Late-night Expo Line riders: plan for extra travel time after 8pm, starting Sun May 12, 2013

A SkyTrain near Main Street-Science World.

Heads up, late-night Expo Line passengers!

Starting Sunday, May 12, 2013 plan for an extra 10-15 minutes travel time after 8 p.m., if you travel on the Expo Line between Waterfront and King George most Sundays to Thursdays.

What’s happening? We’re replacing 34 km of original power rail on the Expo Line. The power rail supplies SkyTrain vehicles with power, approximately 650 volts DC. The full project is expected to take as many as 15 months to complete.

Check out our news release for more info, or visit translink.ca/ontrack for the latest updates.

And please share with friends if they might be affected!

Edit: Lots of people on Facebook have asked why we can’t do the replacement while the service is down, and SkyTrain staff provided a great response—I thought I’d share the answer here too.

It’s just too big a project. It takes significant time to disconnect, remove, replace, reconnect the power rail. There isn’t sufficient time to do this in the 3 hours (or less) that we have on weeknights, and only slightly more on weekends.

In very basic terms the work involves the following:
- power rail sections are 10 m. in length, weighing approx. 200 kg.
- target: 130 metres of double rail (positive and negative) per night – that’s 26 sections of rail.
- old rail is disconnected from insulator posts, and removed.
- old insulator posts (every 2 m., bolted to the concrete) have to be removed.
- new insulator posts installed.
- new power rail sections lifted into place and connected.

There will be a large crew working through the night until about 4:30am, clearing out just in time for the start of morning train service; so we are making full use of the non-service hours.

We have tried to minimize the impact with a lot of pre-planning. The reduced train frequency (and longer waiting time) is the result of trains having to run in alternating directions over up to 4 km. of “single” track between available track crossovers. It’s a bit like those summer highway delays when you have to wait, and be escorted in alternating convoys, around a paving crew.

Train service is being timetabled for each area to get the most throughput, and minimize the chance of delays. Trains should be passing each other on the “normal” tracks on either side

We are making exceptions for large events, and are avoiding the busier Friday and Saturday evenings (although that may be cold comfort for any regular Sunday-Thursday evening users).

Have a look at the Transport For London plans for weekend work, where they shut down major sections of the London Underground and Overground services, mostly on weekends. (They have a pretty good web presence and notification process for this.)

Heads up: Commercial-Broadway elevator and escalator outage, Sat May 11, 2013

The sign at Commercial-Broadway Station

Heads up: there are some elevator/escalator outages at Commercial-Broadway this Saturday, May 11, 2013. The details:

All elevators and escalators on the Commercial side (to platforms 1 & 2) of Commercial-Broadway Station will be out of service on Saturday, May 11, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. due to BC Hydro maintenance work in the area. Elevators and escalators on the Broadway side (to platforms 3 & 4) of the station are expected to remain operational. Customers who require assistance should request help using the red emergency phone or from a SkyTrain Attendant.

Please share with anyone who might be affected!

Getting to and from the Sun Run, April 21, 2013

Get your shoes laced up Metro Vancouver!

It’s that time again for another Sun Run. I participated a couple of years ago, and it’s a lot of fun!

We’re extending transit services on Sunday to accommodate the increase in ridership before and after the race. A complete list of all the changes can be found here. Here’s the imporatant info:

SeaBus will start operations one hour earlier than normal, with the first sailing leaving Lonsdale Quay at 7 a.m. and sailings every 15-minutes until 3 p.m.

SkyTrain’s Expo and Millennium Lines will start service half an hour earlier. The first train will leave King George Station at 6:38 a.m. and Lougheed Station at 6:45 a.m. SkyTrain will also operate “rush hour” level service prior to the start of the race  and also in the afternoon until the crowds clear. It will then resume its regular Sunday service.

Canada Line will begin at the regular time of 5:05 a.m. and will provide additional service for crowds headed downtown prior to the start of the race. It will then resume its regular Sunday service.

