I finally went on this yesterday and also transferred at Churchill. The platforms are narrow, so they do not seem that large and this will become even more of an issue if ridership increases.

I agree now is the time to think about and work out kinks like this, so it operates more smoothly and safely for everyone.
 
Oh, I forgot to mention, the platform at Churchill Stop to Mill Woods was PACKED. I remember there's been some discussion that the stop may have been underbuilt given its role in the system, but I hope five-minute frequencies help things a little.
 
I mean, it's good to see that the Valley Line is being used heavily, it probably shows that there is a demand for tram service in the city despite what some might say about future and current LRT projects. I do support the move to 5 min frequencies sooner rather than later. Like that National Post story mentioned, the Valley Line so far (despite its heavy delays) is a success in Edmontonian public transit.
 
Xtend said:
Great Video Chris - Thanks for posting that!

The line itself is great....
But what I can't get over is just how slowly the trains travel for the majority of the trip..... 30/35 - It's almost painful to watch haha
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I'll reserve final judgment for when I ride it myself (due to this effect possibly being at play in the video) and the fact that it seems surprisingly zippy through downtown from what I've seen, but speed's always been my biggest worry about this line. Seeing cars pass you while riding on brand new multi-billion dollar train is a real demoralizer.
 
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chrisvazquez7 said:
If anyone hasn't had a chance to ride the Valley Line yet, you may be interested in my video documenting the entire line from Mill Woods to 102 Street.

Click to expand...

I don't know what day or time when you rode the LRT but I noticed there were barely any passengers boarding from Avonmore to Churchill.
 
dkazzed said:
Oh, I forgot to mention, the platform at Churchill Stop to Mill Woods was PACKED. I remember there's been some discussion that the stop may have been underbuilt given its role in the system, but I hope five-minute frequencies help things a little.
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Not a bad thing at all. We have way too much empty space throughout most of our LRT system which becomes a place for loitering and unsafe activities. Our infrastructure should be well used and standing room only maintains safe spaces.
 
I've taken the Valley Line SE several times now and the rose-tinted glasses are off.
Taking 95 Ave and 85 Street instead of Connor's Road was a huge mistake that easily adds 5 minutes to the journey time.
Muttart to Bonnie Doon takes ~10 minutes (vs 4 minutes by car). This is for an area with lower transit ridership than Mill Woods and lower population density than our new suburbs.

From the city's concept plan from 2010:
> Connors Road – Remaining north of Connors Road in order to target 95 Avenue and avoiding the major commuter route with reversible lanes

The Valley Line absolutely prioritizes motorists and home owners over actual transit users and it shows.

Trips like Clareview - WEM, Mill Woods - University and Mill Woods - WEM via LRT will be comparable in duration to a cross-town bus. We've taken a shotgun to the network effects we get from intersecting LRT lines.
 
Gronk! said:
I don't know what day or time when you rode the LRT but I noticed there were barely any passengers boarding from Avonmore to Churchill.
Click to expand...

soupcrate said:
I've taken the Valley Line SE several times now and the rose-tinted glasses are off.
Taking 95 Ave and 85 Street instead of Connor's Road was a huge mistake that easily adds 5 minutes to the journey time.
Muttart to Bonnie Doon takes ~10 minutes (vs 4 minutes by car). This is for an area with lower transit ridership than Mill Woods and lower population density than our new suburbs.

From the city's concept plan from 2010:
> Connors Road – Remaining north of Connors Road in order to target 95 Avenue and avoiding the major commuter route with reversible lanes

The Valley Line absolutely prioritizes motorists and home owners over actual transit users and it shows.

Trips like Clareview - WEM, Mill Woods - University and Mill Woods - WEM via LRT will be comparable in duration to a cross-town bus. We've taken a shotgun to the network effects we get from intersecting LRT lines.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the review, kinda follows my thoughts.
Wondering if anyone here has tried to move a wheelchair or super suv style baby stroller between the aisles of seats, doesn't look possible
 
We are going to do the Wheelchair accessible trial this weekend, I'll let you know.

Wife is pretty militant now that she has to use a chair. A GC hired her to do a post construction assessment of a project, half way down the ramp she was taking notes. The GC commented on how tough she was since she was 10 ft into the building.
 
fungus_eater said:
It honestly doesn't feel slow at all when you ride it. It has quick acceleration and does keep up with traffic beside it
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Yes, I also noticed the train did keep up with traffic when I took it earlier this week. There was only one noticeable stop for lights along the whole route, so it seemed well timed

Having the number of stops it does, adds a bit of time, but of course the tradeoff is to having more neighbourhood stops. There are a couple stops close together that maybe should have been consolidated, but overall they make sense.
 
Habibfazil said:
Thanks for the review, kinda follows my thoughts.
Wondering if anyone here has tried to move a wheelchair or super suv style baby stroller between the aisles of seats, doesn't look possible
Click to expand...

Unfortunately, our stroller does not fit down the aisle. (I don’t think it’s too crazy a stroller, but maybe it is!) Thankfully, there is lots of space close to where the doors open for stroller parking.

Tough to have wide aisles with low floor trains as the placement of the bogies leads to certain space constraints within the car.
 
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