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Canada Line
Category: Hotels & Travel Transportation Public Transportation Public Transportation [Edit]
409 Granville StVancouver, BC V6C 1T2
Neighbourhood: Downtown
(604) 484-6700
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 5:30 am - 1 am
42 reviews for Canada Line
42 reviews in English
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Review from Gary M.
Updated - 3/29/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Zoom zoom zoom - quicker than a broom - or Lexus in rush hour...
Today was a BIZZZY day, Thank God Thank God for Canada line to zoom me around since I sold my car last summer. I don't miss it a bit!
Of all three lines Expo (ghetto stations), millennium (less ghetto stations) and Canada line... I choose you Canada line! Maybe it's cos you bring me to Rich-City and holiday locations.
g1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/23/2012
Canada line moves people from point A to point B. For me it is easy as ABC, and I use it to eat out… Read more »
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Review from andy n.
3/25/2012
Wow... Extremely fast and efficient. Got me to the airport from downtown Vancouver in no time.
Fast, clean, safe
I wish all cities had public transportation like this! Can't imagine Vancouver being able to survive the olympics without this line.
however don't plan on using it fire early morning flights out if YVR, the trains don't start running until 5 am -
Review from Yvonne C.
3/3/2012
When the message screen says that the train is going to be at your current location in 2 minutes, it's going be there in 2 minutes!
Every time I take this line there has never been any technical system issues that will stall or delayed the train like the millennium and expo line. I also really like how the message screen tells you where the approaching train is heading to. Travelling to one location to the next is super quick and convenient. The trains on the Canada Line are definitely more spacious for luggages, bikes, and strollers, but with fewer seats than the other line. Also, the ticket vending machine is easy to use.
My only compliant is that in the evening the Canada line takes between 10-15 minute to get to my location. -
Review from John R.
Winnipeg, MB
5/1/2012
Vancouver is one of the few cities I never get a car or take a taxi in. Getting around is so easy with the Canada line to downtown and a host of other options when I get there. Overall a well done job, keep it up.
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Review from Simon K.
2/13/2012 7 Check-ins Here
I have to give a clear thumbs up to this Skytrain line, as maybe because I work along it, for others who are off the strectch they may say less! My work is located pretty close to the Oakridge Skytrain station, and occasionally I sometimes go to downtown, maybe to see client, maybe to see my significant other, or maybe just to waste a good lunch hour, whatever I am doing, it is nice to know that there is a line like this that runs from downtown Vancouver to Richmond City Centre.
It is quick, clean, and convenient, I do not know about the 'unfair' prices at YVR compared to the other stops, but that being said, the trains are different compared to the old line, as they are wider, less seats, so people with big luggage are also well accomodated. We have to thank the Olympics for this, as even our Canadian counterparts in Toronto don't have a public train from their airport to the heart of downtown in half an hour!
There are some big gaps that don't help out the riders on this line, and that would be the stretch of King Edward Station and Oakridge, anyone living in the middle is kinda wondering where do you get off and walk home, and it is not a short walk either! Some other weird, not well thought out designs, one of them that is, is the Oakridge station stop, where you have to go under the tracks to get to the train going Northbound? And you couldn't create an exit/entrance to the stop on the east end of Cambie street?
Most stops now have a Jugo Juice in them, talk about partnering up, but at least you have a food option in these places. It is a great alternative instead of driving. When I use it, I quite like it, if you haven't, give it a try, especially to the last destinations like downtown, or the airport, where you don't have to worry about parking your vehicle, or wrestling through traffic. -
Review from Ryan M.
1/7/2012 1 photo
This review is for 01/012012 to 01/03/2012. I am starting to miss Vancouver and I miss it a lot. Being in Los Angeles for so long made me think that there is another city like it, but in another country. I love Los Angeles' Gold and Red Line, but its nothing like Vancouver's own, Canada Line.
