Despite the fact that Wiarton Willie and Shubenacadie Sam both predicted an early spring this Groundhog Day, our local weather forecast is calling for snow Friday morning.

With the possibility of two to five centimeters of snow falling tomorrow and possibly into the weekend, here are some of the ways our operations team is preparing to keep you moving through snow and slushy wintry conditions:

• We work closely with our municipal partners to have bus routes plowed first.
• If a street is not plowed, operators may refrain from pulling into bus stops to avoid getting stuck. In these cases, operators will stop in an area that is safe and accessible for riders.
• Trolley de-icer trucks will spray the entire trolley overhead system if there is a forecast risk of frost or ice.
• SkyTrain power rail and collector shoes on the trains will be de-iced, and de-icing stations set up in covered areas and tunnels.
• Measures are also taken to ensure rail switches are protected from freezing.
• During times of heavy overnight snow, SkyTrain will run throughout the night to keep tracks clear.
• Where possible, articulated buses are replaced by traditional coaches as they’re more agile and better equipped to handle hills or streets with poor conditions.

Check out our posts from earlier this season with some excellent transit tips to manage inclement weather, an in depth look at 6 things TransLink is doing to prepare for more wintry weather, and what role Transit Supervisors play when the snow falls.

Know before you go.
If there’s snow or ice, ensure you plan ahead with Trip Planner or  m.translink.ca on your mobile device, and make sure to allow yourself extra commuting time.

Sign up for transit alerts so you’ll be the first to know if there are changes in the transit schedule.

Follow our customer information team on Twitter (@translink) and save their number (604) 953-3333 on your mobile device.

Step Carefully

Snowy floors can become slippery floors. Where possible, kick the snow from your shoes before getting on the your chosen mode of transit. Use handrails and please be courteous to other passengers and don’t put your feet up on open seats.

Dress Warmly

While your ride will be climate controlled, we can’t control the temperature outside of our vehicles. Make sure that you’re dressed warmly for your trip to and from your stop.

Be Courteous

Please remember that transit is a popular choice on snowy days, therefore you may see more people out than usual. Always use your common transit sense to ensure a comfortable ride for everyone.

Are you ready for spring, or excited for this wintry rewind?

Author: Sarah Kertcher