Public Works & Transporation Committee Meeting Minutes - December 11, 2001

Date:

Tuesday, December 11^th, 2001

Place:

Council Chambers
Richmond City Hall

Present:

Councillor Lyn Greenhill, Chair
Councillor Kiichi Kumagai, Vice-Chair
Councillor Linda Barnes
Councillor Evelina Halsey-Brandt
Councillor Rob Howard
Mayor Malcolm Brodie

Also Present:

Councillor Sue Halsey-Brandt
Councillor Bill McNulty
Councillor Harold Steves

Call to Order:

The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

1.

TRANSIT AND TRAFFIC-RELATED ISSUES, INCLUDING NO. 3 ROAD TRAFFIC CONDITIONS AND THE #98 B-LINE SERVICE

(1)

Presentation by staff.

The Manager, Transportation Planning, Victor Wei, provided an overview of transit service and traffic conditions in the City. A copy of the PowerPoint presentation is attached as Schedule A and forms part of these minutes.

Mr. Glen Leicester, Manager, Implementation Planning, TransLink, reviewed the preliminary findings of the Richmond Transit Review. A copy of his submission is attached as Schedule B and forms part of these minutes.

(2)

Public comments.

Mr. Joseph Choy, of Richmond Snooker City, 3311 No. 3 Road, stated that the construction of the #98B line had had a negative impact on his business because of the lack of direct northbound access to his property. He asked that u-turns be permitted to allow patrons to access his property.

Patrice Lane, 8231 Granville Avenue, representing residents and business owners in the area of Buswell Street, Anderson Road and Granville Avenue, complained about the noise from idling buses, squealing brakes, air pollution, etc., which residents were having to endure as a result of the turn-around established for the #98B line route. She questioned whether the City would work with TransLink to resolve the situation. In response to questions, Ms. Lane elaborated on the problems being experienced. She questioned the future of the turn-around, based on the recommendation of Mr. Leicester that the #98B line route be extended to Steveston Highway. She was advised that the extension would only involve peak hour service.

Mr. Branco Kump, a resident for over 30 years, stated that he liked the appearance of No. 3 Road and thought that it worked well; however, he suggested that the dedicated bus lanes should be changed to high occupancy lanes, as this might improve motor vehicle traffic. He also suggested that the signage could be improved.

Anna Bloomfield, written submission, attached as Schedule C and forming part of these minutes.

Gary Cohen, representing the Chamber of Commerce, written submission, attached as Schedule D and forming part of these minutes. In response to a question from Cllr. Kumagai, Mr. Cohen advised that the Chamber would be willing to work with the City on transit issues.

Mr. Mike Bryan, Richmond transit user, spoke about his experiences in using the #98B line, and the reduction in service since the implementation of the system. He spoke about the convenient, direct service which had been provided by express buses, and suggested that this former service should be used as a starting point to build a system which would transport commuters quickly into Vancouver.

Mr. John Kennett, written submission, attached as Schedule E and forming part of these minutes

Mr. Ken Lam, suggested that the traffic lights on No. 3 Road be synchronized, and that left and right turns be eliminated to speed up the flow of traffic. He also questioned the need for so many traffic lights at certain intersections as they created confusion for motorists, especially those from outside Richmond.

Mr. Lam also suggested that a time line be set to address these issues. He also stated that sidewalks should be constructed on both sides Alderbridge Way to Kwantlen College to provide safety for students walking in this area.

Ellen Torson, stated that many of her concerns had been addressed; that she was pleased with the beauty of No. 3 Road; and that she had been spoiled as a park & ride user. Ms. Torson voiced concern about the lack of shelter provided by the new bus shelters, and questioned whether the shelters could be redesigned to eliminate the gaps. She also questioned whether transit buses could re-routed down Howe Street in Vancouver, and whether the transit drivers could adjust their speed to go with the flow of traffic.

Theresea Head, spoke about the inadequacy of the HandyDart service in Richmond, especially during the evening hours. She questioned why the HandyDart service was not provided beyond 9:00 p.m., especially when surrounding municipalities had extended hours. In response to questions, she indicated that she was aware that all buses in Richmond were 100% accessible, but stated that she felt safer using HandyDart.

Jose Gonzales, representing City Centre Community Association, written submission, attached as Schedule F.

Nick Lum, a Vancouver resident working in Richmond, spoke in support of the #98B line service. He stated that to him, the biggest problem was driveway congestion. Mr. Lum added that he would like to see a Richmond Centre to Metrotown service implemented. He also stated that night transit service into Vancouver was inadequate, and should be connected to a highspeed trolley service or Skytrain. Mr. Lum referred to the pedestrian crosswalk at Buswell Street and Granville Avenue, and suggested that the duration of the lights should be longer; and enforcement increased. As well, he stated that enforcement should be stepped up in the area of the Moray Channel Bridge to deal with queue jumpers using the buses only lane.

