With significant snowfall across Metro Vancouver causing school closures and commuter chaos, TransLink and the provincial government are warning residents to just stay home.
“Due to heavy snowfall, there will be significantly slower service on the transit system today,” the transit authority said in a press release.
“Because of persistent snow, high winds, and cold temperatures causing poor road conditions, please avoid all but essential travel.”
As of 8:30 a.m., the transit authority was reporting the following service disruptions:
Expo/Millennium:
King George, Sapperton, and Braid stations are closed due to switch issues. Switch issues on the system are causing some trains to be unable to reliably make it to stations, and crowds are building. Staff are on site and are working to resolve the issues. Expect delays and reductions in train frequencies
Canada Line:
Reduction in train frequency.
Bus:
Variousroute cancellations and delaysdue to weather impacts, please check our alerts and Twitterpagesfor your route delays/detours.
HandyDART:
HandyDART has switched to essential service levels, meaning all trips other than those deemed essential will be rescheduled. Customers requiring rides home will be picked up as soon as possible. Riders are encouraged to consult our Trip Planner (http://tripplanning.translink.ca), or contact our customer information desk (604-953-3333) for trip planning advice.
So far, the SeaBus is still running as usual.
“Our priority is to ensure transit services continue to operate, even if they are operating more slowly or with reduced capacity,” TransLink said.
B.C.’s Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure also issued a warning Wednesday morning, advising drivers to avoid all but essential travel throughout Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.
The travel advisory also applies to Vancouver Island on Highway 1 between Nanaimo and Victoria, as well as highways 14, 17 and 18.
“Persistent snow, high winds and cold temperatures are causing poor road conditions. Those who must travel are asked to use extreme caution and drive to the conditions. The ministry advises travellers to expect winter conditions for the rest of the week.”
