TransLink to expand NightBus service, says ‘no’ to extending SkyTrain hours
Posted June 27, 2019 9:32 am.
Last Updated June 27, 2019 9:55 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
NEW WESTMINSTER (NEWS 1130) – If you were hoping for TransLink to green-light extending SkyTrain service hours on Friday and Saturday nights, you’re out of luck.
The transit authority has released its findings from an 18-month review into expanding late-night service on buses and SkyTrains, and has listed a number of negative impacts running trains later into the night would have on the system.
TransLink CEO Kevin Desmond says late-night service on SkyTrains sounds nice, but is not feasible.
“We could run all night, but we have to make up the maintenance hours and then the trade-off is, you would have to terminate service an hour earlier Sunday through Thursday at a greater impact on a larger number of people, says Desmond.”
Closures would also be required on some statutory holidays, says TransLink.
Extending weekend SkyTrain hours would also cause delays for other projects, TransLink adds, citing two major extension projects as those that would be impacted.
“The independent, year-long technical study found that to ensure the SkyTrain system could be properly maintained, significant operational changes would be required,” TransLink notes. Changes also include having to reduce operating hours on the SkyTrain system during the week, and possibly even full closures on certain holidays.
Expanding service
Desmond admits there is a need for more transportation options in the late night and early morning hours, and says the transit authority has a roll to play in making that a reality.
In order to provide people more options to get around late at night, TransLink says it will immediately boost its NightBus program. Staff are proposing night express buses, which would follow SkyTrain routes and may only stop at select stations.
That will mean extending N17 NightBus service to UBC through the night as of September 2nd, adding trips to the N19 bus between Vancouver and Surrey to address overcrowding starting this fall, and simplifying the N15 on Cambie Street to provide a “more direct service to Vancouver International Airport.”
NightBus service is also being increase on nine routes starting next year.
“I believe this option will make a difference,” Desmond says. “We can roll out relatively quickly and easily once funding is secured whereas running SkyTrain all night on weekends would negatively affect more customers than it helps due to significant scheduling and cost trade-offs required.”
TransLink Chair and Mayor of New Westminster Jonathan Cote says is worth looking into.
“It does elevate the discussion about night bus service in the region,” says Cote. “I think there are huge opportunities to actually have a really efficient and robust night bus service.”
Staff also want to increase awareness about the NightBus service, saying many people don’t know about it. TransLink is also looking to work with taxis and future ride-hailing companies to get passengers from buses to their homes.
Those plans, however, still have not been funded and are likely more than a year away.