I am still confused if the whole systems is called SkyTrain or if SkyTrain is considered a line. Vancouver just amazes me on how they operate their transit system and always building more for convenience. Whether you are entering from Waterfront, YVR (Vancouver International Airport), or Vancouver City Centre Drive, its the most convenient method of traveling throughout Vancouver-Richmond all for $9. I guess Herman Cain's 9-9-9 Plan did work out for just the $9 Day Pass in Canada.
I took the Canada Line to multiple places, but again, I am still trying to understand which line I took. I do know that Canada Line did take me from Granville to the YVR on my last day. It was convenient and hassle-free. Next time I am going to Downtown Vancouver and staying at the SameSun Backpackers Lodge, I am taking the Canada Line to Granville.
I guess I am leaving out one important item about SkyTrains. The trains are operated automatically. Yup, No Driver. I was surprised and blown out of my mind. These trains are on time, frequent, and trouble-free. Literally, I thought the United States was a developing country than a developed country. Do I belong here? lol. A world not reliant on cars, but on electricity. I don't know how TransLink does it, but they are way ahead of the public transportation game. I may have to find a way to work for this prestigious organization.
Yelp is My Review, My Story, and My Life. Its time to share it. -
Review from Edward L.
Finally, a decent way to get from downtown Vancouver. Sure we're all paying through the nose for this line, but I'm sure most people would agree that this line is WAY overdue. With that said, I still can't believe they had to tear up those brand new bus lanes running (they were there for less than 2 years) down No.3 Road.
The stations are nice and clean, though their size leaves much to be desired. There is barely enough room to stand around on the platforms. The trains are wider than those of the Expo line, but they're also much shorter (2 cars instead of 4). Also you can tell they cheaped out when the stations on the Richmond side literally jut out onto the freaking street. Would it really have cost that much more to slide the entire station 3m to one side?
One thing I always like to do is sit at the front of the trains and look out the front window. If you haven't done this before, it's actually pretty cool.
The biggest complaint I have about the Canada Line is the fact that the trains only run every 10 minutes or so. Compare that to the Expo Line (1 every 2 minutes) during rush hour. Having the signs that show the ETA of the next train is nice, but it really sucks when you look up and see that you still have to wait 7 minutes. And this is assuming you're not going to Richmond, because now there's a chance you're going to wait (literally) twice as long.
With that said, the YVR leg is awesome. Vancouver is now the only Canadian city to have a direct rapid transit link to the downtown core. I'm sure many of the cabbies out there aren't too happy about this.
Give it a try, you won't be disappointed. -
Review from Renee P.
Vancouver, BC
6/29/2011
I love the Canada line. I wish that the rest of our transit system was this spacious, quiet, clean and fast. It is also wonderful to be able to get back and forth to the airport with ease. Also it's great that there is plenty of room on them for bikes, luggage, etc.
It's also nice just to be able to get to Richmond more easily for any reason. -
Review from Christopher B.
12/19/2011
What is not to love about the Vancouver Sky Train system? Nothing, except when somebody farts on it and you can't get away. But, other then that it is amazing. Since I've been away traveling, its one of my favorite things to come back to in Vancouver. Hello, Airport to downtown in 25 mins for $4 SEXY!!! beats a $70 cab ride from Edmonton Airport to Downtown (Who goes to Edmonton anyway :).
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Review from Erin U.
12/14/2011
AMAZING!!!! such a huge help to Vancouver, goes right from my neighborhood to the airport and price is still reasonable considering where and how far this transit goes! I only wish it was more above ground but obv not realistic, id just rather have a view! haha also dont like how they charge double if you buy at the airport stop. so lame. otherwise, lovin it, thanks Olympics for improving vancouver transit big time!
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Review from Charly S.
11/24/2011
Fantastic. Exactly how transit should be; fast, efficient, clean and timely with great connections.
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Review from Theresa W.