West Coast Express will operate a special Sun Run Train. It will depart Mission City Station at 7 a.m. for the trip into downtown Vancouver and will leave Waterfront Station at 1 p.m. for the return trip. Information on fares for West Coast Express can be found at translink.ca under “Fares and Passes.”

Coast Mountain Bus will provide its regular Sunday service, but with a number of detours in effect, diverting away from the Sun Run race route in the West End, Burrard Bridge and 2nd Avenue in Kitsilano. Buses that normally use Georgia will travel along Pender Street between Cardero and Richards streets.

West Vancouver Blue Bus will also provide its regular Sunday service, with additional service in the morning from 25th and Marine and have extra buses available after the run.

For cyclists, TravelSmart is again sponsoring BEST’s Bicycle Valet which offers secure temporary bike storage for up to 150 bikes, free of charge, at Gate F on the second level of BC Place. Cyclists are reminded that due to crowding and safety concerns, they may not be able to take their bikes on SkyTrain until the crowds have cleared.

Remember, Sunday fares (adult price $2.75 and concession $1.75 for all zones) will be in effect on race day. Good luck to everyone who participates on Sunday!

Heads up: transit service changes start Monday, April 15, 2013

The 99 B-Line on Main!

Look out: our seasonal transit service changes are starting on Monday, April 15, 2013!

Our seasonal changes happen four times a year in April, June, September, and December to reflect changes in passenger demand, and ensure services are efficient.

Make sure to read the the full list of changes here, but route changes of note include:

• 620 Tsawwassen Ferry/Bridgeport Station: to accommodate the seasonal increase in demand, capacity for the route will be increased. From April 15 until September 2 (Labour Day), between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m., two 620 buses every hour (up from one per hour), will leave the Tsawwassen ferry terminal and Bridgeport Station. All 620 buses will be articulated.
• SeaBus: More SeaBus service on Sundays and holidays to reflect increased demand. Starting May 19, until September 2, 2013, the SeaBus will operate every 15 minutes (up from every 30 minutes) between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.
• 150 White Pine Beach/Coquitlam Station: Beginning May 4, service to White Pine Beach resumes Saturdays, Sundays and holidays until Labour Day. Weekday (Monday to Friday) service will operate between June 10 and August 30.
• C26 Buntzen Lake Special/Coquitlam Station Special: Beginning June 15, service will resume to Buntzen Lake with trips operating on weekends and holidays until Labour Day.
• Routes with a seasonal decrease in demand will also see a decrease in frequency for the summer months, returning to higher frequencies in fall. That includes routes serving post-secondary institutions, who have less busy summer months, like the 9, 130, and 143.

Owing to construction, there will also be some temporary changes for the 4 route too. Here’s the reroute map, and the description of the changes:

• 4 Powell/Downtown: From April 15 until further notice, a shuttle service will operate between Waterfront Station and the Eton/ Renfrew Street terminus. Customers traveling east will transfer from #4 Downtown at Cordova and Seymour to the #4 Powell. Customers from the east (Powell) traveling west will transfer from the #4 Downtown to the #4 UBC at Cordova and Seymour. This shuttle service will operate every 15 minutes and less frequent in the evening.
• 4 UBC/Downtown: From April 15 until further notice, a shuttle service will operate between Waterfront Station and UBC. Customers traveling west will transfer from #4 Downtown at Cordova and Seymour to the #4 UBC. Customers from the east (Powell) traveling west will transfer from the #4 Powell to the #4 UBC at Cordova and Seymour. Shuttle service will operate every 15 minutes and less frequent in the evening.

For more information…

To learn more about the April service changes:

• Visit the website at translink.ca/servicechanges
• Subscribe to receive Transit Alerts by email or text message at translink.ca
• Check for Alerts on your smartphone at m.translink.ca
• Follow TransLink on Twitter, @translink
• Or call Customer Information at 604.953.3333!

Share this with anyone you know who might be affected, and have a great transit trip!

Good Friday and Easter Monday transit service for 2013

The West Coast Express will not be running on Friday, March 29, but will be back on Monday April 1, 2013.

