What happened: Translink CEO Kevin Desmond laid out additional transportation options ahead of a three-day, system-wide bus shutdown planned to start Wednesday.
Why it matters: The shutdown will significantly impact movement throughout the region. It will directly affect some 350,000 bus riders and could put as many as 36,000 more cars on the region’s roads, according to Translink projections.
Translink CEO Kevin Desmond is urging employers to let employees work remotely during an upcoming three-day, system-wide bus shutdown planned by striking Coast Mountain Bus Co. workers.
“Where possible, we would be urging employers to allow their employees to flex their work schedules or to telecommute,” said Desmond.
“I know that’s not an easy option for many, many types of businesses but to the extent possible that would probably be helpful.”
In a press conference on Monday (Nov. 25), Desmond laid out the alternative transportation options that will be made available during the shutdown, which will directly affect some 350,000 daily bus riders starting Wednesday.
Translink is also projecting the job action could place 36,000 more cars on the region’s roads over the three-day period.
While SkyTrain services will continue to operate, Desmond added that roughly half of SkyTrain's ridership reaches stations by bus.
“We all know that this is going to be a very difficult few days,” he said.
Translink will be looking to add more SkyTrain trips during off-peak periods. It will also designate temporary passenger pick-up and drop-off zones at stations and at unused bus stops.
Desmond urged commuters to consider carpooling, and said Translink is working closely with ride-sharing partners to help address transportation needs Wednesday through Friday.
More Mobi bikes will be placed around stations, and Translink is working with a local partner to arrange for bike valet services at SkyTrain stations.
Bikes will also be allowed on SkyTrain cars during peak periods — a relaxation of Translink’s bike rules — though Desmond asked cyclists to use the last car.
“Fortunately, Metro Vancouver has a very robust network of alternative service providers, although we do recognize that they are not scaled to replace the bus system,” Desmond told reporters.
He also used the press conference to urge Coast Mountain Bus workers to return to the bargaining table.
“The offer on the table now is fair and reasonable. It’s time to bargain and not issue ultimatums,” he said.
“I urge the union not to punish the transit users of the region. There is still time to end this.”
Wages are among the issues at dispute between the employer and workers, represented by Unifor Local 111.
Last week, SkyTrain workers voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action. Eight days of mediation are set to begin Thursday.
Watch the press conference here.
Click here for original story.
