TransLink is hosting the 2010 American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Rail Conference in June, and one of the big parts of the conference is the International Rail Rodeo, where staff from other rail systems compete in tests of their operations and maintenance skill!

As the rodeo is being held at VCC-Clark station, it will mean a few service changes from June 1-6:

• The #84 VCC-Clark will use temporary stops on East 6th Ave. as far as Keith Drive, then continue to Commercial-Broadway Station, turn around and make its return trip. Customers intending to transfer to SkyTrain may stay on the bus to Commercial-Broadway Station.
• VCC-Clark Station and the adjacent bus loop will be closed Friday June 4 and Saturday June 5 for training, practice and the rodeo itself. On those days, SkyTrain customers who normally would board at VCC-Clark will need to go to Broadway and take the #9 bus eastbound to Commercial-Broadway Station (or the 99 B-Line, which stops at Broadway and Clark Drive.
• VCC-Clark Station will be back open on Sunday June 6; normal service on the #84 VCC-Clark/UBC will resume Monday June 7.

As well, due to safety reasons, there is sadly no public viewing area for the rodeo. But I will be around and about the rodeo next week, and I’ll post my glimpses of the competition here!

And thanks very much for your patience during this period, as we give our colleagues in the transit world a unique hands-on experience on our transportation system.