Starting Feb. 26, the lone elevator at Metrotown SkyTrain station will be out of service for one year.
The closure is needed to allow TransLink crews to build three new elevators at the station, part of its planned upgrades to Metrotown station SkyTrain and bus loop, according to a media release from the Metro Vancouver transportation authority.
According to TransLink, the only alternative to shutting down the elevator was shutting down the station entirely during construction.
“Rather than inconveniencing the thousands of people who use the station every day, TransLink decided to close the current elevator and bring in a shuttle service for those who require extra help while construction is underway,” the release stated.
Commuters who require the elevator at Metrotown SkyTrain station are being asked to take one of two bus shuttles available between Burnaby stations. For passengers with disabilities, there is a HandyDART shuttle between Metrotown and Patterson stations’ HandyDART stops. Passengers with strollers are asked to use a community shuttle running between Patterson and Metrotown stations and Royal Oak and Metrotown stations.
The shuttles are expected to run every 15 to 20 minutes between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. Monday to Friday; 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. on Saturdays; and 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Sundays.
Passengers should plan extra time when travelling, especially during peak periods, as TransLink anticipates there will be high demand for the shuttles.
