Rebekka Regan has relied on the Main Street–Science World station to get to work for the past five years with no major complaints. Now she waits on an increasingly crowded platform watching trains pass by. The record number is nine.
Regular SkyTrains no longer stop at the station due to construction. Since March 30, the only way to reach Main Street–Science World has been by Train2Main, a special two-car train that stops at all stations between Waterfront and Commercial–Broadway.
TransLink recommends those using Train2Main to allow for 10 minutes of extra travel time, but Train2Main has faced unexpected lag times.
“My boyfriend let me know about trying to come home on a Friday night,” said Regan. “The platform is full of people waiting beyond 30 minutes, fighting for even a space to sit. [Transit] staff tend to congregate with one another almost trying to distance themselves from the frustration and chaos.”
In late April, transit police caught a man attempting to walk on the track from Commercial–Broadway to Main Street–Science World during a delay. Regan called the case ridiculous, but admits having visions of doing the same.
TransLink has attempted to inform transit users of changes. Train2Main signs at stations are designed with hot pink to draw attention. Anna Li lives in the area and finds the signs unclear. She thought the signs were promoting Main Street itself and its businesses.
“It’s hard to know that Train2Main is a specific train rather than telling people to train to Main for a visit,” said Li.
TransLink staff are always present at Main Street–Science World and occasionally visit other Train2Main stations. College student Angad Bailey is satisfied with their assistance but offers one tip that many seem to miss. “The only sign people really need to pay attention to is the electronic sign which shows where the oncoming train is headed.”
TransLink said it understands the frustration of longer waits but wishes to maintain some form of transit service during construction rather than closing off the station entirely. TransLink spokesperson Jiana Ling says a shuttle train is the best option without sacrificing safety. She recommends commuters visit TransLink’s online channels and traffic media for updates.
Construction at Main Street–Science World began in the spring of 2013. The new east stationhouse was completed May 18 and commuters can only access the train platform there with a new set of stairs and a new elevator. The west stationhouse is now closed for construction. A secure bike parking area was opened May 26 to coincide with Bike to Work Week.
The upgrades cost $30 million and are needed to accommodate the number of passengers as the station was not built to handle over 23,000 each day. Main Street–Science World is the oldest station on the city’s rapid transit system, built in 1982 in preparation for Expo 86.
It will be a while before commuters visit a construction-free station as it isn’t due to be completed until next year. However, the glassy east stationhouse now in use offers a peek at a modern, completed station.
“The system is inconvenient, but the station looks great,” said Li.
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