Terrible road conditions and cold weather have hampered TransLink severely in the past.
Whether it’s buses, SkyTrain, HandyDART or West Coast Express, service has been affected numerous times when severe winter weather arrives.
After a recent winter season that saw extreme weather, TransLink is taking steps to better prepare itself.
RELATED: Delta and Surrey Wake Up to Surprise Snowfall (Photos)
“This year we’re preparing for the worst” said Chris Bryan, Spokesperson for Translink.
A number of new improvements are being introduced across its public transit system. This includes “tire socks”. If snowy weather limits access to Burnaby Mountain, they will test them on buses operating between Production Way – University Station and SFU. This technology has worked well in other jurisdictions and is made out of Kevlar threads.
The cost? $200 for a pair of socks. Translink will be putting them on the outside rear tires of the bus.
[sjnow-ad-large-leaderboard]
SkyTrain
*NEW* Canada Line heat tracing and cover-boards – Heat tracing is being installed on the power rail in sections where heavy ice buildup led to service disruptions in February 2017. Cover-boards are also being installed, to protect the power rail from snow buildup. Both will reduce risk of ice.
SkyTrain de-icing – De-icer spray trains are used to keep the power rail free of ice. De-icing stations are set up in covered areas and tunnels to prevent ice and snow compacts on the trains. During times of overnight snow, some SkyTrain cars will run throughout the night to keep tracks clear.
Canada Line anti-icing and sanding – ensures the power rail and tracks are clear of ice. Canada Line cars have a braking system similar to ABS brakes on your vehicle which helps avoid slippage.
Extra staff on transit – Extra staff including SkyTrain Attendants and Transit Police will assist customers in getting where they need to go.
Address problem trees/branches – An arborist is reviewing all trees and branches within 10 metres of the SkyTrain tracks. In partnership with CP, the same work is occurring for West Coast Express tracks.
Bus
*NEW* Tire sock trial – If snowy weather limits access to Burnaby Mountain, we will test “tire socks” on buses operating between Production Way – University Station and SFU. This technology has worked well in other jurisdictions.
Trolley bus wires anti-icing trucks – These trucks spray anti-icing agent to the entire 300-km electric trolley overhead system if there is risk of frost or ice.
Additional bus tire traction – Operators have a snow/ice switch which gives the bus tires better traction in snow.
Bus switch outs – If needed, we switch out articulated buses for traditional buses. Articulated buses are great for carrying large numbers of passengers, but 40-foot conventional buses have better traction on hills in snow.
Snow routes – Work with municipalities to coordinate our service with priority corridors for snow clearing, should conditions become severe.
HandyDART
*NEW* Prioritizing day programs – Staff contacted regular day programs in October to make them aware of HandyDART requirements for salting/sanding and access.
*NEW* Targeting difficult locations – Staff are reaching out to customers with problem driveways/access to see if they have a clearing plan.
Extra staffing – When conditions require reduction to essential service, two drivers go out with each bus to assist customers with loading/unloading.
