TransLink is “activating plans” to deal with today's expected snow storm.
“Environment Canada is forecasting wet snow through the morning commute,” reads a statement. “We are encouraging customers to build in extra travel time, dress for the elements, and use proper footwear to avoid slips and falls. Customer Information will have extra staff on hand, but customers should expect heavier volumes of calls and social media requests.”
Here’s what TransLink says it’s doing right now:
- Calling in extra staff to assist customers and coordinate service.
- Coordinating with municipalities on snow clearing if priority routes are impacted.
- Coupling Millennium Line trains into four-car configurations to increase capacity while SkyTrain attendants monitor guideways.
- Deploying special trucks to spread anti-icing solution on trolley wires.
- Installing brass “cutters” on some trolley buses to cut through ice on trolley wires.
So far this morning, TransLink has indicated customers can expect delays due to the snow conditions, and that the Millennium Line is indeed running four-car trains.
#SkyTrain #RiderAlert Due to inclement weather, Bus and SkyTrain service may be impacted across the system today. Please allow extra travel time and bundle up! ^sp
— TransLink BC (@TransLink) February 4, 2020
#SkyTrain Due to inclement weather this morning, Millennium Line is operating with 4 car trains to increase capacity but reduced frequency. Please allow extra time for your commute today if possible. ^sp
— TransLink BC (@TransLink) February 4, 2020
What TransLink will do if conditions are severe:
- Replace articulated buses with 40’ conventional buses when necessary, as they are more agile on steep, slippery areas.
- Install tire socks on buses on Burnaby Mountain and on key North Shore routes where hills and traction are an issue.
- Position attendants at the front of each Expo and Millennium Line trains to improve reliability on the system by limiting emergency braking triggered by heavy snowfall.
- Run a special SkyTrain that sprays de-icer on the power rail to keep trains moving.
- Send HandyDART out with two staff per vehicle, to ensure customers get safely to their door, and assist in digging out the bus if required.
- Activate further staff increases to assist customers right across the system.
As always, be sure to check TransLink's alerts page for updated info about your particular bus or train route.
- With additional reporting by Lindsay William-Ross/Vancouver Is Awesome
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