http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commuter_rail_in_North_America,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toronto_subway_and_RT#Future_expansion,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montreal_Metro#Future_projects
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light_rail_in_Canada#Light_rail_systems_by_city
So far since the late 1950s, Vancouver hasn't been allowed to have a network of trams or streetcars on a scale of what's in Melbourne, Toronto and San Francisco Its been impossible for Vancouver to catchup to those cities, but more & more people are starting to realize something. In addition to grade separated heavy rail & light rail systems, trams are great for local transit trips. Trams or streetcars are like a bus on train tracks. Trams can be linked into 2 or more units & are usually longer than any articulated bus. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bus_rapid_transit#Main_features,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transit_City#Light_rail_transit,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Market_Street_Subway,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muni_Metro#Routes,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toronto_streetcar_system#Routes
http://skytrainforsurrey.org/2013/02/11/light-rail-transit-has-a-high-operating-cost-per-service-hour/
http://skytrainforsurrey.org/2012/05/03/richmond-wanted-skytrain/
http://skytrainforsurrey.org/2013/02/06/skytrain-creates-more-accessible-communities-the-importance-of-advocating-for-the-right-transit-technology/
http://getthebiggerpicture.wa.gov.au/light-rail/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rapid_transit_in_Germany#U-Bahn
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London_Underground_infrastructure#Subsurface_versus_deep-level_tube_lines
Unlike most urban regions, the Vancouver & BC mentality is about keeping trains, roads & buildings smaller than what's common in most cities. However, things are slowly changing.
http://the-intersection-point.blogspot.ca/2013/02/vancouvers-second-tallest-skyscraper.html
