TransLink warns of madness at Metrotown on Boxing Day
Posted December 22, 2016 7:46 am.
Last Updated December 22, 2016 7:47 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
BURNABY (NEWS 1130) – You might still be scrambling to finish your Christmas shopping, but TransLink is already warning about the madness to come at Metrotown on Boxing Day. The transit authority has some tips to keep in mind this year for those who may be jumping into the frenzy for post-holiday deals.
One of the region’s biggest malls is always a little crazy on December 26th, but with the recent closure of the pedestrian overpass, no elevator or escalator service from the SkyTrain Station — this year promises to be particularly chaotic.
Some people we spoke with say they won’t be going to that mall until things are back to normal. “It’s really difficult. I took [the SkyTrain] there a couple of weeks ago and there was no elevator that I could find and I have trouble navigating the stairs. I imagine a lot of people have that issue,” says one man.
Not everyone is opting to give up on potential deals. Another man we spoke to admits his wife and kids will likely go bargain-hunting. “They’re just looking for a good deal. They’re trying to save some money, maybe they saw something before Christmas they couldn’t afford, so they come to Boxing Day and hopefully get that gift.
TransLink says thousands of passengers will likely go through the Metrotown SkyTrain Station and bus loop next week. “As one of our busiest stations on the system under normal conditions, we expect an influx of thousands of passengers on Boxing Day at Metrotown Station,” says TransLink CEO Kevin Desmond. “Changing passenger patterns will help alleviate crowding and allow for a better flow of pedestrians in the station and from the platform. We thank our passengers for their patience as we work to ensure the safety of the public and our staff on this busy holiday.”
If you have a stroller or bulky items, you’re being asked to get off at Patterson or Royal Oak stations and then use a shuttle to get to the mall.