Just a reminder that for Good Friday, March 29, 2013, all transit will be on a Sunday schedule, and West Coast Express and AirCare Inspection Centres will not be in operation.

But on Easter Monday, April 1, 2013, we’re back to (mostly) regular service and fares. Please note West Coast Express will only run trains 1, 3 and 5, while TrainBus will operate its regular weekday schedule.

Remember, on Sundays and holidays, you can pay a single-zone fare to travel in all zones all day! As well, those with an adult FareCard, West Coast Express 28-Day Pass, or Annual Employer Transit Pass can take five children, or one adult and four children, on transit with them for free.

For transit service info, feel free to reach out to our call centre on Twitter (twitter.com/translink) or at 604-953-3333!

Construction starting at Newton Exchange

If you catch the bus at Newton Exchange, you’ll likely notice some construction activity going on there over the next few months.

TransLink is making improvements to the exchange, partly to accommodate the new B-Line bus service from King George SkyTrain Station to White Rock from Newton Exchange to Guildford via King George Boulevard and 104th avenue which will begin in the fall. The upgrades will also:

• Enhance passenger safety, security and access
• Enhance the aesthetic quality of both the exchange and the surrounding areas
• Optimize operational efficiency

We’ll be adding better lighting, seating and wayfinding singage, and accessible features at bus stop to aid people with disabilities.

What does this mean for you?

Your bus stop at Newton Exchange will move, but not far at all! (Check out the map below for details). And don’t worry, we’ll have lots of signs up so you’ll be able to find your way there easily.

We expect all the construction to be wrapped up sometime this summer, all ready for the new B-Line!

TransLink 101: keeping our system in a state of good repair

For February 2013, we’re going back to basics with TransLink 101—explaining TransLink and its work!

SkyTrain, by Michelle Lee

As you travel around on the transportation network, have you ever thought about just what’s needed to keep the system running safely, efficiently and reliably — also known as a “state of good repair“?

Right now, TransLink has an estimated $10.2 billion worth of assets and infrastructure – from buses and trains to radio towers across the region that support the communication systems on our buses. And because they form the backbone of  a transportation system used by hundreds of thousands of people very day, keeping them in a state of good repair is crucial.

So while people often talk about transportation expansion to meet the growing needs of the region, we also have to make sure we keep our existing assets in a state of good repair so we can extend the life of the system already in place today.

In 2012 we conducted an in-depth asset inventory and analysis to understand what’s needed to keep our transportation assets in a state of good repair, today and over the next few decades.

To help us better understand the process, why we did it, and why it’s so important, I sat down with Dave Beckley, TransLink’s Vice President of Engineering and Implementation.

Read more »

Temporary closure of the east side of Main Street-Science World Station

The east side of Main Street-Science World Station is temporary closed

This is a quick update of the Phase 1 of the Main Street-Science World Station upgrades. The east side of station (park side) will be temporarily closed. Passengers are being re-directed to the west side of the station (Science World side) via a covered walkway and temporary fencing.

A permanent extension to the east side platform and new east side station house featuring a new elevator, escalators and bike storage will be built. Of note, some of the work will be done at night due to safety concerns and traffic regulations.

SkyTrain service will remain normal during this time. For more info on the upgrades, please check the Main Street-Science World Station upgrades page on the TransLink website.

Family Day holiday service, February 11, 2013

Snow or not, we hope you enjoy the day! Test

T

Many of us have been waiting for this holiday, and on February 11, 2013 we’ll have our first Family Day in BC!

Remember, Sundays and Statutory Holidays you can use your FareCard to take five other riders with you for free! A total of six riders is allowed: Two adults (14 and older) and up to four children (13 and under) can ride on a single Adult FareCard, West Coast Express 28-day Pass, or Annual Employer Transit Pass. (Does not apply to Concession Passes.)

Here’s what you need to know about the day as far as transit goes in Metro Vancouver:

Buses, SkyTrain and SeaBus – will operate on the Sunday/Holiday schedule on Family Day, Monday, February 11, 2013. Sunday/Holiday fares will be in effect.

