>>1462579I don't have much experience with transit in other cities, but I'm really glad to have the skytrain. The remote operation allows for very high frequencies with peak at like a train every 3 ish minute depending on the line. The system is completely grade separated. The stations seem to be very clean. The trains operate on linear induction motors, allowing for steeper grades, and (anecdotally) faster acceleration. The rolling stock consists of refurbed mk I trains from the 80s, with mk II trains from the 2000's and mk III trains that are very new. The system is divided as follows
>Expo line -Runs through the highest density areas, intersecting multiple city centers, and is the busiest
-Runs 4, or 6 car trains depending on the train
-oldest of the lines
>Millenium line-Runs through a less dense area, but still has lots of development and malls along the route
-Runs 2 car trains at 3 ish minute peak frequency, but stations have platforms designed to immediatly accommodate 4/6 car trains
-Second oldest line
-Got a new extension that opened a few years ago
>Canada line -Built to connect the airport to the city for the Olympics, and serve the densifying city or Richmond
-Doesn't use skytrain technology/linear induction motors, therefore rolling stock isn't compatible with the rest of the system
-Stations only designed to handle 2 car trains, with construction required to upgrade to 3 car trains max
-Runs at 3 ish minute peak frequency
-Comically underbuilt due to planners underestimating ridership
My complaints are that it lacks coverage in the Vancouver proper, and is focused on linking suburb to suburb to city. Expo line stations were built as copy pastes of each other. Some have been remodeled, some are starting to show age. The Canada line is severely underbuilt and wasn't planned well. In Montreal I was struck by 10 minute daytime weekend frequencies in the city. Skytrain typically runs 5 to 6 ish min.
Thanks for listening to my autism
