Project timeline & updates
Project update
The success of the Olympic Line demonstration has reaffirmed the City's commitment to the Downtown Streetcar Project. There is more work to be done, including coordination with the City's highest transit priority - the UBC Line Rapid Transit study on Broadway. In the meantime, the City will continue to safeguard right-of-way for the future development of the Downtown Streetcar and look for opportunities to move the project forward.
Progress to date
January 2010 - March 2010
The Olympic Line carries over 550,000 riders in support of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Residents and visitors have an opportunity to experience a modern streetcar service in Vancouver and better understand the benefits of the Downtown Streetcar.
Learn more about the Olympic Line.
Fall 2008
Council awards construction contracts to begin replacement of the rail infrastructure between Granville Island and Canada Line to support the Downtown Historic Railway and the Olympic Line - Vancouver's 2010 Streetcar demonstration project.
Spring 2008
Council approves a budget to replace the existing single-track rail infrastructure between Granville Island and the 2nd Avenue Canada Line Station, and instructs staff to seek opportunities to develop the Downtown Streetcar Demonstration Project for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. A right-of-way along 1st Avenue in Southeast False Creek has also been reserved for the future alignment of modern streetcars. See the Council report here.
2007
Council approves an award of contract for preliminary engineering and design for Phase 0, of the project, Granville Island to Science world, involving phasing and alignment
2006
Project update is presented to Council on the findings of the Downtown Streetcar
2004
Council approves work to plan for the Downtown Streetcar, including determining more accurate ridership estimates and defining a more detailed layout plan for track location and operation.
2002
Council reaffirms its support for a Downtown Streetcar as part of the Vancouver Transit Strategy and requests a report back on funding options.
1999
Council approved a concept and routing plan for a Downtown Streetcar system.
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