Metro Vancouver transit operator urges 'essential travel only' amid B.C. snowstorm

Metro Vancouver's transit operator saw delays and cancellations across its system Wednesday as snowfall totals approached 30 centimetres in some parts of B.C.'s Lower Mainland.

TransLink urged users to restrict their rides to "essential travel only" as the operator worked to maintain service levels across the region despite the treacherous road conditions.

"Please use caution, give yourselves extra travel time and remember to dress warmly in anticipation of potential delays," TransLink said in an alert Wednesday morning.

"We continue to salt and sand bus loops and SkyTrain stations, but please use caution in these areas," the service warned. "There may be extra crowding on some bus routes and SkyTrain platforms."

BUSES

TransLink says it has activated its snow plan, meaning all 18-metre (60-foot) buses have been swapped out for the more agile 12-metre (40-foot) vehicles.

"This means there is reduced space on routes that normally operate with 60-foot buses," the transit operator said in a service alert.

Approximately 500 buses, or one-third of the service's fleet, will be trialling new winter-rated tires with a new tread pattern, according to TransLink.

"These tires carry the 'three-peak mountain snowflake' rating — the highest winter rating available for bus tires," the operator said.

In an evening update, TransLink said some bus routes at higher altitudes may end service early due to road conditions. Several routes in the Tri-Cities were not operational Wednesday afternoon.

TransLink said the 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, and 191 buses would not be running until conditions in the area improved.

SKYTRAIN

TransLink says SkyTrain service was running with frequencies "slightly lower than normal" throughout the day. All stations on all three train lines were operational.

"Anti-icing trains have been deployed to prevent the power rail from ice buildup," the operator said.

Staff have also been deployed to the front of the trains to avoid emergency braking, TransLink said.

HANDYDART

HandyDART is running with reduced service levels, TransLink says. Customers with medical appointments, work or school will be prioritized until roads are cleared.

SEABUS AND WEST COAST EXPRESS

SeaBus service and the West Coast Express are running regular service Wednesday,

The latest updates from the transit service are available here.