Dear Editor:
The West Van B-Line “debate” looks eerily similar to other examples where a loud, brash minority deploys misinformation and twists facts to drive their agenda. Let’s examine some of the myths the anti-B-Line contingent are propagating:
Myth # 1. “Lanes will be closed.” Fact: No lanes will be “closed”, new left turn bays will be added to improve traffic flow. Curb lanes will be reconfigured to enhance transit flow, allow vehicles to make right turns, and provide safer travel for cyclists.
Myth #2. There’s no demand for a Dundarave/Ambleside routing to Phibbs Exchange. Fact; B Line isn’t about moving people to Phibbs Exchange, rather it’s about improving the broader Transit network for everyone including West Vancouverites. Think about B-Lining to Lower Lonsdale to enjoy the vibrant bar and restaurant scene, visit the Polygon gallery in the Quay, or hop the SeaBus for a carless day trip to Gastown. The B-Line is a key pillar of the overall Lower Mainland transit infrastructure. Blocking it at Park Royal shuts access to better, faster public transit for West Van citizens. Further, once Ride Hailing is available in our community, the combination of fast, low cost transit coupled with Uber and Lyft, will be a compelling transportation alternative for many West Vancouverites.
Myth #3. The B-Line plan is disastrous for West Van drivers. Fact: Take time to read the plan and understand the proposed changes along Marine Drive between 24th to Park Royal. Drivers who use this stretch frequently, know the common traffic bottlenecks:
Drivers making left turns at intersections like 15th (proposed change: New left turn bays at 13th, 15th and 17th will eliminate delays.)
Getting caught behind drivers attempting to parallel park along busy sections of Marine. (Proposed change: Removing a handful of parking spots in key choke points will actually ease congestion.
Drivers making right turns off Marine Drive (proposed change: Exiting drivers can use the shared bus/cycling curb lane and not block through traffic.)
Buses blocking vehicle traffic as they wait to pull into and out of bus stops. (Proposed change: The plan will get buses out of way of vehicle through traffic.
Bottom-line, even if you never use transit nor cycle along Marine Drive, take a close look at the proposed changes. Imagine driving your car along this new roadway and you might be amazed to see traffic flowing more freely between Dundarave and Park Royal.
Gord Breese
West Vancouver
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