While TransLink in Vancouver do provide an efficient transportation system, I have to apologize to say that it is in general, inferior to many of the Asian cities. Yet this is not a fair comparison. Why? Because most Asian cities are overpopulated, forcing the governments to set up ambitious expansion plans and spare huge funding in order to better serve… well, let’s get real, for winning the elections.
The reason for me to choose my hometown as a subject of comparison is because I just went back last summer. I was shocked by how the public transportation there had changed since 1997.
Major Difference - Buses:
Although Taipei does have a similar organization like TransLink, it is actually a union of many private bus companies. While they all have their own assets (i.e. bus), methods of management, all income goes to the union and eventually gets evenly split to every member company. All routes are planned and distributed by the union. The competition, however, comes in twice every year when Taipei Ministry of Transportation does evaluation on each company’s service qualities, which can lead to major penalty or further funds from the union.
Yeah, that is the “ideal” situation…
Reality is always cruel; the Ministry rarely carries out their duties unless there are outstanding achievements or serious problems. Therefore, while the services are in general (i.e. being on time, driver attitude, etc) on par with what we have here, TransLink drivers would pale when it comes to driving techniques. Notice how someone had complained about TransLink drivers being rude on the road? I have to say that is really, really mild when compared to Taipei…
Major Difference – Mass Rapid Transportation:
The Taipei Mass Rapid Transportation (MRT), Taipei's counterpart of SkyTrain, is what shocked me on my return last summer.
According to MRT official website (http://www.trtc.com.tw/e/) , under Company information -> Chronicles:
On 1988, construction began.
On 1996, the medium capacity section of MRT, Muzha Line opened (length 10.6 km)
On 1997, the major (heavy capacity) line, Danshui Line opened. (length 21.2 km)
On 1999, the second major line, Banquiao Line opened. (length 7.7 km)
………………
On 2006, the length of all MRT lines added together reaches 74.4 km, dwarfing the current 49.5 km of Vancouver SkyTrain.
(http://www.translink.bc.ca/Transportation_Services/Skytrain/)
It is amazing when we look at how it is done within a time span of only 10 year; whereas in Vancouver… well, couple weeks ago I think I have heard someone from the government calling Canada Line a “money sucker”… which really got onto my nerves for 20 minutes…
The cost of the MRT system is rumoured to be $18 billion US. This figure serves nothing more than a reference due to a lack of source.
Major Difference – Payment
TransLink uses a proof of payment system, which I personally, hated. I really wander who came up with this idea, putting full trust on all citizens? Well, not that I am saying Vancouver citizens are bad, but it is too easy to cheat on this kind of system when it comes to using the SkyTrain. It is especially true when a MK-I train comes in… as long as no SkyTrain personnel is on board, help yourself and have a free ride! Yahoo! Enjoy the thrilling views of Downtown Vancouver and Fraser Valley!
Buses in Taiwan usually cost $0.53 CAD per trip, as long as it does not hit the fare zone where passengers are required to pay a second time. The ticket price of MRT, however, is calculated by the distance traveled. The minimum price (<5km)>31 km). Like the majority of train systems through out the world, all passengers need to get across turnstiles; free rides are impossible due to heavy surveillance by cameras and guards.
Taipei also uses a contactless SmartCard system (called EasyCard) that significantly eliminates the need of carrying changes when using public transportation. These credit-card sized things are sold in convenience stores and can store a certain amount of cash value into it; just simply sweep through one of the turnstiles and the charge would be automatically deducted from the card. All MRT stations and buses running in Taipei use this system. According to the not-so-reliable Wikipedia, Toronto is also planning to introduce a similar system by 2007.
Conclusion – It is not fair to compare Taipei and Vancouver!
Right! So I begged your pardon at the very beginning!
One day I was reading on one of these free SkyTrain newspapers and I noticed something that really broke my heart. Now I wasn’t sure if it was the Finance Minister of BC, but anyhow, he whined about how the Canadian government put most of their emphasis on the East Coast and ignoring the West. BC is often faced with severe budget cuts, which is one of the major factors why Vancouver really lacks any major physical changes for at least 1 decade. So indeed, maybe it is better if I were to compare Toronto or Montreal with Taipei…
Well, I am not sure what may happen if our government continues to ignore British Columbia… maybe I am just being paranoid and pessimistic, but I really fear that Vancouver would not be able to host the 2010 Winter Olympics adequately…
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