We’re pleased to share BC Rapid Transit Company and CUPE 7000 have reached a negotiated, tentative deal. Please expect delays while BCRTC works towards providing regular schedules on the Expo and Millennium Lines this morning, Dec. 10.
TransLink is informing customers of their options if union job action causes a total Expo and Millennium Line shut down December 10, 11 and 12. Customers should be aware the travel options will not match the level of service these SkyTrain lines provide.
While it will not be possible to replicate Expo and Millennium Line service, TransLink is highlighting options for customers should a full strike occur tomorrow. Most transit service will be operating normally including:
Canada Line
West Coast Express
Coast Mountain Bus
West Vancouver Blue Bus
HandyDART
SeaBus
TransLink has been told that given operational constraints and labour considerations, Coast Mountain Bus Company (CMBC) is not able to increase bus service in response to the planned strike by employees of the BC Rapid Transit Company (BCRTC). CMBC advises that service will be operating as it would on any regular weekday.
Customers should be prepared for heavier passenger volume as people migrate from Expo and Millennium Line to other services. If possible, customers are advised to make other arrangements such as:
Using one of our park and rides to connect to bus service
Free bike valet service at Vancouver Public Library from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
To plan a trip without SkyTrain, both TransLink’s Trip Planner and Google Maps have an option to exclude SkyTrain. Visit translink.ca/stayinformed to learn more about alternative travel options.
BCRTC remains committed to getting a deal done and will continue bargaining until the last moment to avoid disruptive job action for customers. Customers should check the status of service before travelling in the morning in case a deal has been reached.
Adult and concession Compass Minis go on sale on December 6 at Stadium–Chinatown Station’s Compass Customer Service and Waterfront Station’s West Coast Express office.
Tapping with Compass has never been more convenient! We’re introducing Compass Mini as another way to pay for transit in Metro Vancouver. Compass Mini looks just like a small Compass Card that attaches easily to keychains and backpacks.
“The launch of Compass Mini is a part of our commitment to enhance the customer experience,” says TransLink CEO Kevin Desmond. “Compass Wristbands have been a real hit and I’m sure customers will enjoy the convenience and practicality of the new Compass Mini.”
Compass Mini works the same as the Compass Card and Compass Wristband. Tap in and out when travelling on transit and reload online at a Compass Vending Machine, by phone or in person.
During its initial release, 5,000 adult Compass Minis and 2,500 concession Compass Minis will be available starting on December 6. Read more »
TransLink is releasing the report from the first phase of public engagement for Transport 2050, Metro Vancouver’s blueprint for the next 30 years of transportation. With input from every jurisdiction in the region, the engagement results will help shape the priorities identified in Transport 2050 when released later next year. This round of engagement had a record-breaking 31,700 responses and over 4,000 ideas submitted.
The Reindeer Bus rolls into service today, continuing a beloved holiday tradition in Metro Vancouver. In addition to spreading Christmas cheer across the region – the red-nosed reindeer will deliver donated toys as part of the Toys for Tots initiative, which has been operating for more than three decades.
“The Reindeer Bus is one of our proud traditions,” says TransLink CEO Kevin Desmond. “Whether it’s the volunteer decorators, the operators behind the wheel, the passengers in the seats, or the kids on Christmas Day – the Reindeer Bus brings us all together and brings a smile to every street corner!”
Led by Coast Mountain Bus Company, the Reindeer Bus is equipped with an animated Christmas tree, responsive lighting, a flashing nose, holiday carols, and an inflatable Santa Claus to deliver season’s greetings. Read more »
New initiatives and improvements to prepare for the season ahead
TransLink is releasing details of new initiatives and improvements to prepare for any adverse weather events this winter. This comes amid the launch of a new winter marketing campaign aimed at promoting safety for transit users this season.
“Our initiatives this winter are focused on increasing safety and customer communication at stations, bus exchanges, and throughout our online channels,” says TransLink CEO Kevin Desmond. “We’ve learned from previous seasons and have been working hard to ensure customers are kept informed of any significant delays or issues on our system.”
Last month, TransLink also hosted a meeting between Metro Vancouver municipalities to share and discuss winter preparedness plans. These regional partnerships are crucial to ensuring that any issues can be swiftly dealt with, in order to limit the impact on transit and transportation. Read more »
We’re beyond pleased to share that Coast Mountain Bus Company, and Unifor Locals 111 and 2200 have reached a tentative agreement! We’re working towards providing regular schedules for all transit modes.
The reserved parking stalls for Evo cars at Braid Station.
