UBC Line Rapid Transit Study
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why do we need rapid transit in the Broadway Corridor?
There are several reasons why rapid transit is needed in the Broadway Corridor:
- To meet existing and future demand. The corridor links several important areas in the region, including Central Broadway — the largest employment generator in the Province after Downtown Vancouver — as well as Mount Pleasant, Fairview, Kitsilano, West Point Grey, and UBC. Transit improvements have not been able to keep pace with growing demand.
- To serve future planned growth. Significant unbuilt capacity exists under current zoning. Even greater employment and population growth is expected in the corridor resulting from new planning initiatives now underway. These include the Central Broadway Planning Program, the Metro Core Jobs & Economy Study — which will significantly increase job capacity in Central Broadway — and the Mount Pleasant Community Planning Program among others.
- To achieve GHG and travel mode share targets critical to the health and well-being of the region. The City and Province have set emissions and travel mode targets that rely on a significant reduction in driving. A dramatic increase in transit capacity and quality of service is needed in the Broadway Corridor for Vancouver to meet these goals and ensure a more sustainable, green future.
2. Who is leading the study?
TransLink is leading the study, which is jointly sponsored and funded by TransLink and the Province of British Columbia.
The City of Vancouver, Metro Vancouver, UBC, and the University Endowment Lands are directly involved as partner agencies.
Steer Davies Gleave was recently hired through a competitive process to lead the technical study of the full range of rapid transit options for the Broadway corridor.
3. What is the City’s role?
The City guides development in the corridor through land use plans and policies, urban design guidelines, and by issuing permits and approvals.
With regard to the UBC Line Rapid Transit Study, ultimate decision-making authority rests with TransLink and the Province. The City has a key role to play as a partner agency. City staff are:
- ensuring that the City’s full range of interests are identified and addressed in the study;
- helping to direct and inform the public process;
- providing City-endorsed planning principles for rapid transit; and
- participating in all committees established for the study.
4. When will consultation take place?
Stakeholder consultation is taking place throughout the study, with broader public consultation beginning in Phase 2.
Two rounds of public consultation have been held during Phase 2. The first round of consultations took place in Spring 2010 and focused on an initial shortlist of six alternatives. The results of this consultation led to the further development and refinement of these six alternatives, plus the addition of a seventh alternative.
These seven alternatives were then taken out for a second round of public feedback in Spring 2011. Stay tuned for a third round of public consultation, to be held in 2012.
Visit TransLink’s UBC Line Rapid Transit Study website for the latest information on public open houses, community meetings and workshops, and other ways to get involved.
5. TransLink FAQ on the UBC Line Rapid Transit Study
TransLink’s UBC Line Rapid Transit Study website includes an FAQ which addresses a number of additional questions on the study background, governance, technology options, evaluation, land use, and stakeholder public engagement.