Vancouver, BC
5/4/2011
Not having a car and living downtown means relying on public transit to keep me connected to the real world. Before this fantastic line existed, husband and I would settle into a regular Sunday routine of dim sum in Chitown. It's not a bad thing, but it gets boring, you know?
So once this line opened, I swear we rode it for an entire Sunday and got off at each stop and went outside to see what was there. It's like that episode from the Simpsons where the kids step outside of their homes for the first time in ages and rub their eyes from the bright sunlight and stuff? Sort of like that.
Now that this line exists, I wake up every Sunday excited with possibilities for food. Now it's not just dim sum, but Shanghainese, HK Cafe, Taiwanese noodles, and wonton mein. The rides are always comfortable, standing or sitting, and it's quiet so we can nap if we want, or listen to music with our headphones on without having to turn the volume up to "earbleed".
I love you Canada Line. You've only ever had a sudden stop once, and immediately at the next stop a Translink person came in and checked to make sure we're okay.
The only beef I have is your Airport fee. It sucks that every time I travel I have to remember to have a faresaver ticket on hand, otherwise I get ripped off at the YVR station. $8 for a ticket?! That's pretty unfair. I know you're trying to make money and all, and I'm usually cool with paying it because hey, it's my fault I forgot to bring an extra ticket. But when family or friends come for a visit, that's always the first thing I hear if I don't meet them at the airport: "I had to buy a ticket to get on the train to meet you, and it cost me $8! You're buying me a beer!" *sigh* Every. Time. -
Review from Amanda H.
12/19/2011
I was very happy to be able to attend the grand opening of this line in 2009. As someone that has never had the convenience of public transportation in the US I was tickled pink to experience it. I was very amazed, as a tourist at first, at how awesome it was to get around Vancouver on the trains. I really wish there was something like this in most cities of the US. That being said, there are obviously flaws in the system and small annoyances but I don't know what I would do without the "pretty good" transit system here in Vancouver now that I live here and no longer have a vehicle.
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Review from Amelia C.
Vancouver, BC
6/29/2011
Having tried getting to the Airport and other places in Richmond pre-Canada Line, I greatly appreciate the convenience of this extension of Translink. It's wonderful that they also thought to make sure that there was ample space for luggage and bicycles on the trains.
It's just too bad that so many of its passengers don't know how to get on the trains. You wait for people to get off the train first before boarding, people! -
Review from Brian S.
10/28/2011
The Canada Line Bicycle Bridge is the Best Bike infrastructural improvement in the lower mainland. We now have safe pollution free way to ride your bicycle from Vancouver to Richmond and New West . The bridge deck uses a non-slip type surface that is a pleasure to ride over. In the winter the approach ramps can slippery but there signs posted to make you aware of this. The Bridge also has Night Lighting and you get view of Fraser river as ride a across the bridge. This is good non noncontroversial bicycle route improvement.
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Review from Benjamin T.
Vancouver, BC
11/24/2011
I love the Canada Line - I can get from my house the YVR in less than 25 minutes. Quicker, easier, better for the environment and much much cheaper than a cab. I feel a unique Vancouver sense of pride when I land in YVR (one of the nicest Airports in the world) and take this sleek, clean, modern subway to city.
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Review from Marc D.
Vancouver, BC
8/22/2009
* $1000 a person? *
Ok, so the new Canada Line cost approximately $1000 per person that lives in the Greater Vancouver area. So today I decided to check out how my $1000 was spent.
It seems there are a lot of bugs in the system and they hopefully will get them worked out. Things I noticed that could use a "fix":
1) The escalator at the Yaletown station was broken with no sign of anyone working on it. I understand it has been like this for at least 3 days already.
2) The trains were not running anywhere close to on time. When I was coming back from the airport and trying to go to Richmond there was an 18 minute wait for the connecting train. They are supposed to come every 6 minutes on that route. On the ride back there was a 12 minute wait between trains, and then once we got on the train had multiple "in service" stops before coming into stations - lengthening the overall trip by about 10 minutes.
