TransLink snow plan in effect Thursday, modifying some services

For another day, TransLink is keeping its snow plan in place, with more inclement weather on the way Thursday.

TransLink spokesperson Dan Mountain says the snow plan is activated on SkyTrain generally “every time temperatures hit below freezing.”

“A bit [of a] modified service. What that means is we have crews at the front of each train monitoring the guideway to make sure there’s no emergency braking. Part of that snow plan also means that we temporarily end the Expo Line at Lougheed instead of Production Way. The Millennium Line covers both stations anyway, so anybody who does need to get between Production Way and Lougheed, they have that transfer point,” he told CityNews Thursday morning.

He says the decision to terminate the Expo Line at Lougheed is made to “maximize frequencies” during these weather systems.

“With that shorter turnaround, it means we can get a bit faster headway along most of the Expo Line. It’s a regular thing we do,” Mountain added.

Wednesday brought record amounts of snow to many parts of the Lower Mainland, creating a mess of roads. Many drivers faced difficulties with the slippery conditions, as did some buses.

While Mountain says Thursday morning saw “pretty much normal service,” he notes roads are still icy.

“Customers should still build in extra time if they’re commuting by bus,” he explained.

On some of the more icy routes, 60-foot articulated buses have been swapped for 40-foot buses, with Mountain explaining the latter “navigate a bit better.”

The weather cancelled in-person classes at most post-secondary schools and many people have opted to stay home, heeding warnings from officials ahead of the storm. As such, Mountain notes there are fewer commuters out on the system.

“Right now, we’re very focused on the evening rush, with more snow forecast in the late afternoon and evening. We’re focused on making sure that everything runs as smoothly as possible, communicating with municipalities as quickly as we can with what we’re seeing on the roads,” he said.

“It’s a rapidly changing situation. The weather conditions and road conditions are so different all across the region.”

TransLink staff have been working around the clock to keep the system running, Mountain says. However, he admits the “buses are only as good as the roads they drive on.”

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-With files from Charlie Carey