Water-Based Transportation

I’ve travelled quite a bit to a whole variety of places around the world, and it continues to boggle my mind that Vancouver and the region does not more adequately utilize the water as a major component of the transportation system.

Sure, we have the Seabus, connecting downtown Vancouver to Lower Lonsdale in North Vancouver.  Consider, however, the possibilities of connecting Deep Cove, Port Moody, West Vancouver (Horseshoe bay etc.) to the Waterfront Station in Downtown? Let alone the possibilities to connect elsewhere in the region including Burnaby. 

The example I draw upon was my experience travelling the water-based system in Sydney Australia.  At the Circular Quay station, there are 6 berths where ferries dock and off-load and on-load passengers; there is an adjacent subway system, and is within close proximity to the central bus loop.  This beautiful combination of transportation uses makes Circular Quay one amazing urban adventure with outdoor plazas, waterfront walks, outdoor cafes, and indeed the Iconic Opera House is a short walk away.

Some have criticized the Circular Quay area for the elevated railway that cuts much of the initial access to the water-front.  Sydney is currently reviewing the area and is developing a new plan seeking to remedy this challenge.  All things considered however there are amazing commonalities and significant opportunities between both the Circular Quay area in Sydney and Vancouver’s Waterfront Station area.  Both locations are a nexus of transportation modes (buses, trains, ferries, pedestrians), abut major tourist destinations, and have significant potential for growth and adaptive change.

In Sydney, the ferry system is utilized as much, if not more, than any other form of transit.  It is SO well designed that it has become a significant piece of both their cultural heritage but also their tourist infrastructure.

In comparing Vancouver (and the region) to Sydney (and the region), Vancouver is lacking the densities to truly justify a comprehensive passenger ferry system through and across English Bay.  Future plans and future zoning considerations should take this into account and plan for water-front uses that combine industry, commercial enterprises, and residential development which can foster and support ferry services – Lower Lonsdale is an excellent model to follow. 

Instead of the 1960 era SeaBus, new types of ferries should be considered for any system in Vancouver.  Sydney (and other City’s in Australia) use so-called Fast-Cats which travel quickly but do not kick up significant wake (a major problem with the Seabuses here), are comfortable and relatively inexpensive to operate.

I am convinced that a ferry system can be successful here in Vancouver as it is in Sydney, where it has operated for more than 50 years.  If the various levels of government can cooperate on a ferry system, I am convinced that the initial pieces of a true water-based transit system (ie, Passenger Ferries) could be successfully implemented within 10 years.

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