TransLink announces new steps for tackling winter conditions this year
Credit to Author: Postmedia News| Date: Mon, 02 Dec 2019 19:59:29 +0000
Not looking forward to being stranded during Metro Vancouver’s next dump of snow?
Never fear. TransLink has announced new plans to tackle the winter conditions for the 2019/2020 winter season.
“Our initiatives this winter are focused on increasing safety and customer communication at stations, bus exchanges, and throughout our online channels,” said TransLink CEO Kevin Desmond.
“We’ve learned from previous seasons and have been working hard to ensure customers are kept informed of any significant delays or issues on our system.”
Here are some of the things TransLink has done and plans to do, to keep riders on track this winter.
• New electronic display screens and speakers have been installed or upgraded at many stations, allowing for easy distribution of warnings and notices.
• New touchscreen transit kiosks have been set up at stations around the TransLink system to provide riders with information.
• This year, TransLink will link together Millennium Line cars to double capacity during heavy snowfall.
• TransLink has also upgraded its de-icing products used to keep Canada Line tracks clear of ice.
• They’ll continue to station SkyTrain attendants at the front of each train to limit emergency braking, often triggered by heavy snowfall.
• Heat tracing has been installed on sections of the Canada Line to prevent heavy ice buildup.
• SkyTrain de-icer trains will run throughout the night during heavy snowfall periods to ensure rails are clear for morning service.
• TransLink will also pre-emptively remove problem trees and branches located within 10 metres of SkyTrain tracks.
• Tire sock sizing is being adjusted so they last longer.
• A new snow desk will be set up at the Transit Communications Centre to monitor conditions on bus routes and roads.
• TransLink will now ask contractors to upload photos of road conditions for real-time weather monitoring.
• De-icing fluid will be sprayed on the region’s electric trolley overhead system at the first sign of frost or ice risk.
• Buses are equipped with a ‘snow switch’ that will give buses better tire traction in snow.
• TransLink will work with municipalities to coordinate service with priority corridors.
• TransLink has implemented a formal process to assess road conditions for customer pickup.
• New strategy has been set up to improve communication with partner organizations and day problems requiring HandyDART service.
• Customers located in hard-to-access areas have been contacted by TransLink to establish early snow clearing plans.
• Additional driver will staff each bus to help with customer loading.