10 tips to stay safe when riding transit this winter
10 tips to stay safe when riding transit this winter
Winter carries wet, snowy, colder, and shorter days in our part of the world, so it’s imperative to be extra careful and prepared when commuting.
Just like you, preparation is key for TransLink too to keep our region moving during inclement weather. Among many initiatives, we ensure our bus operators get regular training for all sorts of driving conditions and our vehicles geared up to withstand snow in Metro Vancouver.
By being proactive, we can maintain a safe and pleasant commute for everyone. Here are some tips and resources to help you prepare for the rainy months:
1. Check the weather forecast before leaving.
Forecasts are fairly accurate closer to real time than a week before, so check the forecast on your weather app or the news before preparing to leave home. Look for any changes in temperature and chances of rain or snow so you can plan if it’s a windbreaker kind of day or a raincoat kind of day.
2. Dress warmly and wear reflective clothing/accessories and non-slip shoes.
When the season changes, so do our wardrobes. Wear non-slip shoes, bright clothing, and a raincoat. For extra warmth, keep a toque, a pair of gloves or hand warmers in your bag.
3. Sign up for Transit Alerts.
Stay up to date with service changes to your routes and SkyTrain station updates – like closures to elevators, escalators, or entrances – in real time with our Transit Alerts. You can customize the notifications you’d like to receive, whether you receive it via text (standard message rates may apply) or email, and how often you receive them.
4. Avoid rush hour or add extra travel time.
You can have a safe and comfortable commute when you’re not in a hurry. Weekday rush hours run from 7 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. Plan your trip ahead with our Trip Planner, where you have the option to set departure and arrival times.
5. Go slow and step carefully, floors may be slippery.
Precipitation and raindrops dripping from umbrellas and raincoats can make the floors slippery, so walk carefully. Stand behind the yellow line on train platforms and allow others to get off before boarding the train.
6. Walk, don’t rush for your train or bus.
Plan to arrive to your stop earlier than the bus’s expected arrival.
Trains run frequently so no need to rush.
Expo Line trains run every 2-3 minutes during peak hours and 3-5 minutes throughout the day; Millennium Line trains, every 3-4 minutes during peak hours and 6-10 minutes throughout the day; and Canada Line trains, every 3 minutes during peak hours and 6-20 minutes throughout the day.
7. Hang on while the bus or train is in motion.
Floors on buses and trains may be slippery so hang on!
8. Stay aware of your surroundings.
Visibility is low when it’s dark and foggy outside. Reduce distractions and stay aware of your surroundings to keep yourself and others safe.
9. Watch for your bus.
Operators may not be able to pull into a bus stop, and instead will stop in an area that is safe and accessible nearby. Stand near the bus stop sign to make sure the bus driver sees you. Wearing bright or reflective clothing or accessory on can help operators see you in the dark.
10. Call Customer Information for assistance (604-953-3333) or tweet us @TransLink.
Our Customer Information is available to assist you during their operating hours. Please visit translink.ca/contact for hours.
Visit our Winter Travel Guide for more safety tips and resources!
Ensure excess water from your umbrella is left outside the bus (creates a slippery surface)
Keep umbrellas off the seats
Tips down
Backpacks off!
Are you immune compromised? If a goodly number of people have covid symptoms, get off the bus/train and get on the next one.
I recommend either wearing a mask, staying home or getting a ride. It’s wrong to ask someone who is immune compromised to get off the bus and wait in below zero weather for another one. Cruel even
I wouldn’t use transit if I could Afford All your suggestions! If I had the money to Do All That..I could afford my Own Transportaion! I use the bus cause that’s my Go To Affordable Transport! Then because it isn’t Profitable to You..you Inconvenience the Vulnerable!
Translink riders need to be informed about the use of the front seats and to take off their backpacks when standing. Translink, please create a ridership learning program with schools for all students (including international) that includes and emphasizes proper bus etiquette! As a senior, I almost always have to ask for a seat and fight me way through the aisles.
You are absolutely right, more often than not I see young people seating in the areas designated for seniors, handicap and strollers/wheelchairs , oblivious of the clearly marked seats and I have to hold on for dear life while the driver says nothing.
Thank you. Too many people are too timid to ask young people to give up their seats. Also, many youths who were riding the bus wearing backpacks had bumped into my daughter’s head with them and when I asked them to stop I was assaulted.
If your all trained for this kind of weather then why are you stopping buses!
You should put chains on your tires plus all the main roads are mostly plowed,so I don’t understand why your complaining ,this is in Toronto and Toronto has better service,maybe you should take some pointers!Omg! It took ppl yesterday almost 14 hrs to get home cuz of weather and transit should be more reliable,half the time I have to walk from Scott rd or Newton to get home as the bus stops around my house on weekdays round 9 pm and weekend earlier and Sunday at 7 pm,how is anyone ,especially women suppose to get home safely,walking a half a hour in the dark is not safe!
You need to upgrade the service again and the bus 364 need more night service!
Wow!
I wouldn’t use transit if I could Afford All your suggestions! If I had the money to Do All That..I could afford my Own Transportation! I use the bus cause that’s my Go To Affordable Transport! Then because it isn’t Profitable to You..you Inconvenience the Vulnerable!