Alternative Designs

In March/April 2011, we presented preliminary information about the designs and evaluation of the seven alternatives being considered in the UBC Line Rapid Transit Study. Use the tabs below to learn about each alternative, check out the Street Integration section to see how they could fit in the street and the Alternatives Evaluation section to find how they performed in the evaluation. Then read the feedback we heard, which our study team will consider as they refine the designs and finalize the evaluation.

The descriptions below are summarized. See the Design Guide for full details.

Accessible Version

Related Documents

UBC BRT Line Map

tm_alignment_table_brt

*Relative to the "business as usual" bus network; a negative number means savings due to lower bus operating costs.

BRT uses rubber tire, low-floor articulated buses. Diesel and electric (trolley) options were evaluated.

Check out our Technology section for more information about BRT technology… 

tm_tech_brt

In this alternative, BRT operates primarily in the centre of the street with a side-running section on University Boulevard. It operates in its own right of way, separated from other traffic by a curb. To maximize frequency and capacity of service, this alternative does not have signal priority.

tm_alt_brt_alignment

BRT stations are in the street, and connect to both sides of the street with pedestrian crossings. Stations are sheltered and feature ticket vending machines, security measures, seating, wayfinding and real-time information.

*Potential stations are based on current 99 B-Line stops and where demand is expected to be the highest. This allows for a comparative analysis across all alternatives. Potential stations are subject to change with further technical work and public input.

tm_alt_brt_station

Has three connections to existing rapid transit. Bus service that duplicates the rapid transit service is eliminated (e.g. 99 B-Line), but local buses will continue to operate in the corridor. Pedestrian and cycling crossings do not change.

Learn more about how this alternative will integrate into the street…

tm_alt_integration
UBC LRT Line Map, Option 1
tm_alignment_table_lrt1

*Relative to the "business as usual" bus network; a negative number means savings due to lower bus operating costs.

Light Rail Transit is a driver-operated and electrically-powered technology that can operate at street level.

Check out our Technology section for more information about LRT technology…

tm_tech_lrt

In this alternative, LRT operates primarily in the centre of the street with a side-running section on University Boulevard. It is in its own right of way separated from other traffic by a curb with signal priority at intersections.

tm_alt_lrt1_alignment

LRT stations are in the street, and connect to both sides of the street with pedestrian crossings. Stations are sheltered and feature ticket vending machines, security measures, seating, wayfinding and real-time information.

*Potential stations are based on current 99 B-Line stops where demand is expected to be the highest. This allows for a comparative analysis across all alternatives. Potential stations are subject to change with further technical work and public input.

tm_alt_lrt1_station

Has three connections to existing rapid transit. Bus service that duplicates the rapid transit service is eliminated (e.g. 99 B-Line), but local buses will continue to operate in the corridor. Pedestrian and cycling crossings do not change.

Learn more about how this alternative will integrate into the street…

tm_alt_integration
UBC LRT Line Map, Option 2
tm_alignment_table_lrt2

*Relative to the "business as usual" bus network; a negative number means savings due to lower bus operating costs.

Light Rail Transit is a driver-operated and electrically-powered technology that can operate at street level.

Check out our Technology section for more information about LRT technology…

tm_tech_lrt

In this alternative, LRT operates primarily in the centre of the street with a side-running section on University Boulevard. It is in its own right of way separated from other traffic by a curb with signal priority at intersections. Between Arbutus Street and Main Street-Science World Station, it operates along the former rail line.

All trains serve UBC; east of Arbutus Street service is split between a segment serving Main Street-Science World Station and a segment serving Commercial-Broadway Station.

tm_alt_lrt2_alignment

LRT stations are in the street, and connect to both sides of the street with pedestrian crossings. Stations are sheltered and feature ticket vending machines, security measures, seating, wayfinding and real-time information.

*Potential stations are based on current 99 B-Line stops and where demand is expected to be the highest. This allows for a comparative analysis across all alternatives. Potential stations are subject to change with further technical work and public input.

tm_alt_lrt1_station

Has three connections to existing rapid transit. Bus service that duplicates the rapid transit service is eliminated (e.g. 99 B-Line), but local buses will continue to operate in the corridor. Pedestrian and cycling crossings do not change.

Learn more about how this alternative will integrate into the street…

tm_alt_integration
UBC RRT Line Map
tm_alignment_table_rrt

*Relative to the "business as usual" bus network; a negative number means savings due to lower bus operating costs.

RRT is automated or driver-operated and electrically-powered. In Metro Vancouver, RRT (e.g. SkyTrain) is automated and operates separately from other road users.

Check out our Technology section for more information about RRT technology…

tm_tech_rrt

Operates primarily in bored tunnel, with an elevated section between Great Northern Way and the existing VCC-Clark Station connecting to the existing system. A section on University Boulevard is assumed to be a cut and cover tunnel.

tm_alt_rrt_alignment

RRT stations feature ticket vending machines, security measures, seating, real-time information and wayfinding, and are accessed by elevators, escalators and stairs.