3) The train cars are not laid out in a smart way. There are yellow standing poles in the middle of the car right by each set of doors so that when the poor tourists going to the airport with their big bags came on they couldn't get past the yellow poles and blocked the doors. Silly design for an airport train.
4) They should mark where the bicycle portion of each car is on the platform to avoid the bicycle riders from having to enter the train and then try to get past the people with their luggage that are stuck by the yellow pole obstacles!
5) All announcements and signage are only in English. I would have expected an airport line to have multiple languages so everyone can figure out where they are going quite easily. At a bare minimum they should have French (it is the 2nd official language after all), Mandarin, Cantonese, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish. (At least those are the languages I heard being spoken most on the train.) It should be too difficult to do some different language signage at the stations, no? They did have some Cantonese and Mandarin speaking staff on hand at the Richmond stations and they were quite busy answering questions. But put up some signs! Have some automated announcements!
On the bright side, I think once the bugs are worked out this will be a very convenient way to grab a bite to eat near the Aberdeen Centre in Richmond. I hope they are watching and listening to the issues and get them fixed up soon so we can all enjoy our $1000 per person transportation (that is before paying for your own trip of course!)!Listed in: Travel is the spice of life
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Review from Pia W.
10/12/2009
Maybe it's just me, and maybe it's because I've experienced the efficient subway system in Hong Kong...
I do appreciate the new SkyTrain line extending down to Richmond, but I really don't think 2 cars is really going to cut it for the peak hours. The seats inside the new SkyTrains on the Canada Line isn't optimally damage proof to all the people who will be abusing them. I think it would be more feasible if they just had the hard, steel seats with no material lining. Easier to clean, easier to maintain.
When I first tried out the Canada Line a few weeks back, the first reaction I had to it was a grimace, directed particularly to all of the Canada Line's signage:
1) Way Out?! What do you mean "way out"? Isn't the internationally recognized English word for getting out of places "Exit"? Even Beijing's subway stations used the word "Exit" to direct people getting out. All I could think of is the poor tourists that have limited English knowledge that are going to be using the Canada Line...they're not going to find the definition of "way out" as a popular term in their English dictionary for travelers now are they?
2) The LED screen at each end of the insides of the Canada Line trains: Always scrolling an endless line of words. It's impossible to get the information you want from the screen without staring at it for at least 2 minutes before figuring out where the information you want is on in the endless horizontally scrolling queue.
3) I only figured out what "Terminus Station" meant because I knew where the end station for my train was. If you can label an exit sign by saying "Way Out", why get all intellectual with me by throwing in the word "Terminus" to my everyday vocabulary?
4) It's kinda hard to figure out which station you're at when you're in the train and listening to your iPod and completely missed the vocal announcement overhead prior to arriving to the station. Maybe a nice large visible sign of the name of the station displayed prominently at the station for people in the train to see would be helpful.
Other recommendations:
-Maybe it would be helpful to post maps (of the track and transfer points) on top of each and every train doorway as oppose to a select few.
-It'd be helpful to at least verbally announce which door would open prior to arriving to a station...it's especially useful for peak hours when everyone's jammed in that train car like canned sardines.
-Oh, and maybe TransLink wouldn't lose so much money if they start using turnstiles to reinforce people to pay their fares...just a thought.
All in all, it's an ok transit system...plenty of room for improvement though. -
Review from Crystal H.
Vancouver, BC
8/26/2009
So one week after it's inaugural opening, I had the privilege of riding all the way to YVR. Quiet, clean, and spacious, it's hard to believe it hasn't always been part of the Vancouver transit!
I actually thought it would be more expensive to get to the airport, but it's good to see that Vancouver to Richmond is only 2 zones. I was surprised however, to see how small the the platform at the "Roundhouse" station was, perhaps it's not projected to be a big centre?
