UPDATE 9:15 a.m.: TransLink has declared Wednesday "an extreme travel day," and is advising would-be riders to "stay home where possible."
Some SkyTrain stations are closed, and some bus routes are completely cancelled.
Today is an extreme travel day; please stay home where possible. Bus & SkyTrain is significantly impacted and several Stations inc King George, Sapperton and Braid are closed due to inclement weather.Please view all alerts to see the impacts to your route.
— TransLink BC (@TransLink) January 15, 2020
Last night's snow storm and sustained sub-zero temps across Metro Vancouver Wednesday morning mean widespread delays on public transit.
Bus and SkyTrain services are experiencing significant delays due to inclement weather. Please allow extra travel time and bundle up in anticipation of delays! We continue to salt & sand bus loops, parking lots & SkyTrain stations. Please use caution & watch for ice. ^CK
— TransLink BC (@TransLink) January 15, 2020
"Customers are asked to consider whether they need to travel today, and if there is a need, whether they could consider travelling outside of rush hours, as commutes will take significantly longer than usual," said TransLink via email.
Early Wednesday morning TransLink indicated that some Millennium and Expo line stations would be opening five to 10 minutes later than usual today to allow for staff to arrive to their posts.
Additionally, as part of TransLink's winter weather plan, Millennium and Expo line trains will be running "coupled," which means with four cars to increase capacity but with less frequency.
In the early hours of service already today TransLink and commuters have had to contend with service disruptions due to mechanical issues on the Expo Line, as well as on the West Coast Express.
"The inclement weather may also result in some crowding on board trains and at SkyTrain stations, as was seen during afternoon rush hours yesterday. Station attendants will be on board trains to monitor guideways and limit emergency braking on the system, which can be caused by heavy snowfall or ice build up," explains TransLink via email.
Those needing to use the buses have been given a blanket caution: "Bus service is experiencing delays in most areas due to inclement weather. Please allow extra travel time and bundle up in anticipation of delays!" says TransLink.
There are numerous and significant route disruptions and service delays on bus lines across the system, stretching from the suburbs to downtown. Among the disruptions and delays are those lines that operate at higher elevations in North Burnaby and the SFU area, in Surrey, Langley, Coquitlam, and White Rock, Marine Drive in Vancouver, as well as major lines in Vancouver.
Handy Dart will be operating essential service in all areas, with delays expected.
If you need to catch a bus this morning, be sure to check online via TransLink's alerts page first to check your individual line(s) for updates, as well as the @translinkTwitter account.
