TRANSLINK announced on Monday that it is equipping more buses with new tires and deploying new articulated buses with better traction this season, to prepare for winter weather in Metro Vancouver.
Up to 600 buses — roughly 100 more than 2023 — will be equipped with Michelin Grip D tires on key routes. They have a deeper tread pattern and, like the fleet’s existing tires, carry the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake rating, the highest winter rating available for bus tires. Testing has shown Michelin Grip D tires perform effectively in snowy and rainy conditions. Coast Mountain Bus Company (CMBC) will continue to evaluate the performance of the tires.
Sixteen new articulated buses with centre drive axles (in addition to standard rear drive axles) are also being put into service. These buses are new to CMBC’s fleet, with the dual drive axles providing better traction, stability, and steering control; they will be used specifically on steep, slippery areas in the region.
Additional weather mitigation strategies will be utilized across Metro Vancouver.
Bus service preparations and actions:
– Coordinating with municipalities on snow-clearing of priority routes.
– Spreading anti-icing solution on overhead trolley wires.
– Using brass cutters on some trolley buses to prevent ice buildup on wires.
– Replacing some rear drive axle articulated buses with conventional 40-foot buses on certain hilly routes.
– Utilizing snow shuttles on portions of steeper routes with heavy snowfall.
– Salting and sanding bus exchanges.
SkyTrain service preparations and actions:
– Using de-icer trains to keep the power rail free from ice buildup.
– Running trains overnight to prevent snow buildup in the guideway.
– Connecting Millennium Line trains into four-car configurations.
– Deploying SkyTrain Attendants at the front of trains to limit emergency braking triggered by heavy snowfall.
– Preventing and clearing ice and snow buildup on SkyTrain doors with platform teams equipped with hockey sticks.
– Salting and sanding walkways at SkyTrain and West Coast Express stations.
TransLink customers are encouraged to dress for the elements and wear proper footwear to avoid slips and falls. To prepare for snowfall, transit riders are encouraged to build in extra travel time and plan commutes using Trip Planner.
To stay informed, customers can sign up for Transit Alerts, follow TransLink on X (@TransLink), or call Customer Information at 604.953.3333. Phone service is also available in over 300 languages; customers can call during operating hours and request assistance in their preferred language.