Bob Cowan, a Richmond resident, representing Vancouver International Airport Authority, and a former member of the rapid transit public advisory committee, spoke about the #98B line and the slowness of the service provided. He provided information on the results of the public information meetings held by the Rapid Transit Advisory Committee indicating that #98B line provided better service to the airport, however, return trips from the downtown area were longer.

Mr. Cowan stated that from an airport point of view, the level of service had improved substantially. He added that public houses would be held at the airport, and that the airport authority would do its part to advertise the new transit service. Mr. Cowan concluded by indicating that alternate bus routes were required into Vancouver and a rapid transit system constructed.

George Pope, suggested that an on-going committee be established which would determine accountability with TransLink for Richmond. He stated that the committee should be based on demographics, and comprised of transit users, operators, business people, representatives of the Chamber Of Commerce, the disabled, seniors, and youth.

Andy Kurkiewicz, a transit driver; stated that the #98B line had only become fully operational in the past week. He advised that drivers, as well as passengers, were aware of the problems; and that now that the route was running, were hopeful that the problems would be resolved. Mr. Kurkiewicz stated that better service should be provided between stations; that two routes should travel up Oak Street and alternate routes provided. He added that the issues should be addressed from all angles as cars, buses, people, bicyclists all had to move. Mr. Kurkiewicz expressed his appreciation with the consultation process. He added that drivers required capacity and accessibility on the roads to provide service to the commuters. In conclusion, he stated that there should be constant monitoring of the #98B line.

Frederick Chan, manager of Parker Place; provided information on complaints from merchants and customers about traffic congestion in the area of No. 3 Road and Hazelbridge way. He stated that it was difficult to exit the mall parking lot during peak and weekend hours, and to find parking. He suggested that the situation could be even worse during reconstruction of the Aberdeen Shopping Centre. He asked that steps be taken to improve traffic conditions and to increase the parking facilities in the area.

Aaron Leung, representing Yohan, Parker Place and Empire Place, spoke about construction of the #98B line and the inability of southbound traffic to turn left into these shopping centres. He also stated that pedestrians should be given more time to cross No. 3 Road; and that he supported the mini-bus program. He expressed concern about safety issues at the intersections which connected with the #98B line; and asked about whether stop signs would be erected along Hazelbridge Way after completion of the realignment. In response, information was provided by staff on the realignment of Hazelbridge Way and the traffic improvements which would be included.

Darryl Hogue addressed the following issues: accessibility on transit buses; the timing of No. 3 Road pedestrian crossing which he felt was too short; the traffic signals on the outside lanes were red while the middle lane was green which was disconcerting to pedestrians crossing the street; an insufficient number of accessible buses travelling into Richmond; and the No. 3 Road and Cook Road bus station had a high wall and shrubs which caused visibility problems for pedestrians waiting on Cook Road. He stated that improvements were needed to enhance the provision of transit information from the transit information telephone line; that the sidewalk on the south side of Granville Avenue was dangerous because of broken concrete; and the curbs on Buswell Street did not permit wheelchair access.

Mr. Hogue stated that at one time, people in wheelchairs were given instructions on how to enter and leave accessible buses, and he suggested that this service should be reinstated, as he felt it would help to reduce delays at bus stops. He also spoke about Handydart, noting that it did not connect with Skytrain or to other municipalities; that user rates were expensive for those with limited budgets and a rate for frequent users might be an option; that night service was inadequate; and voicing the opinion that Handydart transit drivers tried to make the schedule convenient for them and not the users. He also stated that there were not sufficient wheelchair accessible stops provided on main roads in Richmond.

Mr. Jamie Pattenaude, a bus driver on the #98B line expressed concern that the transit drivers were not being asked about the problems occurring with the route. He suggested that improvements were needed to the traffic signals, such as synchronization; and that signs along No. 3 Road should be consistent with the Airport Station signs, which more easily understood. He stated that to maintain service, drivers could not wait if pedestrians were not at the stop. He added that traffic congestion in Vancouver was a problem, especially the lack of enforcement of the HOV lanes along Granville Street in Vancouver, and he questioned the rationale of planning bus routes over the Arthur Laing Bridge. A brief discussion ensued, during which Mr. Leicester provided information on steps which had been taken to address the enforcement issues on Granville Street.

The Chair thanked everyone for their attendance, and suggested that if there were additional comments which people wished to make, that they fill out the comment forms which were available outside the Council Chambers.

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved and seconded

That the meeting adjourn (9:05 p.m.).

CARRIED

Certified a true and correct copy of the Minutes of the meeting of the Public Works & Transportation Committee of the Council of the City of Richmond held on Tuesday, December 11^th, 2001.

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Councillor Lyn Greenhill
Chair

Fran J. Ashton
Executive Assistant