Derek Moscato writes about Vancouver transit and city issues for Metro.

Taking the law into their own hands

August 09, 2010

You have to feel sorry for the vacationing Wisconsin couple whose $100,000 camper van was stolen in Vancouver last week. 

Urban gardens growing

June 28, 2010

Call it green fatigue, but I’m feeling overwhelmed these days by the surge of eco-friendly and ethically correct lifestyle and consumer choices vying for my daily attention.

Slow is the new fast

June 21, 2010

At first blush, a recent study recommending slower vehicle speeds on a six-block stretch of Vancouver’s East Hastings Street struck me as, well, misguided.

Controversial trail is paved with good intentions

June 14, 2010

With the arrival of summer imminent, you can bet that legions of cyclists and power-walkers will soon be crowding our seawalls and urban pathways in a bid to get fit and enjoy the great outdoors. Politicians and planners, inspired by downtown Vancouver’s busy seaside stroll, are also hoping to duplicate that success in other parts of Metro Vancouver.

Gridiron fan bus blitz

June 07, 2010

In case you haven’t noticed — and surprisingly, some people have not — a new professional football stadium has been constructed at the PNE fairgrounds in East Vancouver. Granted, the facility for the Canadian Football League’s B.C. Lions is a temporary one while a new retractable roof is put on B.C. Place Stadium during the next year or two.

Taking aim at the mayor

May 31, 2010

A recent jaunt to Seattle provided an opportunity to reflect upon transport developments taking place with our metropolitan sibling to the south.

Should TransLink have a flat fee for all students?

May 17, 2010

TransLink recently held its annual general meeting aboard the new SeaBus — a nice touch for what could have been an otherwise dull occasion. The passenger ferry — packed with VIPs, politicians, media and concerned citizens — sailed across a picture-perfect Burrard Inlet for the occasion, which laid out the transit agency’s less-than-sparkling financial outlook.

All this Portland love needs some perspective

May 10, 2010

Great news for local foodies: Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson recently said he wants to bring a better selection of street cuisine to the city core. And he’s looking to Portland — which has a bountiful food cart scene — for inspiration. So bring on the vendors of tacos, souvlaki and bento boxes.

Skyline is looking up

May 03, 2010

It’s hard to believe, but Arthur Erickson might be proven wrong after all.

Nanny-state helmet law hurts cycling efforts

April 26, 2010

Brad Kilburn can’t be thrilled to be an outlaw in British Columbia. But the avid cyclist has become exactly that since last year.

Keep Granville Street for people

April 19, 2010

With the Vancouver Canucks back in the Stanley Cup chase, you might expect a return of good times to Granville Street. The city’s downtown entertainment district was the epicentre of fandom and fun during the Olympic Games — and there’s no reason why that shouldn’t continue through these hockey playoffs.

Choppy waters for entrepreneur

April 12, 2010

Ihab Shaker has operated passenger ferry services on the Red Sea, the Salish Sea, and even Lake Ontario.

Terrible timing for TransLink fare hike

April 05, 2010

Surprise, surprise: The Bus Riders Union is angry again. Every time TransLink raises bus fares, it seems, the local collective of transit activists cries foul. At various rallies and public forums, it has voiced its disgust with the higher cost to ride SkyTrain, Seabus or bus.

Taking the air out of Vancouver

March 29, 2010

The last month has been marked by bickering aplenty between this country’s largest airline, Air Canada, and Emirates Airlines, the state-sponsored carrier from the United Arab Emirates.

End of the Olympic Line means an opportunity lost

March 22, 2010

Yesterday, Vancouver’s modern streetcar made its final journey along False Creek. With the conclusion of the Paralympics, the so-called Olympic Line is no more.

Airlines square off over Vancouver service

March 15, 2010

These should be the best of times for the aviation business in Vancouver.

Fate of 2010 transit legacy rests with politicians

March 08, 2010

It’s no surprise that Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson wants to capitalize on the recently concluded and hugely successful Winter Games. His opportunity to leverage the Olympics to garner support for major city initiatives is significant, but fleeting.

Transit should be Olympic legacy

March 01, 2010

The conclusion of Vancouver’s Winter Games provides an occasion for more than just counting Canadian medals, or the dollars required to stage this blockbuster event.

Arnie’s visit could pay off for B.C.

February 22, 2010

Arnold Schwarznegger’s whirlwind Olympic trip to Vancouver will be remembered almost exclusively for his controversial and colourful torch run in the morning lead-up to the opening ceremonies.

Games shine light on Vancouverism

February 15, 2010

The Economist was right all along. Canada is cool — mostly. Four days into the Vancouver Winter Games, it’s hard to deny the prestigious magazine’s 2003 assertion that the Great White North has a new spirit.

Expect to count on the SkyTrain during the Games

February 08, 2010

With athletes, spectators, volunteers and media pouring into Vancouver in the lead-up to the Winter Olympics, it’s time for locals to be thinking about how they will get around the city in the coming weeks.

Makeover adds vibe

February 01, 2010

Amidst the cheerleading, the protests, and the corporate messaging, it’s easy to forget that Vancouver’s hosting of the 2010 Winter Olympics has been the catalyst for much-needed urban redevelopment.

Driver complacency not an option during the Games

January 25, 2010

As far as North America-staged Olympics go, the Salt Lake City Winter Games represent a tough act to follow. The Utah capital overcame significant scandal leading up to the event to put on a memorable, financially successful Olympics. The city even found a way to ward off traffic chaos by deploying a well-executed transportation plan.

Make time to show your support for the Olympic Line

January 18, 2010

The Olympic Line, the modern streetcar service that will run between Olympic Village Station and Granville Island during the Winter Olympics, opens its doors to rail enthusiasts this week.

Use it or lose it when it comes to new foot ferry service

January 11, 2010

A new passenger ferry service connecting West Vancouver to downtown could be sailing into a financial fog.

Canada should ensure we're not let behind when it comes to high-speed rail

January 04, 2010

It’s time for Canada to wake up to the reality of high-speed rail. While federal politicians pay limited lip service to the idea of connecting our urban regions with this sustainable and efficient mode of transport, other countries are forging ahead with more concrete plans.

Canada Line highlights a big year for Vancouver commuters

December 21, 2009

Metro Vancouver commuters will remember 2009 for the completion of key mega-projects in the region.

Road tolling may be a necessary evil for Vancouver

December 07, 2009

TransLink, in case you haven’t heard, is facing what can best be described as a cash crunch.

Is this public transit or a hot yoga class?

November 30, 2009

In the greater scheme of things, the temperature of a city bus doesn’t rank with safety, reliability and cost when it comes to transit topics that resonate with the public.

Departure of TransLink's 'Messier' comes at a terrible time

November 23, 2009

Earlier this month, CEO Tom Prendergast resigned his post and announced plans to head up New York City Transit.