Gateway Crasher

Posted by Duran
Filed in City
May 11, 2008

If you build it, they will come.

That's precisely the theory that many active opponents of the Gateway Project are putting forth to warn BC residents of the impending failure of the proposed $3 billion road expansion plan if it goes through. They prophesize that the additional road capacity will simply become congested soon after completion due to new commuters being attracted to the shiny new pavement. At a time where gas prices are the topic of choice at a water cooler near you, this issue and many others relating to our transportation infrastructure have all become paramount to Vancouverites as of late.

Recent SFU Communications grad Ryan Longoz has chosen to tackle this controversial topic and has tied it in nicely with a little bit of economics 101 in a compact nine-minute video. Instead of putting the blame for traffic congestion squarely on the government and (get ready for the "c"-word) corporations, he goes a step further, and essentially points the finger at every single one of us iPod-using, gas-guzzling, fashion-wearing consumers. He mentions that "we are all complicit, because we are all complacent" (my favourite quote from the clip) when referring to our transportation and consumption habits.

I recommend you watch this quick video and get yourself up to speed on all things Gateway. Otherwise, check out these links to get some other perspectives.

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Not a terrible video, a bit cheesy, the music was a tad annoying and much of the content is "no shit" territory, but he does a nice job of tying all these bits of recent policy history together.

But I don't buy the "induced traffic" bit. People will buy houses further out because it is economically logical, not because there is a highway is expanded. And just because another lane is added, doesn't mean anyone is going to rush out and spend 20K on a new vehicle, please, this isn't 1955.

Posted by: The Publics at May 11, 2008 11:06 PM | Quote Comment

Rather than building across, perhaps it's time to build up. It's much more cost-effective as a homeowner, and has a much smaller impact on the environment...

Posted by: Mike at May 12, 2008 9:21 AM | Quote Comment

I definitely think this video was directed towards the layperson with limited knowledge of the Gateway plan, which partially explains the "no shit" factor. And, for an undergrad with no prior doco experience as far as I know, I think the quality is pretty damn good.

I definitely think the theory of induced traffic is extremely valid. These days, if you live in the 'burbs, it ususally means you already have a car or truck (you ever try to get around Maple Ridge by foot?). Most (not all) people who move away will commute by vehicle by default. They will continue to do so until it becomes inconvenient enough for them to switch over to alternative method of commuting. Introduction of new lanes will encourage transit users to try and drive again (a large proportion of them have vehicles at home), until congestion occurs once more.

And speaking of building up, I think many people agree that this has already happened on a large scale (i.e. 20,000 condos under construction at this very moment). It's just too bad it takes about 80% of your pre-tax income to buy one of those joints. But don't even get me started on the state of RE in Vancouver...

Posted by: Duran at May 12, 2008 9:42 AM | Quote Comment

wow, what a quality post. I'm glad to see such relevant social issues discussed on this site.. the development of sustainable transportation systems in our city is going to largely determine the quality of life its citizens enjoy in the future. getting people out of their cars, and exploring other transportation options, is essential to the development of a healthy urban centre.
this duran guy is going places...

Posted by: I (heart) Translink at May 12, 2008 12:52 PM | Quote Comment