West Coast Express will not operate on that day.

All services will be back on their regular weekday schedules, Tuesday, Feb. 12.

If Family Day is a holiday for you, we hope you have an enjoyable and restful day with those close to you!

TransLink in the media: Ideas for funding

As many of you know, TransLink is going through some challenging times financially as we illustrated in our 2013 Base Plan series. News junkies have already read the handful of articles regarding ideas that the Mayors’ Council on Regional Transportation has for funding TransLink’s operations.

There are five ideas in total that came out of an open letter to Transportation Minister Mary Polak. They include: a vehicle registration fee, a regional sales tax for transit, a regional carbon tax, land-value capture and road pricing.

To be clear, this is a Mayors’ Council announcement not a TransLink announcement, so we’re unable to answer questions about this issue (here’s a link to our governance model). However, in our effort to try to cover transit matters that matter to our riders, here’s a list of some of the coverage:

Vancouver Sun

The Huffington Post

News1130

Globe and Mail

North Delta Leader

CKNW

Edit, Feb 7: Frances Bula has the full mayors letter up over at her blog.

If you have any thoughts or ideas about these latest articles about TransLink or funding of transit in Metro Vancouver in general, please post them in the comments section!

On the system – fare checks are up, fare infractions are down: a follow up with Transit Security

More checks and more people getting the message about evading fares

Nearly a year ago, I was able to join Transit Security on one of their targeted fare blitzes. It was an eye-opening experience where I learned that many riders on our buses make their best effort to pay for the appropriate transit fares, while a much smaller number will go to great lengths to evade paying fares.

Between the time that I wrote that post and now, I’ve kept tabs on Transit Security and had the chance to chat with the odd one in my travels between TransLink properties and on the system. A recurring theme that has come up during these encounters is that it would be great if Transit Security could actually write fare infraction tickets. Many of the Transit Security members I spoke with said that it was frustrating to not have the power to issues fines and that some regular fare evaders knew they were unable to do so.

Last fall, TransLink was given new powers to issue and collect fare infraction tickets. Those new powers extended to Transit Security.

I’ve wanted to follow up with Transit Security to find out what if anything has changed now that they can issue fare infraction tickets. When some new figures were passed onto me regarding fare checks and fare infraction tickets issued by Transit Police and Transit Security, I knew I wanted to follow up with Transit Security. Here are the figures:

• From when the legislation went into effect in September to the end of 2012, we conducted more than 725,000 fare checks and issued just under 11,000 fare infraction tickets.

 

• For the same period in 2011, we conducted fewer checks (almost 550,000) but issued more violation tickets (more than 12,000).

Bobby checking fares

Since these new powers have been in place, Transit Police and Transit Security have been stepping up fare inspections. Despite these increases in checks, the number of fare infraction tickets is down. This suggests that our riders are getting the message that fare evasion is stealing and that they will be punished if caught without the proper fare while using the system.

What I wanted to know is, after so many years, what is like for Transit Security to now be able to issue these tickets? Do riders know about the fines and that Transit Security can issue them? These were my big two questions. So, I called up Transit Security and found out where they were so I could ask them these questions and more. Here’s what Bobby, Security Operations Coordinator with Transit Security told me:

Fare evasion ticket

1. Before these new powers came into place last fall, what was the process involved in having someone served with a fare infraction ticket once you or one of your colleagues discovered they were fare evading?

Before Transit Security was given the new powers of writing fare infraction tickets, all Transit Security members could do was ask the fare evading passenger to either go buy a ticket or leave the property. If the passenger became unruly, Transit Security has the right to refuse and ban the passenger to ride the bus system for 24 hours. Now with these new powers, Transit Security has the ability to issue an infraction ticket for a total of $173.00, and refuse or ban the passenger for 24 hours for unruly behavior. Not all fare evaders are given infraction tickets. Transit Security members always use their discretion in these situations. They have a choice to issue an infraction ticket or give the individual a warning.

