TransLink activates 'snow plan' ahead of forecasted snowfall

Dec 8 2018, 5:46 am

TransLink has activated its snow plan ahead of the winter weather forecasted for tonight.

In a release, TransLink says it is planning ahead to make sure service goes smoothly, in case of any freezing rain or snow.

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.

On Friday morning, Environment Canada issued a weather warning for Metro Vancouver, calling for a chance of wet snow and risk of freezing rain tonight and early Saturday.

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