The snow was falling hard in parts of Burnaby, including on the mountain, on Monday.
In response, TransLink outlined the steps it’s taking to ensure transit continues moving.
Forgive me for laughing, but TransLink used a headline saying it was “ready” for the snow, but we’ve all heard that one before and it rarely turns out this way. And we've all seen the photos in the past of buses struggling up some of the city's steep hills.
But today (Monday) should be manageable because the snow is so wet.
Here are TransLink’s action to deal with the white stuff:
- Roping off the control panel area on SkyTrain – SkyTrain cars may have the front section roped off when Station Attendants are required to monitor guideways during snowfall.
- Mandatory mask rule – During the colder months ahead masks will remain mandatory on transit.
- Comprehensive cleaning regime – Continuing with rigorous daily cleaning and sanitizing of transit vehicles.
- Tire socks – Tire socks will be made available for use on Burnaby Mountain and the North Shore.
- Snow Desk – There will be a designated Snow Desk in the Transit Communications Centre to monitor bus routes and road conditions. The Snow Desk also plays a vital role in communicating with various internal and external stakeholders such as Customer Information, Operations, Maintenance, local municipalities, and universities.
- Snow monitoring – Contractors who plow and shovel at bus loops, exchanges, and SkyTrain stations will be encouraged to upload photos for verification of snow conditions.
- Trolley bus wires anti-icing trucks – Trucks will spray de-icing fluid around the entire 300km electric trolley overhead system when there's frost or ice risk.
- Additional bus tire traction – Bus Operators can use a snow switch which gives bus tires better traction in snow.
- Bus switch outs – Articulated buses can be switched for conventional buses. 40-foot conventional buses carry fewer passengers, but have better traction in snow, especially on steep terrain.
- Snow routes – Work with municipalities to coordinate our service with priority corridors for snow clearing, should conditions become severe.
SkyTrain Winter Initiatives
- Millennium Line coupling – During heavy snowfall, trains on the Millennium Line will be coupled together (4-car trains) to maximize capacity while SkyTrain Attendants monitor guideways.
- SkyTrain guideway monitoring – SkyTrain Attendants will be positioned at the front of trains during heavy snowfall. This initiative improves reliability on the system by limiting emergency braking, which can be triggered by heavy snowfall.
- Canada Line heat tracing – Heat tracing has been installed on the power rail in sections where heavy ice buildup has previously resulted in service disruptions.
- SkyTrain de-icing – De-icer trains will keep power rails free of ice. During times of overnight snow, some trains will run through the night to keep tracks clear.
- Problem tree and branch removal – Problem trees and branches situated within ten metres of SkyTrain tracks are being removed.
Extra staffing – If there is a reduction to service, each bus will have two drivers to help customers load and unload.
