Urban Vancouver

Transit Camp - Sat Dec. 8th at Workspace

By uncleweed on December 5, 2007 - 11:39am

Still time to Sign up for Vancouver Transit Camp

You may have noticed Vancouver Transit Camp in the Urban Vancouver event listings and wondering, "Huh? What is this?"

Well, here's what the event wiki says:

"Vancouver Transit Camp is a community-driven event run by everyone who comes. Based on the Bar Camp “unconference” model, presentations are pitched by the group and arranged on the spot at the beginning of the event. Transit Camp is about the community connecting, sharing and learning in a positive, fun environment. No keynotes, no lectures – this event is for sharing the expertise, knowledge and spirit that we all possess, to improve our transit system."

Vancouver Courier's Cheryl Rossi wrote a piece about the event - Transit conference courts all perspectives - and ringleader Karen Fung is out and about talking to media and drumming up interest as folks start to get busy for the festive period.

Fung, a communications student at SFU, has organized the virtual and actual meeting space for a "Transit Camp," tentatively scheduled for Dec. 8. Described as an "un-conference," the event will accommodate 100 participants. They will sit in a circle in the morning and briefly outline the transit-related topic they're passionate about. "Everyone leaves the conference having made their own way through a series of conversations," Fung said, adding that if participants don't feel they're contributing or getting value from a conversation, they're encouraged to move on and start a new one.

There is nothing "official" about this event though some players at Translink (and related ministries) may pop in on their personal time to participate.

Bear in mind, the organization is undergoing significant transformation - see "Translink Democracy Derailed - Political appointees to replace elected reps" By Andrew MacLeod in the tyee.ca.

Where: WorkSpace, Suite 400 at 21 Water Street, in Vancouver’s Gastown.

When: Dec. 8th, Saturday, 9AM-5PM

How you can get in on the fun?

Sign up with the other Attendees ($20 suggested donation)

Join the Sponsors to support (see the budget online)

Promote on your blog etc. with cool Van Transit Camp art

Methinks that green(er) transportation options are vital to the sustainability of any area - urban or rural - and citizen participation is key to creating successful public policy.

As such, I am eager to brew up some transit ideas for tourists trips (how to avoid those goofy, expensive tourist buses and see the real sights of Vangroovy) as well as rail on about turnstiles, advertising and reminiscing about the burbs before the ALRT. And you? Well if you have something to say, get over and sign up, showup and be ready to pitch in with words and thoughts.