In anticipation of the wintry weather, preparations are underway to provide as much service as possible for customers, but expect less frequency on SkyTrain than you may be used to.

Extreme cold and ice buildup is causing issues with SkyTrain’s track intrusion system.

To ensure safety, and reduce delays and unnecessary emergency braking of trains, we’re turning off the intrusion system and redeploying SkyTrain Attendants from station platforms to staff all trains.

While we won’t be able to run our full complement of trains on the Expo and Millennium lines, we will have more trains running than this morning.

Customers should anticipate longer waits and more crowded trains and platforms. Those who are able to adjust their schedule are encouraged to travel outside peak periods.

Like all traffic, our buses are also impacted by poor road conditions. During adverse weather, operators are instructed to drive slower and with added caution to keep riders safe.

So, remember — know before you go and give yourself extra commuting time. Our staff are working hard to ensure transit stays as reliable as possible. Always dress for the elements, wear proper footwear and expect occasional delays.

Check alerts.translink.ca and follow @TransLink on Twitter for up-to-minute information about your route and across the system, use our Trip Planner to plan ahead, and get help by calling Customer Information at 604.953.3333 or tweeting @TransLink.

Here’s what we’re doing

• Adding extra staff to assist customers and coordinate service.
• Salting and sanding all transit exchanges to prevent slippery surfaces.
• Coordinating with municipalities on snow clearing if priority routes are impacted.
• Deploying special trucks to spread anti-icing solution on trolley wires.
• Installing brass “cutters” on some trolley buses to cut through ice on trolley wires.

What we’ll do if conditions are severe

• Replace articulated buses with 40’ conventional buses when necessary, as they are more agile on steep, slippery areas.
• Install tire socks on buses on Burnaby Mountain and on key North Shore routes where hills and traction are an issue.
• Run special SkyTrain that sprays de-icer on the power rail to keep trains moving.
• Run trains through the night if snow is especially heavy to keep tracks clear.
• Send HandyDART out with two staff per vehicle, to ensure customers get safely to their door, and assist in digging out the bus if required.
• Deploy additional staff as available to assist customers right across the system.