Vancouver Desires a Streetcar
Ahhh...imagine springtime in Vancouver: the flowers blooming, a warm sun beaming down on the bay, and you riding a sleek streetcar from Granville Island to Gastown....
Yes, it could happen. Following in the tracks of North American cities San Francisco, Portland and Toronto, Vancouver is putting into motion plans for its own streetcar system. Since the first concept plan was approved in 1999, the city has been preserving specific areas such as False Creek for streetcar implementation. The idea is to bring service between active centres around the city not conveniently accessible now. "Phase 1" of the project would connect Granville Island to Waterfront Station. Riders would be able to jump on or off in Chinatown, Science World, Canada Place and as far west as Stanley Park. Extensions to the system may include lines to Vanier Park, down Broadway and Kerrisdale.
While we patiently wait for this project to be fully approved and construction started, the Downtown Historic Railway operates two restored streetcars between Granville Island and Science World during the months of May to October. Return service fee is only $2 for adults, $1 for children and seniors.
So, when summer rolls around, jump on board and catch a glimpse of the future while taking a ride in the past.
