TransLink activates snow plan; will use tire socks on North Shore routes

TransLink says it will install tire socks on buses on Burnaby Mountain and on key North Shore routes where hills and traction are an issue, if the winter conditions get severe.

With the likelihood of snow in the early morning hours tomorrow, TransLink is activating plans to ensure transit service stays as reliable as possible.

Environment Canada is forecasting late night rain, followed by snow through the morning commute. This sequence of precipitation will not allow for early salting and sanding as the materials will wash away before snow hits.

TransLink is encouraging customers to dress for the elements and use proper footwear to avoid slips and falls.

Customer information will have extra staff on hand, but customers should expect larger-than-normal call and social media request volumes.

Here’s what TransLink is doing right now

• Calling in extra staff to assist customers and coordinate service.
• Coordinating with municipalities on snow clearing if priority routes are impacted.
• Coupling Millennium Line trains into 4-car configurations to increase capacity while SkyTrain attendants monitor guideways.
• Deploying special trucks to spread anti-icing solution on trolley wires.
• Installing brass “cutters” on some trolley buses to cut through ice on trolley wires.

What TransLink will do if conditions are severe

• 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.
• Position attendants at the front of each Expo and Millennium Lines train to improve reliability on the system by limiting emergency braking triggered by heavy snowfall.
• 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.