Metro Vancouver transit, YVR see delays due to snowstorm
Posted January 17, 2024 6:25 am.
Last Updated January 17, 2024 7:47 pm.
Heavy snowfall in Metro Vancouver and the Lower Mainland is creating delays Wednesday for anyone trying to get around the region.
TransLink says all SkyTrain services are running on a reduced schedule due to the snow.
The transit provider explains delays should be expected for buses and the SeaBus. The West Coast Express is also experiencing delays due to the snowstorm.
TransLink says all non-essential HandyDart services have been cancelled for Jan. 17, beginning at 5 a.m.
Speaking to CityNews, spokesperson Tina Lovgreen says TransLink has activated its snow plan, swapping 60-foot articulated buses with 40-foot buses, “as they’re a bit more agile.”
“Things are running just a bit slower than normal because of the road conditions and the weather that we’re seeing. … because of that, customers should expect some delays on bus routes.”
Lovgreen says all SkyTrains are being attended by staff to prevent any emergency braking, but “service is moving all three lines.”
She notes that transit services, like buses, are “only as good as the roads they drive on.”
“We’re in constant communication with municipalities to ensure that priority routes for buses are plowed and sanded, so we can get our buses moving and getting people to where they need to go,” Lovgreen said.
“We’ll pull out our tire socks on buses, which serve the more challenging routes during snow. And of course, as you know, we’re testing out our new winter tires this year. These tires have a different tread and have the highest winter traction rating available.”
The new winter tires used by some buses in the TransLink fleet will be fitted to about one-third of the fleet.
“We’ve been spraying anti-icing solution on our trolley overheads to make sure our trolley buses can keep going. But as you know, really road conditions can change quickly. If there is traffic or congestion due to motor vehicle accidents, buses also get caught up in that. So, that impacts our service and leads to delays as well.”
But Lovgreen notes that despite the service’s mitigating actions, travelling will be slower than normal.
“[We’re] really encouraging customers to build extra time in their commute, dress for the elements wear proper footwear to avoid slips and falls, and really encouraging people to sign up for transit alerts,” she explained.
Many buses were seen stuck in snowbanks and on slippery roadways across Metro Vancouver Wednesday. Many appeared to struggle with hills and slopes as the snow continued to come down.
Meanwhile, Vancouver International Airport (YVR) says its crews are working hard to de-ice planes and clear runways of snow, travellers should expect some delays.
“In total, we have observed around 20 centimeters of snow accumulation on our airfield, and our dedicated teams are clearing our north, south and crosswind runways – equal to almost nine kilometers in length – to maintain operational safety,” YVR said just after noon.
“Due to the rate of snowfall, we are seeing ongoing impacts to flight schedules in the form of delays and cancellations.”
As of 12 p.m., the airport said 80 per cent of scheduled flights were operating.
Many of those cancellations, YVR explains, were “put in place proactively” by airlines due to the weather.
Travellers are being urged to plan ahead and check the status of their flight before they head out.
Listen to CityNews 1130 for weather updates after traffic every 10 minutes on the ones. You can also follow Meteorologist Michael Kuss on X and subscribe to breaking news alerts sent directly to your inbox.