The ride is very uneventful all through Vancouver, but going over the bridge into Richmond for the first time was awesome! I loved getting to see a part of Vancouver from a new perspective again! -
Review from Mathieu Y.
Vancouver, BC
10/7/2009
$1000/person? No big deal when you realize how much of a commute it saves per person going south from Vancouver. Not to mention emission costs and money saved by encouraging mass transit options. The more mass transit for this city the better! Every skytrain line opens up business in a new part of the city (anyone seen the new developments at lougheed?) and this one will be no different.
Bonus! During the winter this train will make it more possible to stay underground in Vancouver! Little known Granville connection underground between the skytrain line... At the top of Expo station's granville exit there is a Bay store, enter the first entrance and cut right in the aisle to enter Pacific Center. Walk past the food court, make a left, continue until at the Canada Line Station! Saves a few more minutes on your trip. Also, waterfront transfers between the two stations (obviously) but the expo station exit also goes to Sinclair and Canada Place underground as well. No switch at Burrard underground, just the towers.
The pre-purchase airport tickets come in handy as well. Overall, a great investment -
Review from Raymond O.
Vancouver, BC
8/17/2009 7 photos
So I braved the humongous opening crowd, joined in the crazy circus of a free joy ride from Yaletown to Richmond, whew.. what a trip! Best idea ever! *sarcasm* Hopping onto the Roundhouse station, the train cruises underground until False Creek, and rises up ground level at the Olympic Village Station. It continues deep through more tunnels, until the train emerges elevated, with vast views atop the Fraser River. The line splits up at the Bridgeport Station until the last station at Brighouse, and a spur line to the airport. Yaletown to Aberdeen in 20 minutes, with the large crowd but without transfers.
Each station was bright, airy, and well designed. The train itself is spotless clean (for now!), AC equipped, with ample space and walkway for larger crowds and luggage. Bonus snaps for having underground cellphone and 3G coverage too! (okay, in most of the trip minus the deepest darkest tunnel portion.) One star knocked off due to minimal or no security cameras in each station, with no future plans of installation I've heard.
Must say that I prefer the original name, RAV Line (Richmond-Airport-Vancouver), as it has a catchier coolness tone to it, and more apt if I may say so. 'Canada Line' seems too big a name covering only the Metro Vancouver region. Most likely another Olympics related marketing change? Despite controversies surrounding the Canada Line, I think it is a great and long time coming addition to Vancouver. Despite some opening hiccups like wait time remaining, I can only think of worse alternatives to get to YVR. Meanwhile, will wait to see how the new rapid service settles in, or how it develop its own character as NY subways, SF Bart, or HK MTR. Lest we soon have to watch our bags or be manhandled, for now, RAV rocks!Listed in: Yelping Yaletown, When in Richmond
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Review from samuel a.
Vancouver, BC
4/2/2010 1 Check-in Here
Holy Crap is this Canada Line so nice.
Clean and big large cars. Makes me feel dirty to ride on the Expo Line after this experience.
I'm not a regular transit guy but I've already messed up a few times by going the the wrong station for the wrong line downtown. :P -
Review from Peter L.
9/30/2009
It helps when it's FREE for dumbass tourist!
Well it wasn't but it sure could have been!!! On our 1st day in Richmond (Lasdowne Station) we bought a day pass for $9/ea - good for all public transit lines. After the purchase, unlike the Bart station in the SF Bay Area, I didn't know where to STICK it!!! When we got off at the Waterfront, I didn't know where to STICK it!!! Heck no one even checked for tickets anywhere! On the 2nd day we bought our tickets to the Waterfront, but why...I guess I'm just honest!
The train (or whatever you call it) was spacious and clean. Lots of room to put your luggage for trips to and from the airport or pier!!! It really didn't feel like public transportation WITHOUT the stentch, preverts, bums, gangbangers and graffiti that I've grown accustom to! -
Review from Jenni B.