2. Now that you and your colleagues have these new powers, what’s the process of administering a fare infraction ticket?

Transit Security members in conjunction with Transit Police meet and check fares on the transit system. Transit Security members ask the passenger without valid fare the reason for not having a valid fare. Depending on the answer provided, the security member uses their discretion to issue an infraction ticket or give that person a verbal warning. Some form of picture ID is requested, a drivers license or BC ID or social insurance card usually, and with the information provided, an infraction ticket is issued. If a passenger cannot or will not provide ID to Transit Security, we then work with Transit Police to complete the infraction ticket. However, Transit Security can issue an infraction ticket without the involvement of Transit Police.

3. Have you noticed any changes with transit riders since you and your colleagues have been given these new powers?

So far we’ve noticed that a lot of passengers have been paying for their fares. They never know when and where they will be checked for their proof of payment on the transit system.  The penalty for fare evasion is $173.00. That’s a lot of money for a lot of people; so buying your fare while travelling on the transit system is a lot cheaper than a fine. What our members have seen is that a lot of passengers are carrying some form of fares while on the system, monthly cards or Day Passes or FareSavers or they pay cash on the bus or buy tickets at the ticket machines before getting on the SeaBus or SkyTrain. Confrontation has been low and the riding public seems to encourage the fare checks.

4. What’s your biggest daily challenge when it comes to people evading fares? Has this challenge changed since you and your colleagues were been given these powers to enforce fare payment?

The biggest challenge was that we didn’t have many options before. Transit Security members could only ask the fare evader to buy a fare or leave the bus. Now the members can issue an infraction ticket. The majority of the passengers are very happy to see Transit Security on board a bus or SeaBus checking fares. Transit Security members are getting positive feedback from the public and the operators regarding the ability to issue Infraction ticket. The support we receive from Transit Security management makes the day-to-day fare enforcement much easier.

These latest fare check and fare infraction ticket numbers (above) are encouraging. However, fare evasion is something TransLink takes seriously and will continue to be vigilant to combat. As always, we’ll try our best to answer any questions you have about fare evasion as well as continue to post about the subject.

Slight delays between Lougheed Town Centre and Sapperton Stations on Sunday, Jan 27, 2013

We will be single-tracking the SkyTrain between these two stations on the Millennium Line for a short period of time on Sunday, June 27, 2013

We’ve been doing some upgrades to our SkyTrain fibre optic network of late.

Why replace these fibre optic cables? Well, new fibre optic cables will provide a more efficient communications network across the entire SkyTrain system, keeping it safe and reliable for passengers.

As Fred Cummings, president of British Columbia Rapid Transit Company, which operates the SkyTrain Expo and Millennium lines puts it,

“[Fibre optics run the communications among staff, operate ticketing and security systems, and — perhaps most important — are the vital lifeline between our trains and the control centre, helping maintain the trains’ on-time reliability of greater than 95 per cent”. So, keeping them in good working order and serving the entire SkyTrain network, including the forthcoming Evergreen Line, is a good idea.

This latest upgrade will require that we single-track (when SkyTrains travel on the same track in alternating directions) between Lougheed town Centre and Sapperton Stations this Sunday from start of service until approximately 2 pm. Passengers may have to switch trains at Braid Station and are being encouraged to allow for up to five minutes extra travel time. SkyTrain staff will be on hand to assist passengers during the single-tracking. The Expo Line (Waterfront to King George Stations) will operate normally.

We’ll try our best to keep you all informed of future delays due to fibre optic upgrades moving forward. For day of updates on Sunday’s and future upgrades, you’ll want to follow our Twitter handle @TransLink.

Phase 1 of the Main Street-Science World Station upgrades

A rendering of the upgraded Main Street-Science World Station

It’s the oldest SkyTrain station and is in need of an upgrade. Originally built in 1982, Main Street-Science World Station was a demonstration station of the future Expo Line during Expo ’86. Now, the over 30-year-old station has become one of our busiest.

