TRANSLINK said non Saturday it is ensuring all transit services are prepared for potential snowfall, with snow forecast in Metro Vancouver in the coming days.
Current weather preparations include:
- Calling in extra staff to coordinate service.
- Coordinating with municipalities on snow-clearing if priority routes are impacted.
- Preparing special trucks to spread anti-icing solution on trolley wires.
- Replacing articulated buses with 40’ conventional buses, when necessary, as they are more agile on steep, slippery areas.
- Coupling Millennium Line trains into four-car configurations to increase capacity, with SkyTrain attendants ready to monitor guideways.
- Running a special SkyTrain overnight which sprays de-icer on the power rail to keep trains moving.
If conditions worsen, the following tactics may be deployed:
- Install brass “cutters” on some trolley buses to cut through ice on trolley wires.
- Install tire socks on buses on Burnaby Mountain and specific North Shore and Vancouver routes, where hills and traction are an issue.
- Implement a UBC Snow Shuttle (UBC from Alma to UBC via Blanca Loop).
- Position SkyTrain attendants at the front of each Expo and Millennium Line train to improve reliability on the system by limiting emergency braking triggered by heavy snowfall.
- Run trains through the night if snow is especially heavy to keep tracks clear.
- Equip HandyDART service with two staff members 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 across the system.
TransLink customers are encouraged to dress for the elements and use 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.
Customers can also sign up for Transit Alerts, follow TransLink on Twitter (@TransLink), or call Customer Service at 604.953.3333.
More information:
