TransLink broke ridership records over the weekend, transporting more than 700,000 commuters between the Expo, Millennium and Canada Lines on Sunday alone.
Despite some lengthy lineups reported since the Olympics opened on Friday night, transit officials claimed a successful first leg of Games service on Monday afternoon.
"It's going tremendous," Doug Kelsey, CEO of the B.C. Rapid Transit Company said. "Clearly all pistons are hitting and it's really exciting."
With thousands of Olympic tourists in town, and Vancouverites urged to abandon their vehicles in favour of public transportation, Kelsey said a record-setting 500,000 people rode the Expo and Millennium Lines on Sunday. Another 210,000 rode the Canada Line.
The number of bus passengers was not yet available, but Kelsey estimated it would double the total ridership for the day.
He also praised passengers' patience, and warned of more lineups and delays to come.
Five Olympic hockey games are scheduled on Tuesday – including the Men's Team Canada's first bout against Norway – and transit could be crowded.
"There's going to be real significant surges," Kelsey said. "Just be ready for those extra lineups and plan accordingly."
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Stephen Smart