Why we need to upgrade the station

There are a few reasons why the station needs to be upgraded. In short, we need to prepare for the growing number of people who use the Expo Line (more than 200 000 currently use the line each weekday), improve accessibility and get the station ready for faregates. There’s a dedicated page for the Main Street-Science World Station upgrade you’ll want to read for specifics about the upgrade and the reasons for it.

What upgrades mean for riders

Phase 1 of the upgrades starts now (winter) and runs until fall 2013. During this time you’ll see some construction that will reroute some pedestrian walkways and temporarily the East side of station (park side) will be temporarily closed close the park and ride. SkyTrain will run on normal schedule during this phase. Again, check  the Main Street-Science World Station upgrade page for specifics.

During the roughly four month Phase 2 period between fall 2013 and winter 2014, work will be done on the station platforms one at a time. As each station platform will be a construction zone during this time, only two-car shuttle trains will be stopping at Main Street to ensure passenger safety. For all other trains, Main Street-Science World Station will become a “skip stop” – i.e. trains will move through the station without stopping. For example, if you get on a four-car or six-car train at Metrotown heading toward downtown Vancouver, that train WILL NOT stop at Main Street Station.

So, if you want to get off at Main Street Station, you will need to transfer to the special two-car shuttle train at Commercial-Broadway Station. The two-car train will stop at Main Street and every stop between Commercial-Broadway and Waterfront. Passengers traveling to/from Main Street-Science World Station should plan for up to 10 minutes of extra travel time.

This upgrade is part of the Expo Line Upgrade Strategy, which provides some great detail about the Expo Line, “the backbone of Metro Vancouver’s rapid transit network”. We’ll be updating the blog with any new info about this upgrade over the next two years. As usual, we’ll try our best to answer any of your questions about it!

An old rendering of the original Main Street-Science World Station

Tips for snowy travel in winter 2012

Snowy Metrotown Station, from December 18, 2012!

Well, the powers that be say 5-10cm of snow will be coming tomorrow (December 19, 2012), so it’s time to dust off our reminders for travelling in snowy weather!

As a quick overview of what might happen: buses generally find it hard to reach locations in higher elevations, and HandyDART may also be affected, since it typically goes to locations away from normal bus routes. And of course, heavy heavy snow can make it hard for all vehicles to travel.

So again, hopefully this isn’t news to you, but if you are planning on taking transit on a snowy day, there are a number of things you might do to prepare for your ride. We listed a bunch of them in the November 2009 print Buzzer, and they include:

• Have a transit plan in place, so you know your options for alternate routes, if any
• Check the weather before you go out
• Leave extra time for your journey, in case of delays (start out early or leave early if you need to get somewhere)
• Bundle up for cold weather and wear appropriate footwear so you don’t slip
• Hit the bathroom before you travel, in case of delays (so important!)
• Be aware that hilly areas may have delays as it’s harder to get through
• Move to the back of your transit vehicle so others can board

For our part, we’ll try to get you the latest info on the transit situation through a number of channels:

• The most up-to-the-minute, detailed source is our TransLink Twitter account!
• See our mobile site for major alerts and the Twitter feed while on the go
• Visit our Alerts page
• Customer Information at 604-953-3333 (may be very busy on a snowy day)
• For info on West Vancouver Blue Bus, please call 604-985-7777
• The big video screens on the Expo/Millennium/Canada Line platforms
• Radio and TV announcements, like our transit updates on CTV Morning Live!

You can also view more TransLink snow plan coverage in these links: here’s a 2011 media release, and 2010 media release.

Safe travels to everyone! We’ll be working hard to keep the system on track!

Fare checks up, infractions down – results of increased fare enforcement

Fare enforcement up, infractions down

One of the topics that we hear about most often here at TransLink is fare evasion and what we’re doing to stop it. Customers who pay the right fare understandably feel frustrated at the thought that there are people who don’t pay to use the system (also known as theft!).

Thankfully, it looks as if TransLink’s new powers of enforcement, along with a fare check blitz that started in the summer, are having an effect.

Read more »