Studies

Initial findings of the Downtown Streetcar project have suggested favorable operating conditions. To further explore the conditions necessary for a successful Downtown Streetcar, studies on ridership, design, and cost analysis were conducted to best determine how the Downtown Streetcar would integrate with other transit operations in a way that enhances the overall transit system.

The Downtown Streetcar Project Update (2004) focused on producing technical reports & studies that would provide more accurate ridership estimates as well as more detailed layout plan for track location and operation. The project update included producing four separate technical reports & studies as follows:

• Streetcar Benchmarking Report ( PDF,1.53MB) A streetcar benchmarking exercise was conducted to provide information on the characteristics of streetcar systems that might be comparable with the Downtown Streetcar. Implications for the Downtown Streetcar project are also briefly discussed. The key findings of the benchmarking highlight the importance of providing some sections for the Downtown Streetcar where it is segregated from the roadway. The exercise also concludes that high levels of ridership should be attainable for a Vancouver streetcar system because of the diverse purposes of trips served.
• Tourist and Recreational Market Research ( PDF,1.21MB) Tourism and recreational market research was conducted to gauge the interest of visitors and local residents on their likelihood of using the Downtown Streetcar. The study clearly revealed that the streetcar concept has significant support among those who visit downtown, both tourists and recreational residents. The market research confirmed that the Downtown Streetcar is serving the right destinations and that its attractiveness is dependent on its frequency and integration with the rest of the transit system
• Phase 1: Design, Layout & Ridership Study ( PDF, 5.85MB) For the Phase 1 route from Granville Island to Waterfront Station, alternative track alignment and station location options were examined. Illustrative cross-sections, plans, and intersection treatments were prepared for each concept. Perspectives were produced to illustrate the streetcar and its relationship to the streetscape. The functional requirements of a streetcar operating and maintenance facility were also revisited. Capital, operating costs, and revenue for the streetcar system were estimated in 2005 dollars
  • Appendix A - Evaluation Summary Tables ( PDF, 226 KB)
  • Appendix B - Recommended Alignment ( PDF, 5.33 MB)
  • Appendix C - Intersection Treatments ( PDF, 1.34 MB)

• Comparative Review of Streetcar and Local Bus ( PDF, 804KB) On the surface, serving an area by bus appears to be less expensive than rail since buses cost less than streetcars and do not require track infrastructure. However, the question then needs to be asked, "Why are so many cities building streetcar systems?". What the research shows is the decision to implement a streetcar system over bus alternatives needs to be made in consideration of more than just initial capital costs. As such, a review was undertaken to compile a direct set of quantitative and qualitative indicators that compare streetcars to buses. The report summarizes that while it is true that simply running a bus service might have lower average capital and operating costs, there are numerous transit operations, personal mobility, urban environment and economic spin-off benefits from a streetcar service that support its implementation in a well-chosen corridor.

  A report back to Council on the project update for the Downtown Streetcar was completed in October 2006 including the results of the four separate technical reports. The related ridership, revenue, and cost estimate updates have been a valuable exercise. Council, staff, and the public now have a much better understanding of the Downtown Streetcar initiative in providing Vancouver with more sustainable transportation modes. The report sought Council approval for next steps to be taken for the Downtown Streetcar, including undertaking a public process and completing and reporting back on more detailed design.

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