2/2/2010
This one is so much nicer than the other train lines. I have taken it a few times now and here are my thoughts -
Likes:
- Countdown timer letting you know when the next train is. Reminds me of the DART in Dublin.
- Clean stations, so nice
- Big trains, lots of room to haul your luggage
- Zoom zoom zoom you're waterfront to YVR.
- Trains are actually nice and even when crammy not the other train-tuna-can-crowdy.
- It's opened up a whole new world for the transit taker - hello Richmond.
Dislikes:
- Tourists seem to think I know where in Richmond they are going... I don't. But as a part-Dubliner I tell them what I assume. Is this bad. Sorry tourists I got lost who read this?
- Crammy busy until the line splits when you're rush hour to YVR.
- I don't understand the new YVR tariffs.... I have a month pass, does that mean it sorts itself out? Make your rules clear!
- Granville should have had connected stations aside from navigating through Pacific Center. -
Review from Gina K.
10/5/2009
My heart ached a little when they started building the rail line. It tore up my beautiful Vancouver during it's construction and I felt bad for the businesses on Cambie. But so happy it's over and done with and...
Hey Marc 1000 isn't so bad. I spent about 3,000 on cabfare a year to the airport alone.
Yay Canada Line!
PS love how it ends up so close to most of my shopping and dining areas. Thank you engineers and planners. xoxo -
Review from Evilyn T.
4/9/2010
Thank you Pia for pointing out the "way out" signs, that was definitely a bone of contention with me. Hello?? Umm... is "Exit" not the universal word for this? Are we trying to confuse the tourists that have come from all over the world? If so, we are succeeding.
My other big gripe, or should I say tall gripe, is that when I take the Canada Line during peak hours, to and fro work, it does get crammed and there is nothing to hold onto. I don't care that we are packed in there like sardines, that's going to happen in any city you go to, but hello?? Could we get some hanging hand grips?? The sad part is that for a girl, I am actually pretty tall, so I don't know how these other little 5 foot nothing girls are doing it? Do they just ping pong through the train when it comes to a lurching stop? Or do they all fall down like dominoes?
I can't say I am a big fan of the new ticket machines either, however I do think its a good idea that they take debit. Even as someone who is not completely computer illiterate I thought it was strange that there was no touch-screen button for paying cash, you just have to know to automatically start coughing up your change.
I don't understand why we haven't integrated a gate system, or turn-style system so that we don't have to hire transit security to hang around and personally check each and every person's ticket, this just seems so inefficient. I keep hearing rumours that this is to come, but I am sure with that will be ANOTHER fare increase. So we will have the most expensive transit system in Canada, woohoo!
Don't get me wrong, its not ALL bad, it sure beats the hell out of waiting for a bus that is stuck behind a bottle-necked car accident, making you an hour late for work. It's also pretty cool that there is a subway that can take us from our homes right to the airport, so you don't have to get Uncle Bill to drive you, unfortunately transit doesn't run 24/7. This sucks for me cuz I sure do love my red eye flights. there's nothing quite like boarding a plane ready for your holidays reeking of the send-off before.
I think having a 24 hour transit system would also reduce the amount of drunk drivers on the road, and in turn help save more lives. Sure there might be more people passed out at the end of the line, but at least they're not passed out behind the wheel!
Can Vancouver become a big city now?Listed in: My haunts
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Review from Catherine W.
New Westminster, BC
9/15/2010 22 Check-ins Here
I LOVE the Canada Line. Reminds me so much of the Underground in London! I wish the Skytrain was more like this as that's the way I live and have to go most days!
I guess I am fortunate not to have to take it during peak times as I have never had an issue with places to seat my arse or hold onto. It's also so very clean in comparison to the Millennium line or Expo Line.
Is it sad that I can't wait to get back on the Canada Line? -
Review from Vincci L.
10/6/2010
While I don't take this frequently, it's always reassuring to know that there's a mode of transportation that can take me from Richmond to Downtown in 26 minutes.
