Vancouver police expects busy night on New Year’s Eve; TransLink offers free rides
Posted December 30, 2022 6:35 pm.
Last Updated December 30, 2022 6:42 pm.
As year-end celebrations are planned all over the city, the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) says New Year’s Eve is expected to be a busy night.
“We expect to see a lot of people coming into the city from surrounding areas to celebrate, and we want to help people have a safe night,” Sgt. Steve Addison said.
Police say additional officers will also be sent out around the city, including areas like Granville Street, Yaletown, and Gastown. Addison says these areas often see an increase in intoxication on weekend nights. The VPD’s Gang Crime Unit is also planning on keeping an eye on bars and nightclubs.
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Addison says that it’s important to have post-party plans to make sure everyone can get home safe, something that TransLink is helping to make possible.
“We encourage people to plan ahead so they have a way to get home at the end of the night, and if anyone needs help, they should give us a call or flag down an officer,” Addison said.
TransLink offers free rides
On New Year’s Eve, from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m. on New Year’s Day, TransLink says riders can take the SkyTrain and bus for free.
#RiderAlert We are bringing back our tradition of helping customers get a safe ride home by offering customers free transit on New Year’s Eve, from 5 p.m. on Dec. 31 until 5 a.m. on Jan. 1. ^jkd
— TransLink BC (@TransLink) December 30, 2022
“During these hours, fare gates at SkyTrain stations will remain open and customers won’t be required to tap Compass Cards or other payment methods. Customers who begin trips before 5:00 p.m. are advised to tap out as normal to ensure they’re charged the correct fare,” TransLink said in a statement.
The group says buses will operate on a Saturday schedule, with over 30 additional busses added for the night.
It adds that the last trains will run one hour later than regularly scheduled.
The transit company says more staff will also be on hand, including Transit Police and security.
Additionally, the VPD says officers will be setting up roadblocks throughout the city.
With files from Astrid Agbayani
