ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

Date: January 12, 1999
Author/Local: Doug Smith/7320
RTS No. 00473

CC File No. 1602

TO:	Vancouver City Council
FROM:	General Manager of Engineering Services
SUBJECT:	Downtown Heritage Railway - Eastern Extension

RECOMMENDATION
THAT Council approve an extension of the existing heritage street car line as outlined in this report at a cost of $590,000; source of funding to be the Streets Basic Unappropriated Capital Account 30001337, Burrard Bridge Bikeway.

COUNCIL POLICY

Council has established transportation priorities which encourage transit.

Council has in past supported projects preserving and promoting street car heritage, including the construction of the first phase of this project.

PURPOSE

The report seeks the necessary funding to extend the demonstration street car line.

BACKGROUND

In the last three years, the City has taken steps to build a demonstration street car line. On July 29, 1998 the new demonstration line was officially opened when the restored Interurban Car 1207 ran from 6th and Moberly to Granville Island.
Interurban Car 1207 was run on weekends and special occasions by volunteers from the Transit Museum Society (TRAMS) from July 29th until October 25th. The following is a brief summary of our inaugural season. A more detailed breakout can be found in Appendix A.

Passengers 4,121 Operating Expenses $13,870
Est. km 1,300 Total Revenue $12,185

Operating expenses exceeded revenue in 1998 because the system operated for only 3 months. In 1999, with 6 months of operation and two trams running, an operating surplus is anticipated (see page 2 of Appendix D).

Comment cards were made available to all passengers and the vast majority returned positive remarks. The only negative remarks expressed that the line should be extended and more cars added. A selection of comments can be found in Appendix B.

A consultant report has been completed recommending that a modern street car line be built linking Science World and the Main Street Skytrain Station to the new Trade and Convention Centre at the waterfront. The extension of the demonstration line will provide a link to this proposed new downtown line.

In addition, plans are proceeding on the development of the Southeast False Creek area as a sustainable community. A street car line through this community is seen as an important transportation link. Elements of the current proposal may be incorporated into the more permanent long term operation.

DISCUSSION

If approved, Phase II of the demonstration line will connect Leg'n'Boot Station with a station on the north west corner of First Avenue and Ontario Street (see attached sketch, Appendix C), within easy walking distance of Science World and the Main Street Skytrain station.

This extension will make the demonstration line approximately 2.8 km long and make the use of our second heritage tram, Car 1231, feasible and necessary. The introduction of a second car will require an expansion of our tram barn, which will have to be relocated to the end of the new line at First and Ontario, as it can not function at its current location.

Discussions are underway with C.P. Rail to use their right of way just west of Cambie Bridge. The use of this right of way would save approximately $74,000 and this option will be thoroughly explored prior to construction.

OPERATION

It is proposed that the operation run similar to Phase I. There would be scheduled runs on the weekends during the Summer and the ability to run outside of the schedule for special events. Passengers would be able to board at any of the three stations and a round trip fare would cost $2.00. In order to run both trams simultaneously and pass, a siding would be incorporated at the mid point of the line.

The operation, display and maintenance by the TRAMS volunteers during Phase I was very successful and it is proposed to continue this relationship. All operators have received safety training and they, along with the streetcars and track, are approved by the Province.

Some of the benefits of Phase II include:

· A transit connection to the Main street Skytrain Station, effectively linking Burnaby, New Westminster and Surrey to Granville Island.
· A link to the Science World Ferry Dock that services all of False Creek and Stanley Park.
· A link from Science World and the Vancouver Indy to the Parking Lot at 6th/Moberly and Granville Island.
· A connection to the proposed future Downtown Street Car, that will run from Science World to the new Waterfront Trade and Convention Centre.
· Continue to promote BC Heritage through the use of two original BC Electric cars.
· Experience for City staff in the design, construction, and operation of a railway system that will be invaluable during the implementation and operation of the proposed future Downtown Street Car.

WORK REQUIRED

The work required will be similar to that required for Phase I and will include;

· pole and overhead line installation,
· track repair, construction, and bonding,
· tram 1231 mechanical and electrical certification,
· station construction,
· car barn relocation and extension, and
· rectifier station relocation.

NEIGHBOURHOOD IMPACTS

An Open House and discussions with residents and businesses in the area will occur prior to finalizing the design of Phase II. Comments we have received regarding Phase I indicate strong support in the area for the Tram Line.

SEAWALL AND TRAFFIC IMPACTS

The tracks along First Avenue are adjacent to the existing Seawall bicycle and pedestrian detour route and an opportunity exists to better delineate the path for seawall users. A street crossing at First and Spyglass will be required but should have little or no impact on area traffic patterns.

FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES

An opportunity exists to continue the demonstration line westward to Vanier Park, the Pacific Space and Science Centre and the Maritime Museum. Discussions are underway with CP Rail to facilitate this extension.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Funding reallocation of $590,000 is proposed from the Streets Basic Unappropriated Capital Account 30001337, Burrard Bridge Bikeway. It is proposed to allocate funding from this account, currently at $7.623M, because this project is under study and the required funding is undetermined. If, after completion of the study, the reallocated funding is required, it will be replaced.

Approximately $90,000 of this request is budgeted for new signals at the Wylie and Moberly crossings and should be considered a recoverable cost. These signals will be required when the modern street car line is constructed and these signals are being designed to accommodate the future line.

It is estimated that the rail system's operational costs will be offset by fares, advertising, donations and volunteer work and any profit will be returned to the Downtown Historic Railway Trust Fund. Operating cost details are located on page 2 of Appendix D.

The construction cost per kilometre for the Phase I was $130,000/km and Phase II is estimated at $450,000/km. The difference in cost is due in part to the generous donations of labour and material from BC Hydro, TRAMS, Southern Rail, and BC Transit for Phase I. When these donations were given it was understood that these would be one time contributions. For reference, the cost per kilometre for a modern street car on the permanent Downtown Heritage Railway alignment is estimated at $7.6M/km and the cost for Skytrain is estimated at $40M/km, making the demonstration system very attractive financially.

A detailed breakout of costs can be found in Appendix D.

CONCLUSION

In order to begin operation of Phase II this summer, funds must be provided now to allow the preparation work to begin. It is hoped that Phase II will be one more step toward Vancouver's transportation future while embracing our transportation history.

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(c) 1998 City of Vancouver