Vancouver's congested streets can be maddening -- unless, as Hugeasscity notes, you're a pedestrian or bicyclist. However, I've got a couple quibbles with that analysis.
For one, I'll definitely have to drive in Vancouver again. SkyTrain is great you go where it goes but my recent trips took me to UBC or on detours between Whistler and Seattle, where there aren't feasible transit options.
For another, the clogged street grid doesn't necessarily make the case for congestion pricing. Seattle's hills and water are a much better testing ground for combining a) alternative forms of travel with b) tolling that varies with usage. If the goal is to use congestion pricing to make more efficient use of finite resources, Seattle would be a great place to start.
Vancouver's congested streets?
It takes longer to get around Seattle than it does in Vancouver. The trips to UBC from Downtown are relatively quick, thanks to all the arterials available to get around. Don't like Granville, take Oak. Don't like Oak, take Main or Arbutus. Not like Seattle, a city with few North South arterials.
SkyTrain, especially Canada Line is great. There are several buses that go to UBC quick too.
Forget tolling. Build better transit!
Posted by: Mr. J | July 07, 2010 at 22:18