*Potential stations are based on current 99 B-Line stops and where demand is expected to be the highest. This allows for a comparative anaysis across all alternatives. Potential stations are subject to change with further technical work and public input.

tm_alt_rrt_station

Has three connections to existing rapid transit. Option B is a Millennium Line extension. Bus service that duplicates the rapid transit service is eliminated (e.g. 99 B-Line), but local buses will continue to operate in the corridor. Pedestrian and cycling crossings do not change. RRT is designed underground and would not need to be integrated in the street.

tm_alt_integration
UBC Combo Line Map, Option 1
tm_alignment_table_combo1

*Relative to the "business as usual" bus network; a negative number means savings due to lower bus operating costs.

LRT is driver-operated and electrically-powered technology that can operate at street level. RRT is automated or driver-operated rail technology that is powered by electricity.

In Metro Vancouver, RRT (e.g. SkyTrain) is automated and operates separately from other road users.

Check out our Technology section for more information about LRT and RRT technology… 

tm_tech_lrt
tm_tech_rrt

LRT operates between UBC and Main Street-Science World Station primarily in the centre of the street with a side-running section on University Boulevard. It is in its own right of way separated from other traffic by a curb with signal priority at intersections. Between Arbutus Street and Main Street-Science World Station, it operates along the former rail line.

RRT operates between Arbutus Street and VCC-Clark Station in a bored tunnel with an elevated section between Great Northern Way and the existing VCC-Clark Station to connect with the existing system.

tm_alt_lrt1_alignment
tm_alt_rrt_alignment

LRT stations are in the street and are connected to both sides of the street with pedestrian crossings.

RRT stations are accessed by elevators, escalators and stairs.

Both LRT and RRT stations are sheltered and typically feature ticket vending machines, security features, seating, real-time information and wayfinding.

*Potential stations are bsed on current 99 B-Line stops and where demand is expected to be the highest. This allows for a comparitive analysis across all alternatives. Potential stations are subject to change with further technical work and public input.

tm_alt_lrt1_station
tm_alt_rrt_station

Has five connections to existing rapid transit. The RRT segment is a Millennium Line extension. Bus service that duplicates the rapid transit service is eliminated (e.g. 99 B-Line), but local buses will continue to operate in the corridor. Pedestrian and cycling crossings do not change. RRT is designed underground and would not need to be integrated in the street.

Learn more about how this alternative will integrate into the street… 

tm_alt_integration
UBC Combo Line Map, Option 2
tm_alignment_table_combo2

*Relative to the "business as usual" bus network.

BRT uses rubber tire, low-floor articulated buses. Diesel and electric (trolley) options were evaluated.

RRT is automated or driver-operated rail technology that is powered by electricity. In Metro Vancouver, RRT (e.g. SkyTrain) is automated and operates separately from other road users.

Check out our Technology section for more information about BRT and RRT technology… 

tm_tech_brt
tm_tech_rrt

BRT operates between UBC and Commercial-Broadway Station, primarily in the centre of the street with a side-running section on University Boulevard. It operates in its own right of way, separated from other traffic by a curb. To maximize frequency and capacity of service, this alternative does not have signal priority.

RRT operates between Arbutus Street and VCC-Clark Station in a bored tunnel with an elevated section between Great Northern Way and the existing VCC-Clark Station to connect to the existing system.

tm_alt_brt_alignment
tm_alt_rrt_alignment

BRT stations are in the street and are connected to both sides of the street with pedestrian crossings.

RRT stations are accessed by elevators, escalators and stairs.

Both BRT and RRT stations are sheltered and typically feature ticket vending machines, security features, seating, real-time information and wayfinding.

*Potential stations are based on current 99 B-Line stops and where demand is expected to be the highest. This allows for a comparative analysis across all alternatives. Potential stations are subject to change with further technical work and public input.

tm_alt_brt_station
tm_alt_rrt_station

Has three connections to existing rapid transit. The RRT segment is a Millennium Line extension. Bus service that duplicates the rapid transit service is eliminated (e.g. 99 B-Line), but local buses will continue to operate in the corridor. Pedestrian and cycling crossings do not change. RRT is designed underground and would not need to be integrated in the street.

Learn more about how this alternative will integrate into the street… 

tm_alt_integration
UBC Best Bus Line Map

Best Bus improves conventional bus service on Broadway and parallel corridors through a range of measures, including:

  • Improving frequency on several routes, including 25, 33, 41, 43, 44, 49, 84 and 99.
  • Introducing limited stop express routes between UBC and Commercial-Broadway and Main Street-Science World stations.
  • Potentially introducing curbside bus lanes on several streets, including Broadway, 4th Avenue, 41st Avenue, King Edward Avenue and 49th Avenue.
  • Introducing transit signal priority at intersections on some corridors to improve transit speed and reliability.
  • Potentially enhancing bus stop amenities, such as real-time information displays and better shelters.

tm_alignment_table_bestbus

*Relative to the "business as usual" bus network.
**Ridership includes ridership on the 99 B-Line, 84 as well as proposed new limited stop services serving the corridor.