Bus #152 Route

The new route that Transit proposes will have no effect on service to
riders. as the loop traveled through downtown is just reversed. This
request should be approved.

Transit's request to lengthen the eastbound McAllister bus zone should
be denied until thev can satisfy the City that other alternatives have
been expiored. The main reason for objecting to the extension is
because of complaints received from the downtown businesses about
Shortages of nearby parking.

I asked Transit if they would consider shortening the Shaughnessv bus
zone if bus #152 is moved. in exchange for the extra 16 metres on the
McAllister zone. I was told that this would not be acceptable because
even though there mav be some additional space in the Shaughnessv zone
now. future plans for longer articulating busses will need this space.

Downtown Bus Zones

The Shaughnessv/McAllister intersection is known as the ‘Port Coquitlam
Centre’. The Centre is a transfer station for eleven bus routes.
Virtually all riders arrive at this Centre bv bus and most will either
continue on or transfer to a different bus. Very few riders would walk
from home to this Centre to catch a bus. or arrive here as a
destination.

Although I am not aware of all the problems that Transit encounters when
designing their routes. it would benefit both traffic flow and parking
problems if some bus transfers and lav~overs could be moved awav. from
this intersection. The Shaughnessy . McAllister intersection has
approximately 160 metres of bus zone on three legs. using 2 lot of on-
street parking. From the husinessman's point of view. they need this
parking, as the advantage that thev have over the local mall competition
1s quick and easy access.

Three options that Transit could consider are:

Kelocate bus lav-overs awav from the downtown centre. so that the
Shaughnessv/McAllister bus zones are stop—and-go only, with no
waiting. This. could reduce the required bus zone lengths and limit
the requests for longer zones when articulating busses are
implemented.

Move some of the bus transfers to the "Coquitlam Centre’ station.
Relocate the entire 'Port Coquitlam Transit Centre' awav from the

downtown area. A couple of regular bus stops could replace the
Centre. to service the immediate area.

ITEM | PAGE

7 | 34

fae