Network in Indianapolis

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3T2bL1YPEVY 

In contrast, unless Greater Vancouver builds a regional network of BRT bridges, it will mostly just be another half-assed transportation joke in backwards BC. 

https://www.translink.ca/plans-and-projects/projects/rapid-transit-projects/bus-rapid-transit

https://translinklistens.ca/bus-rapid-transit-program 

https://www.translink.ca/-/media/translink/images/plans-and-projects/rapid-transit-projects/bus-rapid-transit/ct_regional_base_map_2.jpg?w=100%25&extension=avif&hash=C5327021BD9DC87024877CA69878F879