Transportation Data Collection Program

Located at approximately 35 locations, our permanent count stations record traffic volumes by lane on an hourly basis. Inductive loops as well as magnetometers detect moving metal objects above them and relay the detection to a nearby signal controller.

These counts are stored and undergo automatic quality checks where unreliable data is discarded for further review.

Located at approximately 25 locations, our permanent bike count stations record traffic volumes by direction on a 15-minute basis. Inductive loops detect moving metal objects above them and relay the detection to a nearby count unit.

Learn more about how we collect bike volumes on designated bikeways

Located at approximately 10 locations, our permanent pedestrian count stations record traffic volumes by direction on a 15-minute basis. Overhead infrared detectors detect pedestrians as they pass below.

This program is operated in partnership with various Business Improvement Associations.

We count vehicular, cyclist, and micromobility traffic by placing rubber hoses on a road or bike path. As vehicles travel in either direction over the tubes, the counter records the air pulses.

Traffic counting is done mid-block between two intersections to give a total for each direction.

We conduct manual counts using electronic count boards at signalized and unsignalized intersections, typically during the morning and afternoon rush hours. They collect information for all traffic modes – vehicular, pedestrian, cyclist, and micromobility – at the intersection, including left turns, right turns, and through-movements in every lane.

When longer time periods of data are required, mobile cameras are deployed to record the flow of traffic and allow the counts to be conducted on a computer at a later date.

Turning movement data from 2013 and earlier is accessible via the legacy VanMap. To access traffic count data for a previous year:

1. Click the plus sign to open the "Traffic & Transportation" folder, "Traffic counts" folder, and then the "Directional Volume" folder.
2. Select the year in VanMap as shown in the image.

Manual traffic counts are marked with a car icon. Double click an icon to access the traffic count report.

For data post-2013, email transportationdata@vancouver.ca.

We conduct manual counts using electronic count boards midblock locations, typically during the morning and afternoon rush hours. For either bikes and micromobility or pedestrians, information such as direction of travel, position, approximate age, and perceived gender is recorded.

In order to measure the effects of a project on the street network, we conduct before and after travel time studies. Routes in the area of the project are designed based on typical travel behavior. Then we drive the route repeatedly, noting down the time at major intersections. 

We collect speed data by placing radar units on street poles. As vehicles travel in either direction in front of the unit, the counter determines the vehicles speed.

Speed capture is done mid-block between two intersections to reduce dampening effect of signals.