What I like about this whole Canada Line: stations located conveniently, in that I can get off at any stop and make an adventure out of it.
It takes me directly to/ from the airport, so it saves a lot of money paid towards airport parking as well.
Seats are spacious, and the new and clean trains are a plus. Ticket machines are fairly easy to use, and it's great that they take credit and debit cards.
What I don't like is that the last train departs from Waterfront at 1:15am, which then limits my options on my return trip home. This results in taking a night bus with lots of rowdy/ drunk people.
Why are there no turn-styles to monitor the passengers? Instead, there are "Canada Line' attendants to check tickets. Every other major city has some sort of gated system, so why don't we? -
Review from Maxine H.
10/6/2010 1 Check-in Here
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THE CANADA LINE. So convenient!! Runs directly from YVR International Airport to Downtown with many stops in between depending on your traveling needs.
Probably one of the cleanest means of transportion I have ever been on. Runs every couple minutes so don't worry about running late anywhere. -
Review from Reena M.
9/15/2009 1 Check-in Here
OmG! A new light rail like Metro systems in Paris and Munich and Madrid, but in Vancouver! This is how metro systems should be! Structured, organized, informative, to and from the airport, spacious. I was a huge fan of the systems in the European countries and was a bit sad when I had to come back to our two measly skytrain lines here last year.
However, as great as the Canada Line seems to be, it still really wish that it connected to the other trains more centrally, rather than at Waterfront. It's annoying that if I wanted to go to the airport from Burnaby, I still have to transfer three-four times, 1-2 of those times being by bus.Listed in: Daaaaaammmmmmnnn Cheeeeeep!
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Review from Sachi M.
2/2/2010 133 Check-ins Here
So it doesn't compare to its brothers in matured train markets, but this is the best rail we have in Vancouver. Some of the inconveniences I've encountered are probably because the population here is not used to taking trains (don't stand in front of the stairs that brought you down to the platform -- move down along the platform so more people can come!)
The one big thing I wish Translink was smart enough to do was to label the floor to show where the doors would come. It's just a minor inconvenience to most people when they can't line up to get in the door first, but NOT LABELING THE WHEELCHAIR SPACE CAR is wasting it. People with wheelchairs/strollers/big luggage are in the regular doorways, while the space with chairs specifically taken out is filled with less regular standing people, since they don't have enough to hold on to. (By the way, it's the third door from the back.)
Another smart thing would have been to install actual payment-checking turnstiles, but I understand why they didn't (they would have to redesign all the monthly passes, which currently have no magnetic stripe or any thing machine-readable).
As with the other reviewers, there are new terminology for most of us -- I agree with the "Way Out" -- but the one I had most trouble with was "Inbound / Outbound" platform (I'm not sure if this is used on the other skytrains because I don't use them). I'm used to Traslink's bus systems being called East/Westbound and North/Southbound. -
Review from Louise G.
2/27/2010
Great addition to Vancouver's transit system.
Useful and quick service. Even with the Olympic-sized crowds, the service is very handy. -
Review from Raymond K.
Vancouver, BC
1/19/2010
It is fantastic that Canada Line is here. Obviously, it saves a lot of time when you need to travel between Richmond and Vancouver. However, I really appreciate how convenient it is to go to various shopping malls and shops along Canada Line. No more waiting for buses. So glad those days are gone!
There is one thing I really want them to improve. If the passenger dozed off and didn't pay attention to the announcement or the display about the next stop, it is hard to see the station name. I hope they make the station name at the platform level more visible. -
Review from Chuck I.
Vancouver, BC
3/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
I only use the Canada Line to get to and from the airport but in that regard it's perfect. What other western Canadian city has a train right to the airport? It's very convenient and easy to use.
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Review from Quoc H.
Edmonton, AB
4/17/2011
Love the convenience of the Canada Line and have taken it to/from YVR every time I've visited Vancouver since it opened. Fact that I can avoid the $5pp service charge by buying a book of tickets from the convenience store near YVR's baggage claim is a bonus.
