December 13, 2018

Christmas Wish Granted? Universal Internet and Public Washrooms on TransLink System Coming!

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As public transit for a major city we have been wondering why TransLink does not have continuous public internet along the system, and why there are no washrooms, because it is a human need and everyone needs access to washrooms. We have been exploring those issues for some time in Price Tags.

TransLink has now announced that free access to internet service is coming, and will be offered on SkyTrain, the SeaBus and on transit.

As the Vancouver Sun noted, there had been cut and paste internet service offered at SeaBus terminals and on the SeaBus, but service was not extended beyond these locations. Working with Shaw the idea is to provide uniform service across the transit network, with the proviso that such coverage will take six years to be completely implemented. And yes, you will be able to access the internet even if you are not a Shaw customer. Trials will start next year, and the complete internet coverage of the public transportation system is said to the first in Canada.

And to make matters even more comfortable and convenient, the TransLink Board has approved the development of a strategy to provide washrooms on the system “over the longer term”.

As reported in the Daily Hive “The preferred method is to provide washroom facilities in partnership with third-party parties to maximize customer experience and maximize safety and security while also minimizing costs and risks.”

It’s no surprise that TransLink found that 72% of those surveyed said washrooms would make the transit experience better, with 20% actually admitting that they limited their trips around the need to use washroom facilities. And fully 25 percent said they’d use transit service more and longer if washroom access was provided.

An implementation strategy for washrooms will be developed in 2019, providing the missing link of washroom comfort and convenience. Coupled with universal internet coverage, TransLink is now becoming a system that is truly accessible and attractive for all users. It’s a pretty perfect Christmas wish fulfilment.

prv0426n-loo-03Images: Khq.com, Montreal Gazette

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Comments

  1. Finally the wisdom of the masses has been adopted by the few around a table at Translink. … the dearth of public washrooms anywhere in the city ( except parks – which are often closed) reveals how primitive is the vision of our city leaders. Why is it so difficult . Aside from some extravagant self cleaning Paris-style toilets, how about just some rental-type toilets covered with ornamental
    decals . Cheap cheap cheap. Now there’s a project for sanitation and public art to collectively wrap their heads around.

  2. I do not agree with this Tranlink policy: “The preferred method is to provide washroom facilities in partnership with third-party parties to maximize customer experience and maximize safety and security while also minimizing costs and risks.”

    Not surprised that Daily Hive accepts it uncritcally. This policy will guarantee that waskrooms will only be placed at high traffic stations where retail outlets go, will only be available when the retail operations are open, will probably underserve the needs, and will be mildly discouraging, or maybe majorly, to people who need to use a washroom but to not want to buy some food.

    Translink should consider providing public washooms at ALL stations to be an ESSENTIAL part of running a modern, first-rate transit system, like many other systems do. What is this, the THIRD WORLD?

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