Slam dunk for transit – Canada Line’s First Year Ridership Smashes Forecasts

Sky Train Bridge over the Fraser River, Credit: Mathew5000

According to recent statistics released by TransLink, in its first year the Canada Line has recorded 36 million passenger boardings. Average daily ridership recorded in July 2010 was almost 100,000; far exceeding original ridership forecasts which estimated these levels would not be reached until 2013. This ridership represents the elimination of approximately 14,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions due to energy efficiencies compared with alternate modes.

Opened in August 2009, the Canada Line is the third leg in TransLink’s SkyTrain network across the lower mainland. The Canada Line comprises 19 km of track from Vancouver to Richmond with a 4 km spur line connecting to the Vancouver International Airport. During the 2010 Winter Olympics, the line’s ridership peaked to an daily average of 228,190 over the 17-day event.

Another slam dunk from BC after the break

In honor of the Skytrain’s recent success, check out British Columbia’s own Steve Nash set up a slam dunk off his head! For those of you who have not yet heard of Steve Nash’s Green reputation, among other green efforts with the NBA he plays with a custom shoe by Nike called “Trash Talk” made from 100% manufacturing waste. Keep it green Steve!