Winter’s coming, here’s how we’re keeping you moving
Winter’s coming, here’s how we’re keeping you moving
Winter weather in Metro Vancouver can be tricky, but we’re working proactively to keep you moving when inclement weather hits. Just like you, preparation is key for us too. Here’s how we’re prepping for the anticipated winter conditions ahead.
This winter, 70 per cent of our bus fleet will run on Michelin Grip D tires, that’s about 1,100 buses and double last year! These specialized tires have deeper tread pattern and are certified with the highest winter performance rating available for bus tires – the three-peak mountain snowflake, meaning they’re built for winter conditions. Better traction means safer, more reliable rides when the weather gets messy. We’ve put these tires through years of testing, and they’ve proven themselves in both snow and rain. Our goal is to transition the entire fleet over time.
What else are we doing?
Winter prep isn’t just about the tires.
On the bus side we’re:
- Coordinating with municipalities for snow removal on priority routes.
- Deploying trolley wire de-icing trucks.
- Using brass cutters on trolley buses to prevent ice buildup on wires.
- Replacing some rear drive axle articulated buses with conventional 40-foot buses on certain hilly routes.
- Utilizing snow shuttles on portions of steeper routes with heavy snowfall.
- Salting and sanding bus exchanges.
On SkyTrain, we’re:
- Using de-icer trains to keep the power rail free from ice buildup.
- Running trains overnight to prevent snow buildup in the guideway.
- Connecting Millennium Line trains into four-car configurations.
- Deploying SkyTrain Attendants at the front of trains to limit emergency braking triggered by heavy snowfall.
- Using hockey sticks (yes, really!) to clear ice from train doors.
- Salting and sanding walkways at SkyTrain and West Coast Express stations.
Your winter travel tips
During inclement weather, know before you go and:
- Plan ahead with these 10 tips to say safe and warm on transit this winter.
- Build in extra travel time and plan commutes using Trip Planner
- Sign up for Transit Alerts
- Follow or message @TransLink on X, formerly Twitter
- Call Customer Information at 604.953.3333 for help in over 300 languages.
