Metrotown Station elevator out of service Feb. 26
Metrotown Station elevator out of service Feb. 26
Hey buzzer readers!
With site preparation works underway, the contractor is preparing for construction of the Metrotown Station and Exchange Upgrades to begin. In the first phase of construction, crews will focus on building the new Centre Stationhouse, including new elevators and stairs. In order for this work to happen, the elevator at Metrotown Station will be taken out of service for approximately one year beginning Feb. 26.
UPDATE Two bus shuttles will service the station
While the elevator is out of service, two bus shuttles will service the station for passengers who require the use of an elevator.
- Passengers with disabilities can take a HandyDART shuttle between the Metrotown and Patterson HandyDART stops.
- Passengers travelling with strollers can take a Community Shuttle to Metrotown Station from Patterson or Royal Oak Station.
The shuttles will run approximately every 15 to 20 minutes during the following times:
- Monday to Friday: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Saturday: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Sundays & holidays: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Demand for the shuttles is expected to be high; passengers taking the services should allow for extra time when planning their travel, especially during peak periods.
We realize that many of our customers will be affected by the elevator closure, which was the best solution to avoid a full closure of Metrotown Station. We thank everyone for their patience while we complete these much-needed upgrades. When complete, the station will be more accessible, safe and secure, and improve the experience of the thousands of people who use the station every day.For more information about the Metrotown Station and Exchange Upgrades, visit translink.ca/metrotown.
Author: Jennifer Morland
I hope TransLink will consider adding a community shuttle for people who have trouble with stairs – seniors and people with mobility issues who aren’t in a wheelchair.
Hi @Sheba. Thanks for your comment! The 129 bus travels between Metrotown and Patterson stations, and can be used by people with mobility issues who do not travel with a mobility aid.
Trains that arrive every 2-5 mins and a bus that’s approx every 15 mins during peak times and every 30 mins for the rest of the day – and you think people are going to be happy with that? A shuttle bus to double the frequency shouldn’t be that difficult to manage and would make a world of difference for the less able bodied.
Hi @Sheba. Every effort has been made to limit the impact of this major construction project to the public, balancing customer needs and project demands. Increasing the frequency during peak periods by adding additional vehicles would have a significant impact on the operations of the shuttle and the overall cost. We recognize that this is a major impact to our customers and we thank everyone for their patience while we improve Metrotown Station. Once construction is complete, accessibility will be greatly improved for passengers who are less able bodied.
I wonder if there will be a new passerelle linking the center stationhouse to the mall’s Upper Level and Office Tower lobby. Then bus and vehicle traffic would not be heavily affected by pedestrians once a new passerelle is complete and shops near the passerelle can easily attract shoppers and office workers.
There will be a new passerelle that will be level with the station platform. Major bus routes will have their stops moved to the station side, reducing congestion in the passerelle. During construction, pedestrians would have to cross at street level.
Thankfully for myself the worst of it will be getting stuck behind slow people on the stairs at Metrotown station (who would have previously taken the elevator). This is unlikely to go well.
Btw the second link is for this page and not the Metrotown TransLink page.
Thanks for letting us know about the link. I’ve just gone and updated it.
It didn’t take long to add a second shuttle…