TRANSLINK is advising customers to avoid travelling where possible as the heavy snowfall is expected to cause considerable delays, particularly on the bus network.

Minimal bus services are available in some areas, particularly parts of Vancouver, the North Shore, and Burnaby.

Those using transit should build in extra travel time and check their route by consulting our Trip Planner, signing up for transit alerts, or by following TransLink on twitter @TransLink. Conditions are changing continually and further updates will be provided.

SkyTrain

• SkyTrain is delivering service to all stations on all three lines.
  • Trains are being staffed manually by attendants to stop snowfall from triggering emergency braking and train doors are being cleared of ice and snow as they enter key stations. This means there may be larger gaps in service than normal.

Bus

• Buses throughout Metro Vancouver are likely to see delays due to traffic and road conditions.
  • TransLink is advising municipalities which roads to prioritize for clearing.
• TransLink’s best advice for customers is to sign up for transit alerts, check @TransLink on Twitter, or call its Customer Information line at 604-953-3333 before heading out to get the best up-to-date information about specific routes.

HandyDART

• HandyDART is prioritizing customers with medical appointments.

SeaBus/West Coast Express

• Regular service.

What TransLink doing to keep transit moving:

Bus

• Coordinating with municipalities on snow clearing when priority routes are impacted.
• Replacing articulated 60’ buses with 40’ conventional buses where possible, as they are more agile on steep, slippery areas.
• TransLink will be running buses with tire socks on Burnaby Mountain and on key routes on the North Shore and Vancouver where hills and traction are an issue.
• Deploying special trucks to spread anti-icing solution on trolley wires.
• Calling in extra staff to assist customers and coordinate service.

SkyTrain

• Positioning SkyTrain attendants at the front of trains to improve reliability on the system by limiting emergency braking triggered by snowfall.
• Positioning attendants with de-icing fluid and hockey sticks on platforms to remove ice and snow from train doors.
• Coupling Millennium Line trains into 4-car configurations to increase capacity while SkyTrain attendants monitor guideways.
• Running a special SkyTrain that sprays de-icer on the power rail to keep trains moving.
• Trains were run throughout the night to keep the guideway clear of snow.
• Calling in extra staff to assist customers and coordinate service.