Thanks, I'll add it to my list!
That reminds me, I spoke with a member about expanding the High Level Bridge line, and he made some good points about why it probably shouldn't happen. At least not for a while.
First, even if CP were to close down it's Strathcona yard tomorrow, there wouldn't be anywhere good for the streetcar line to go in that area. It's all industrial. Further north, we'd first need to replace the CP bridge across Jasper Ave, which was demolished a while ago. But even if it were rebuilt, there's no room to put tracks there. The land where old CP station sat has long since redeveloped, and it similarily can't go east or west along Jasper.
After hearing his points, I must say that I agree. Let's look at their immediate situation for a second. Their Whyte Ave stop is complete, but very bare. It's just a wooden platform and some signs. There's no seating, spots for shade, or facilities to sell tickets. Yes, we have conductors who sell tickets. But we also have a ticket tent at our Strathcona terminus for the busy days, so that the cars don't run late. I don't know how much detail I can get into, but they have longer term goals for something more permanent there.
How about the other end of the line? Well we do technically go to Jasper Ave, but it doesn't help with our visibility. The stop is actually at a park which is a few seconds walk from Jasper.
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I'm sure you know where I'm going with this. If you're walking, biking, or driving along Jasper, you wouldn't know you were passing by the stop unless you knew we were there, or you noticed the tiny little sign on a streetlight that says "High Level Bridge Streetcar -->"
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Given that the Whyte Ave extension took 10 years, I think they should pause any further expansions for now, and focus on improving what they already have. First, their presence along Jasper needs to be worked on. I know they can't go on and expand the tracks to the edge of the lot, but maybe they can work with the city and/or owner of that lot to improve their signage facing Jasper, and the pedestrian connections to that park.
On the other end of the line, they should chase that goal of turning their Whyte Ave stop into a proper terminus where people can wait in comfort. Given that it's on Whyte Ave of all places, it would be a great location to establish a public-facing presence that can extend beyond their operating days and seasons, so that they can have more of a presence in the public's consciousness beyond the occasional ride people take for the novelty of it.
And on both ends, they should improve accessibility at their termini. Right now, Old Strathcona has the only ramp in the system. I helped a lady and her family board, because she was wheelchair-bound, and it was quite an experience. Don't get me wrong, there's only so much that can be done when we're talking antique streetcars, but I think that improvements can be made. At the very least, there should be one on either end so that people who need the ramps have the option to get off and explore before taking their return trip, just like everyone else.
The ERRS is a volunteer organization. It is funded completely by rider fees, donations, and grants. They only have so much manpower and resources avalible, and cannot focus on multiple areas of improvement at once. Given this, I think that if it is to improve its presence, image, and outreach in Edmonton, there is much more to be gained from improving what they have right now before they consider any further expansions. As it has always done, it shoild continue to persue quality over quantity.
