Oh Canada!

[#Metro]

I've always wondered what PT might look like if Translink took on board some suggestions.
Now I can...

I've had a peek at TransLink Canada (Translink.ca from now on), and this is what I found.

1. Automated, driverless skytrain lines where you can take your bicycle anytime you want, space permitting.
2. GoCard (yes, that is what it is called!) and GoCard-like system with capped fares
3. You can take pets onboard (in cages)
4. Employer Pass Program- to get businesses on board. There is a tax credit for businesses that do this.
5. Translink.ca is responsible for building bikeways (Hmm. BCC currently does this...)
6. Translink.ca is also responsible for tolling roads

That's it, I'm moving...

[WTN]

At first I thought our Translink was a complete ripoff of the original (I knew the name came from elsewhere).  But you have to realise their GoCard is a different product - it's a concession card for students. 

Translink Canada certainly have a few nice incentives to encourage people.  Like being able to take up to 5 people with you if you have a monthly ticket, and it's a Sunday or public holiday.  The Employer Pass Program has 15% discount which is handy too.  Now I wonder how their services actually stack up.

[ozbob]

There is plenty of room for innovation in Queensland.   Fare revenue would increase overall, congestion costs minimised, environmental gains and so forth.

Other jurisdictions (particularly other Australian States) are in front.  The 'Smart State' is an oxymoron.

[Emmie]

I was in Canada earlier this year - I think this Translink Canada applies to Vancouver and British Columbia, not to the whole of Canada, because some parts of Canada have quite dreadful public transport.  But Vancouver is in the middle of a big upgrade of PT infrastructure because they are hosting the next Winter Olympics.  There's a railway being built to the airport, for instance - not complete yet, but aimed at next year's tourists.

[stephenk]

  There's a railway being built to the airport, for instance - not complete yet, but aimed at next year's tourists.

It's now open. Called the Canada Line. A driverless metro.