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Review from Dave B.
Campbell River, BC
2/2/2010
What a coinkydink -- I was just standing outside in the rain, waiting for a bus after taking the Canada Line and I was wondering if I could rate Translink on Yelp!
I'm with Jenni-O on the pros/cons, but as a daily commuter (d/t to richmond), I have a few more cons:
-the passengers who don't make room for other people e.g. either they've got their bags on the 2nd seat, or because they're sitting in the aisle row, doing their makeup and oblivious to the rest of the world
-the alternating airport/richmond trains. why do I have to wait six minutes (worst case) to catch a train to/from richmond proper during rush hour? Couldn't they have run a train back and forth to the airport and let people transfer at Brideport? (that would probably make the airport tariff easier to apply) I know there were some "passenger modelling issues", and Canada Line is already well beyond it's predicted ridership, but couldn't they decrease the intervals by 50% at peak hours? That would certainly make room for more commuters and increase ridership and revenues even more.
-connecting buses. despite the great improvement in transit time from downtown to richmond compared to the 98Bline (was it only 5 months ago that I was on one of those scuzzy buses?), the bus connections have not improved in the slightest -- I still wait 10-20 minutes to catch a connecting bus. Couldn't Translink coordinate the buses with the trains? After all, they come at fixed intervals.. how about putting a light or something at the bus stations so bus drivers know to wait a few seconds before tearing off down the street because there's a train in the station?
yeah, this sounds like a bit of a whining session... I'm really happy with the improved service, just hope it could be improved more.
PS: I'm with you Joseph G. -- but that's what you get when you contract out to Brits :) -
Review from Brian L.
Vancouver, BC
11/5/2010
I use the rail all the time! It beats finding parking downtown because everything downtown is metered. It's fairly quick and you can reach downtown in about 25 minutes from Richmond. It's not loud like the BART down in San Francisco and fairly clean.
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Review from Joyce D.
Burnaby, BC
9/2/2009
Canada line rocks in many ways. First of all talk about clean and yes I know it will be a matter of time before the "people" smells start to reak up the train. Wide and luxurious. Seats awesome and we are talking tons of leg room and very nicely done. State of the art when it comes to smooth. We are talking smoother than a babies bum as the train hugs the track without so much as a bump.
Signs are large and clear and while the timing was a bit off, it wasn't anything to complain about.
What I did notice is the uniforms of the Canada Line attendants....green. I have to say I was pretty surprised. So different to skytrain, but then again this transit line doesn't even compare.
I went all the way to the airport and it felt like I was in Toronto all over again. This is more like a subway with only 2 stations above ground. It kinda feels like a New York subway, just the looks of it and the signage, the times displaced except a whole lot cleaner of course.
I have to say I was pleasantly surprised and found absolutely nothing to complain about. I quite liked it and have to honestly say it was much more than I expected in many many ways. Yay for Canada LIne! -
Review from Phil S.
Vancouver, BC
8/21/2009
Canada Line RULZ! And I cannot be happier that it came into existence as I can now trek to People's Republic of Richmond for authentic Asian cuisine and food court reminiscent of the ones overseas! Ever since I stopped having to travel to Richmond for work, I've totally missed the place but now with this line, this clean and spacious and super fast ride into Richmond, my cravings can once again be sated on a regular basis. Taxpayer money well spent, city debt worth accumulating.
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Review from David L.
12/28/2010
I've taken it a few times during the Olympics. I've taken it when I came home from the airport. I really like the fact that it's roomy and there are a lot of space to put your luggage. Quiet and smooth, yes, but it's about time. The world's first subway train line was in London and I find the London Tube to be almost as quiet as the Canada Line. Of course, the Canada Line is quieter and smoother, but we're talking about made in 2009 trains here. Surprisingly, none of the stations on the Canada line have turnstiles system.