That’s why TransLink’s doing what we can by facilitating options so commuters can reach their destination or connect to transit that’s operating regular schedules. It’s our job to keep the region moving. We’ve reached out to our partners to help give some relief. Read more »
We’re beyond pleased to share that Coast Mountain Bus Company, and Unifor Locals 111 and 2200 have reached a tentative agreement! We’re working towards providing regular schedules for all transit modes.
We’ve got some good news and some not-so-good news…
The not-so-good news: on Wednesday, November 27; Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29, escalating job action will result in the suspension of SeaBus and most bus service in Metro Vancouver.
The good news: the forecast is calling for sunny skies for the latter part of the week, which means that despite the cooler temps cycling is a brisk, yet possible option for getting around the city during the transit strike.
Here are some important tips, tricks and reminders to ensure help your cycling commute:
We’re beyond pleased to share that Coast Mountain Bus Company, and Unifor Locals 111 and 2200 have reached a tentative agreement! We’re working towards providing regular schedules for all transit modes.
On Wednesday, November 27; Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29, escalating job action will result in the suspension of SeaBus and most bus service in Metro Vancouver.
SkyTrain, West Coast Express and HandyDART will operate their regular schedules on these days. Also running on these days are a very limited number of bus routes operated by West Vancouver Blue Bus and other contractors.
Each day, half-a-million people take transit within our region, and we recognize that this job action will create challenging and uncertain commutes for many.
The following summary breaks down what transit service IS running on November 27, 28 and 29. Read more »
We’re beyond pleased to share that Coast Mountain Bus Company, and Unifor Locals 111 and 2200 have reached a tentative agreement! We’re working towards providing regular schedules for all transit modes.
If you’re a resident, a visitor, or just have a stake in what’s going on in Metro Vancouver, you’ve likely noticed that a transit strike is underway. As avid transit users ourselves and lovers of the system, we want to address some of the chatter about the job action and provide some context. Read more »
Three of the more than 4,000 bold and creative ideas submitted as part of Transport 2050: Phase One engagement.
Expanding and improving Metro Vancouver’s transit system is a top priority for residents regardless of whether they drive, cycle, or take transit. That is one of the conclusions of the first phase of engagement with Metro Vancouver residents as part of Transport 2050.
To help develop the next 30-year blueprint, TransLink asked the region to share its priorities, concerns, values, and ideas. Through the first phase of public engagement, TransLink reached 159,000 people and received a record-breaking 31,682 responses through its survey. Respondents also submitted over 4,000 ideas for the future of transportation.Read more »
TransLink has opened a new round of public engagement on the proposed Surrey Langley SkyTrain project, and rapid transit on 104 Avenue and King George Boulevard.
Following direction from the Mayors’ Council on Regional Transportation in July, TransLink is moving forward with project development on the proposed Surrey Langley SkyTrain. While current available funding would enable an extension to 166 St in Fleetwood, subject to business case approval by senior governments, TransLink has been tasked with planning for the full 16-kilometre line to 203 St in Langley City Centre. Read more »
You and your kiddo have planned for this day for weeks, months or even years! And now the only thing standing in the way of your epic superhero Halloween costume being unrecognizable, hidden under three layers of fleece and a raincoat, is Metro Vancouver’s unpredictably predictable rainy weather. Read more »
TransLink is inviting customers and neighbours to have their say on two proposed new bus routes serving North Vancouver, Vancouver and Burnaby. During this round of engagement, customers are invited to provide their feedback on: Read more »
The 160 Port Coquitlam Station / Kootenay Loop bus is one of the most versatile routes in TransLink’s entire network. It connects communities and municipalities from Burnaby all the way to Port Coquitlam, allowing riders to cross three zones with a single tap.
One group that finds the 160 particularly helpful in their day-to-day lives is seniors, so we decided to take a group out on an expedition along the bus route, so they could show us how they use the route and tell us a little bit about what transit means to them. Read more »
Compass Cards will soon be used to pay for and unlock travel with TransLink, Modo, Evo, and Mobi by Shaw Go, as part of a limited pilot program launching today. The Shared Mobility Pilot Program will see select Vancouver-based employers provide their employees with co-branded Compass Cards for use on trips with any of the four transportation providers.
“The Shared Mobility Pilot Program is ultimately about providing more choices and more convenience for customers,” says Kevin Desmond, TransLink’s CEO.
“Those participating can take transit on their morning commute, cycle to meeting locations throughout the day, and unlock carshare services for the journey back home. These individual trips will now all be possible with one easy and seamless payment method.” Read more »
