TransLink activates snow plan in wake of forecasted snowfall

TransLink has activated its snow plan ahead of the winter flurries forecasted for Vancouver in the coming week.

In a release, TransLink says it is planning ahead to ensure that “transit service stays as reliable as possible.”

Extra staff have been called to assist customers and coordinate service, transit exchanges have been salted and sanded, municipalities have been contacted to coordinate snow clearing, trucks are on standby to help spread anti-icing solution on trolley wires, and some trolley buses have been equipped with brass “cutters” to help slice through ice if wires are frozen.

TransLink says that if conditions are severe, it will do the following:

Replace articulated buses with 40’ conventional buses when necessary, as they are more agile on steep, slippery areas.
Install tire socks on buses on Burnaby Mountain and on key North Shore routes where hills and traction are an issue.
Run a special SkyTrain that sprays de-icer on the power rail to keep trains moving.
Run trains through the night if snow is especially heavy, to keep tracks clear.
Send HandyDART out with two staff 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 right across the system.

Naturally, customers are advised to dress for the elements, expect occasional delays, and stay tuned to TransLink’s Twitter account for up-to-date information.

Over the course of next week, temperatures are expected to drop below zero, with the chance for snow and flurries.

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