Psst…psst…have you heard? The Canada Line will surpass 200 million passengers this month! We’re sharing stories about the Canada Line on the Buzzer blog leading up to this month’s celebratory event. 

The Canada Line hit a major milestone this month – carrying its 200 millionth passenger just five years after opening!

We have been sharing Canada Line rider stories with you all week and it culminated on Friday, November 21 with a special event at Waterfront Station attended by both riders and dignitaries.

Attending the event were Andrea Reimer, City of Vancouver Councilor; Iain Black, Vancouver Board of Trade CEO, John Yap, Member of Legislative Assembly Richmond-Steveston; Craig Richmond, Vancouver Airport Authority CEO, Wai Young, Member of Parliament Vancouver South; Howard Nemtin, TransLink Board Vice-Chair; and Malcolm Brodie, Mayor of Richmond; among other key stakeholders. Peter Ladner, Business in Vancouver Co-Founder, acted as the emcee for the event.

Joining them were Canada Line riders Donald McDonald, Jasper Tam, and Samantha Gill.

One of many reasons the Canada Line has been so successful in reaching this major milestone is the professional and dedicated staff of 200 employees, consisting of:

• Field Operations (Green Jackets)
• Canada Line Attendants,
• Central Control Operators
• Guideway Technicians
• Vehicle Technicians
• Electronic Technicians
• Facilities Services Technicians
• Administrative support personnel – HSQE, Engineering, Finance, Procurement, HR, Materials Supply Management, Scheduling and Perfomance management

Friday also marked the start of Blanket BC’s annual Drive on the Line that takes place along the Canada Line.

TransLink Vice-President of Communications and Customer Engagement Colleen Brennan joined volunteers at Waterfront Station, helping collect blankets and donations for those vulnerable to the cold throughout Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley and Vancouver Island.

Within seconds of getting handed the donation box, Colleen received a $20 donation. Way to go!

Volunteers will be back again at eight Canada Line stations on Saturday, November 22 to collect blankets from 8 am to 6pm.

Samantha is one of 200 million passengers on the Canada Line!

Samantha Gill was one of our three Canada Line riders. Here’s a short interview Robert did with her.

Where do you live?
I live in the West End of Vancouver.

What do you do?
I work at the Women’s and Children’s hospital. I’m an audiometric technician. I work with audiologists. I’ve been working there for three years now.

How do you get to work?
I usually bike to the Yaletown-Roundhouse SkyTrain Station and then bike from King Edward. I don’t own a car.

How often do you use the train?
I use it three to five days a week. I usually try to walk home. I use the line more in the winter months than in summer when I try to bike more.

Do you use Canada Line outside of work hours?
I use the Canada Line when I take the West Coast Express and when I go to the airport.

What do you do when on the train?
I usually read a book. I use my time on the Canada Line as me time. The trip is usually so fast I can’t get into anything of great length.

What does Canada Line mean to you?
“Convenience, efficient, it’s so easy”

Thanks to Samantha and all 200 million passengers on the Canada Line!

Author: Allen Tung