Check out the new Transit Alerts!

Check out the new Transit Alerts page!

We’ve given our Transit Alerts an update, making it easier for our customers keep informed of changes or disruptions to their routes!

There’s a new look with improved navigation and a responsive design (that means it looks the same on both mobile and desktop devices). There’s now an option to toggle between showing alerts only for today or all alerts.

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Improved Transit Alerts are here!

We’re making it faster and easier for our customers to find transit information with a redesigned Alerts & Advisories page, and improved GTFS data feed and SMS.

In November 2016, we asked our customers how they use and access Transit Alerts. Today, we’re excited to begin rolling out improvements to Transit Alerts to make it easier for you to plan ahead!

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Help us build a better transit alert experience

Last year, you told us how you use and access Transit Alerts, and now we’re back looking for your input on how you want to be notified about transit disruptions or service changes.

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Results from the Learn ‘n’ Poll about where you get your transit information

Our latest poll was something of a hybrid. Dubbed as a Learn ‘n’ Poll, we posted many of the ways you can get information about your transit trips and TransLink.

Then, you voted on which were your “go-to” spots for transit info.

You did some learning, you did some voting and now we know that the majority of you head to the source, the mothership that is translink.ca! The TL website took the top spot with 88 votes.

Next up were the ever-popular transit apps with 54 votes, followed closely by @TransLink on Twitter with 48 votes.

Transit Alerts (either by SMS text or on the Alerts page) garnered 26 votes, “Other” – with a special nod to tcomm.bustrainferry.com – grabbed 13 votes, Facebook, radio and in-person info gathering tallied 12, six and five votes, respectively.

Thanks for everyone who voted! Until the next Learn’n’Poll, keep on keepin’ on!

Author: Adrienne Coling

Where do you get your transit information?

Welcome to the Buzzer blog’s Learn ‘n’ poll!

From construction reroutes and weather to bus stop locations and Compass information, TransLink provides a virtual buffet of transit knowledge in a variety of places.

We strive to get you any and all the details you need to keep you on time, on route and on transit.

Let’s take a look at some of the avenues you can explore for all your transit needs.

The TransLink website

TransLink.ca is our one-stop-shop for all transit information.

You can map your route using Trip Planner, see when your buses are arriving with Next Bus and learn all about TransLink and its operating companies in Schedules and Maps, Fares, Rider Guide, Getting Around, Plans and Projects and About Us.

The homepage also lists other transit resources for you like YouTube and the Buzzer blog!

Transit Alerts

Maybe you’re less interested in the Corporate Reports and more interested in what’s happening right now on transit.

Not a problem! You can visit the Alerts page for an overview of the conditions of all modes of transit, station accessibility as well as any detours, construction or delays that may impact your trip.

The best part about Transit Alerts is that you can sign up for alerts and receive SMS text or emails about your route and be the first to know about any changes in service.

Twitter

Another amazing resource is the Customer Information (CI) team on Twitter.

You can easily tweet them @TransLink to receive answers to your questions about your bus, Compass information, operating hours, lost property and pretty much anything else you can think to ask!

Not a tweeter? Give them a shout by phone at 604-953-3333.

CI will be there to heed the transit call from 5:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. Monday to Friday and from 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on weekends.

Facebook

The TransLink Facebook page is a place for discussion, transit news, fun tidbits and lots more!

The page is manned by the Buzzer blog crew (^rw, ^ac and ^sk, respectively) from around 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday and we are happy to answer your questions during those times.

If a major service delay occurs, CI will post outside of those business hours to update customers of impacts.

Transit Apps

In 2012, TransLink released our transit data as open source.

This means that new transit apps based on our open API crop up giving riders access to information like GPS bus tracking.

Last year we did a poll about your transit app options. Do you use any of these? Have a new one? Comment below and let us know!

Remember! It’s always good to check in with Customer Information for clarification on any service issues.

Radio

Remember the radio? It’s that thing that plays songs you can’t skip!

In all seriousness, local radio stations are great resource for transit information.

If there is inclement weather, a disruption or a major accident, local media are informed by TransLink so they can reach out to their listeners who may be affected.

Tune in to News1130, CKNW and CBC 690 AM and 88.1 FM – just to name a few!

In person

For in-person assistance you can visit any of these reliable and accessible places for your specific questions.

TransLink’s Compass Customer Service Centre for your Compass needs and Lost Property Office are both located at Stadium–Chinatown Station.

The West Coast Express Office is at Waterfront Station and our awesome SkyTrain Attendants and bus operators are across the SkyTrain and bus networks.

Transit Police has hubs at major stations and Transit Security is out and about helping customers across the region.

Take a trip to your local library or rec centre and you’re likely to find transit schedules, system maps and Compass information as well!

The time, as they say, is now. Let’s head to the poll!

**You can vote for two options**

Weigh in and tell your friends!

Author: Adrienne Coling