Tactics ready to be deployed across Metro Vancouver’s transit system

NEW WESTMINSTER, BC – TransLink is preparing all transit services for winter weather, with freezing temperatures and snow in the forecast for parts of Metro Vancouver this weekend.

Bus service preparations and actions:

• Coordinating with municipalities on snow-clearing of priority routes.
• Spreading anti-icing solution on overhead trolley wires.
• Using brass cutters on some trolley buses to prevent ice buildup on wires.
• Utilizing snow shuttles on portions of steeper routes with heavy snowfall.
• Salting and sanding bus exchanges.

Roughly 600 Coast Mountain Bus Company (CMBC) buses are now equipped with Michelin Grip D tires on key routes. They have a deeper tread pattern and, like the fleet’s existing tires, carry the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake rating — the highest winter rating available for bus tires. Testing has shown these tires perform effectively in snowy and rainy conditions; CMBC will continue evaluating their performance.

Sixteen new articulated buses with centre drive axles have also been put into service. These new buses provide better traction, stability, and steering control; they will be used specifically on steep, slippery areas around the region.     

SkyTrain service preparations and actions:

• Using de-icer trains to keep the power rail free from ice buildup.
• Running trains overnight to prevent snow buildup in the guideway.
• Deploying SkyTrain Attendants at the front of trains to limit emergency braking triggered by heavy snowfall.
• Preventing and clearing ice and snow buildup on SkyTrain doors with platform teams equipped with hockey sticks.
• Salting and sanding walkways at SkyTrain and West Coast Express stations.

TransLink customers are encouraged to dress for the weather and wear proper footwear to avoid slips and falls. To prepare for potential snowfall, transit riders are encouraged to build in extra travel time and plan commutes using Trip Planner.

To stay informed, customers can sign up for Transit Alerts, follow TransLink on X (@TransLink), and call Customer Information at 604.953.3333. Phone service is also available in over 300 languages.

More information:
Winter Readiness B-roll Download
Winter Readiness B-roll YouTube Link
TransLink Winter Travel Guide

Media contact:
TransLink Media Relations
E: media@translink.ca