Major delays on SkyTrain: Expo Line shutdown due to technical glitch
SkyTrain’s Expo Line route has come to a complete standstill this evening due to a technical glitch.
The issues first began at approximately 6 p.m. when a significant number of trains began timing out along the Expo Line. The cause of the disruption revolves around an electrical system failure.
All Expo Line stations are being closed and stalled trains near stations are being evacuated by staff.
“If you are [onboard] one of these trains, please remain on board and follow instructions of SkyTrain staff,” reads a statement by Transit Police. “Please do not try to open the doors and walk on the tracks as this will just delay start-up more as the tracks will have to be powered down.”
“Your patience is appreciated and SkyTrain is working on resolving the issue.”
According to TransLink, SkyTrain attendants have been deployed to the stalled trains to manually drive the vehicles back to the station. A bus bridge is also in the process of being established from Sapperton to King George to Columbia stations and from Broadway-Commercial to Waterfront stations.
Millennium Line trains are currently only running from VCC-Clark and Columbia stations.
There is no estimated time for when regular train service will resume. Transit users are advised to use alternate routes as the shutdown will likely be lengthy.
The system issues began just as thousands of people were traveling to Rogers Arena for tonight’s Vancouver Canucks game, which begins at 7 p.m.
- UPDATE at 7:40 p.m. – The bus bridge between King George-Columbia-Sapperton has been canceled as train service has resumed from King George to Edmonds stations. Extra buses are now operating from Edmonds to Broadway. The bus bridge beteween Broadway and Waterfront is still operating.
- UPDATE at 8:45 p.m. – Regular train service is being restored.
Social media reaction and photos
#TransLink staffer just said to expect long wait if we stick with #SkyTrain – whole system down. #TransLink pic.twitter.com/sPuUCe3u2H
— Ian Bailey (@ianabailey) October 25, 2015
Passenger just said we ‘re going to be stuck in #SkyTrain “for an hour” so get on bus. #TransLink pic.twitter.com/FSEzXktvS7 — Ian Bailey (@ianabailey) October 25, 2015
Good public transit needs people, not just computers. Robot #SkyTrain driver locked up at Broadway-Commercial pic.twitter.com/rnoy66lliq — Eric Doherty (@Eric_Doherty) October 25, 2015
So nice how the skytrain is out of service on the expo line but the staff aren’t informing ppl waiting and announcements come every 10 mins — AlisoN7 (@Geek_Chorus) October 25, 2015
Gotta love skytrain….another breakdown. Off skytrain, back in the car and drive downtown. #Canucks
— N. Andersen (@Burnt_Orange_2) October 25, 2015
If you’re coming to the game, follow @TransLink for #SkyTrain status updates. https://t.co/889TAvJsUj — Vancouver Canucks (@VanCanucks) October 25, 2015
Hey at least the Canucks can blame the lack of attendance tonight on skytrain issues. Thats a positive.
— Arpan (@Arpannnnn) October 25, 2015
@JesseBarfield1 sorry not watching the game. I’m stuck on a Skytrain and possibly missing the Canucks game @TransLink — G. Justine Galo (@Aviewfromabroad) October 25, 2015
#SkyTrain please take a look how long this line up in front of East Columbia. pic.twitter.com/8yqe3NhO3R — Chris210 (@christinexu9471) October 25, 2015
#Skytrain is down – ruining fans chances of making it on time to the #Canucks game. @VanCanucks — Paul Tonsaker (@PrisonBull) October 25, 2015
This game is going to be 60 percent empty because of the skytrain glitch
— sedinitronic (@sedinitronic) October 25, 2015
Oh goodness. Really feeling for all the people who have tickets for the @VanCanucks game and don’t have access to @TransLink #SkyTrain. — Ria Renouf (@RiaCKNW980) October 25, 2015
Way to start off our anniversary evening. Stuck on a Skytrain in the middle of the track when I should be watching warm up @TransLink
— G. Justine Galo (@Aviewfromabroad) October 25, 2015