Re posted from www.metroblenznewssquad.com
Written and photographed by Toby Snelgrove
Having left my car in Vancouver, I chose to pass up the $100 float plane ride from Mayne Island to the city. I wanted to both get a feel for the people and test the efficiency of transit.
TD, Nan (left) and friends on their way to perform at an Olympic venue
It started with a short drive to the Mayne Island ferry terminal then a 1.5 hour ferry ride across Georgia Starit to Tsawwassen terminal.
Enroute I heard some sweet harmonies being sung in the galley. Turns out it was TJ and Nan, friends of mine heading off to a 4 pm performance at the Edgewater Casino Celebration Village (check them out).
Most transit units were full
After a 20 minute wait for the bus to depart for a Richmond Canada Line station, we were off the the city core. Outside of choosing to give up my seat to someone I wanted to think was older than me (some aspects of aging I am in denial about), a few elevators lifts, and some herding from the transit guide, it was an easy trip to the Yale Town station. Mind you, even standing, there wasn’t much room to maneuver. Two young children overcome by the “squeeze”, too refuge on the transit car floor.
There was room on the floor
There I watied 5 minutes for the Davie bus but chose the $9 cab ride to my west end condo. All in all, the system is working “swell”. That is, as long as it isn’t 2 am in the morning. The cost? $7 for the ferry, and $3.95 for transit. All in 4 hours.
So, if you are planning to “transit” to Vancouver, give yourself lots of time, be prepared to stand, and bring your $10.95.
