A gold medal transit system! A look back at our Olympics performance and growing ridership
Gold was the colour of the month this February as Canadian athletes took home a record 14 Gold medals at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games. During these exciting weeks, Canada Line shone as the gold standard in public transportation as spectators, volunteers and athletes rode the to those historic events. Between 200,000 and 300,000 people daily were transported to and from the airport, downtown Vancouver and venues such as the Richmond Speed Skating Oval and Curling’s Olympic Centre. Our greater than 98% reliability rating meant riders got to their destinations quickly and on time.
Our success around the Olympics has shown tourists and residents alike that Canada Line is a great tool for daily commuting or to get you to the many exciting happenings around town. Ridership is up 20% from pre-Olympic levels and continues to grow daily. Thank you to the wonderful residents of Vancouver and Richmond who have proved that Canada Line is an important addition to Metro Vancouver.
YVR Airport a Perfect Destination, Not Just a Point of Transit
Looking for some of Vancouver’s best free public art? Enjoy people watching? Interested in aerospace technology or enjoy watching planes take off? Looking for a massage, facial, doctor’s check-up, liquor store specializing in BC wines or a good family destination? Believe it or not, all of this and more is available at the airport.
For most of us, the airport is a point of transit and transition. A place we pass through when we are going somewhere or coming home. As passengers we marvel quickly at the impressive art instillations, but never have the time to really take them in. Canada Line now makes that possible. Ride the train out to YVR airport and check out some of the many great offerings mentioned below.
Airport features not to miss:
- Public Art – Bill Reid’s Jade canoe tops an impressive art collection on display throughout YVR airport. While some of the art is past security and inaccessible to visitors, YVR public spaces are replete with totem poles, sculptures and more. On a nice day, make sure to visit the outdoor totem poles located between international arrivals and the entrance to the parking lot and Canada Line. More information on art at YVR airport can be found at http://www.yvraf.com/art.html.
- Public Observation Area - While at the airport, check out the new Public Observation Area. You’ll find it on Level 4 of the Domestic terminal (accessed through the level 3 food court). Explore the interactive maps, flight simulator and monoculars for viewing the runway. A great family destination.
- Spas – YVR airport is home to Absolute Spa and Hair Salon with two locations available to non travelling passengers. They offer a range of services including massage, manicures and pedicures, hair services for men and women, anti-fatigue and jet lag treatments, and chair massage.
- Restaurants and Bars – YVR offers a range of great restaurants and bars for everyone’s taste, from the main food court to specialty full service restaurants. Grab some quick fast food, settle in for some quality West Coast cuisine or snack on homemade chocolate.
- Shops and Personal services – Take advantage of your trip to the airport with some quick shopping or a medical or dental appointment. YVR features a range of services aimed at the travelling community and airport employees, and accessible to the public. Find out more at http://yvr.ca.
