IN anticipation of heavy snowfall in Wednesday’s forecast, TransLink announced that it is activating its snow plan for severe weather. TransLink wants to encourage customers to build extra time into their commute, and to check their route before they go by consulting its Trip Planner, signing up for transit alerts, calling Customer Information at 604-953-3333, or by following on twitter @TransLink.

What customers should know for each mode:

SkyTrain

• SkyTrain is delivering service to all stations on all three lines, but there may be larger gaps in service than normal because trains are being staffed manually by attendants to ensure snowfall does not trigger emergency breaking.
  • All Expo Line trains from Waterfront are terminating at King George Station. Customers on the Expo Line intending to travel towards Production Way–University Station should transfer trains at New Westminster or Columbia stations.
    • This modification to service allows TransLink to increase train frequencies for customers while trains are being manually staffed.

Bus

• As more snowfall or freezing rain comes, customers should prepare for some delays in service.
  • The best advice is to sign up for transit alerts, check @TransLink on Twitter, or call Customer Information line at 604-953-3333 before heading out.
• Transit supervisors will be scouting major roads to identify any challenging areas and TransLink will be communicating with municipalities to advise which roads to prioritize for clearing.

SeaBus, West Coast Express, and HandyDART are currently running regular service, but this could change at any time.

What TransLink is doing to keep transit moving:

Bus

• Coordinating with municipalities on snow clearing when priority routes are impacted.
• Replacing articulated buses with 40’ conventional buses as available, as they are more agile on steep, slippery areas.
• Installing tire socks on buses on Burnaby Mountain and on key North Shore and Vancouver routes as needed where hills and traction are an issue.
• Implementing a UBC Snow Shuttle as needed, UBC from Alma to UBC via Blanca Loop.
• 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.
• Calling in extra staff to assist customers and coordinate service.

SkyTrain

• Coupling Millennium Line trains into 4-car configurations to increase capacity while SkyTrain attendants monitor guideways.
• Positioning SkyTrain attendants at the front of trains to improve reliability on the system by limiting emergency braking triggered by snowfall.
• Running a special SkyTrain that sprays de-icer on the power rail to keep trains moving.
• Running trains through the night if snow is especially heavy, to keep tracks clear.
• Calling in extra staff to assist customers and coordinate service.