TransLink Operations During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Difference between revisions
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==List of Important Events== | ==List of Important Events== | ||
Despite not being mentioned | [[File:SkyTrain Bombardier 301-a.jpg|250px|thumb|right|2009 Bombardier Mk2 #301 featuring the copper surfaces demonstration]] | ||
[[File:Coast Mountain Bus Company XN40 Closed Seat-a.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Buses ran with limited capacity for much of Spring 2020 in order to promote social distancing.]] | |||
[[File:Coast Mountain Bus Company 8140-b.jpg|250px|thumb|right|8140 departs UBC Exchange sporting the 'Wearing is Caring' campaign wrap.]] | |||
[[File:Coast Mountain Bus Company 19040-a.jpg|250px|thumb|right|19040 passes Park Royal displaying the "REAR BOARDING ONLY" sign.]] | |||
[[File:Coast Mountain Bus Company 18395-b.jpg|250px|thumb|right|18395 passes Walnut Street on Cornwall Avenue displaying the "MASKS MANDATORY" sign.]] | |||
[[File:Coast Mountain Bus Company 18036-b.jpg|250px|thumb|right|18036 during its tenure as a mobile vaccination clinic in Fraser Health]] | |||
Despite not being mentioned in the press releases, bus services continue to undergo some cancellations. See the List of Reductions By Service Mode table for the explicit list of service reductions. | |||
{| border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" class="sortable" | {| border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" class="sortable" | ||
!Date | !Date | ||
Line 10: | Line 17: | ||
|March 19, 2020 | |March 19, 2020 | ||
|align="Left"| | |align="Left"| | ||
*Coast Mountain Bus Company restricts | *Coast Mountain Bus Company restricts loading and unloading of buses to only take place at the rear doors of buses | ||
*Coast Mountain Bus Company suspends collection of fares on buses in order to reduce transmission | *Coast Mountain Bus Company suspends collection of fares on buses in order to reduce transmission | ||
*Increased installation of driver barriers | *Increased installation of driver barriers | ||
Line 35: | Line 42: | ||
|April 4, 2020 | |April 4, 2020 | ||
|align="Left"| | |align="Left"| | ||
*Mass reduction of service on all modes of service, select university routes | *Mass reduction of service on all modes of service, select university routes cancelled prematurely | ||
*SeaBus: reduction of service to every 30 minutes | *SeaBus: reduction of service to every 30 minutes | ||
*West Coast Express: Train 4 in both directions | *West Coast Express: Train 4 in both directions cancelled | ||
*Increase of fares scheduled for July 1 postponed to a later date | *Increase of fares scheduled for July 1 postponed to a later date | ||
*Release of details of reduced ridership since mid-March: SeaBus ridership down 90%, West Coast Express by 95%, Bus boardings by 82%, adding up to 83% on the entire transit system. | *Release of details of reduced ridership since mid-March: SeaBus ridership down 90%, West Coast Express by 95%, Bus boardings by 82%, adding up to 83% on the entire transit system. | ||
Line 60: | Line 67: | ||
|align="Left"| | |align="Left"| | ||
*SkyTrain: Expo/Millennium Lines undergo capacity reduction of 15-20%, Canada Line peak hour reduction by 18% | *SkyTrain: Expo/Millennium Lines undergo capacity reduction of 15-20%, Canada Line peak hour reduction by 18% | ||
*SeaBus: first/last sailings at 7: | *SeaBus: first/last sailings at 7:45 pm from Waterfront Station and 7:30 pm from Lonsdale Quay, while maintaining sailings every 30 minutes | ||
*West Coast Express: reduction of train cars and cancellation of trains 2 and 4 in both directions | *West Coast Express: reduction of train cars and cancellation of trains 2 and 4 in both directions | ||
|- align="center" | |- align="center" | ||
Line 69: | Line 76: | ||
|May 8, 2020 | |May 8, 2020 | ||
|align="Left"| | |align="Left"| | ||
*Service reductions that were scheduled for May 18, 2020 were | *Service reductions that were scheduled for May 18, 2020, were cancelled. The Provincial Government has secured funding to allow TransLink to continue operations; however additional funding is still expected from the Federal Government. | ||
|<ref>[https://www.translink.ca/About-Us/Media/2020/May/Province-and-TransLink-to-ensure-transit-service-in-place-to-support-BCs-Restart-Plan.aspx Province and TransLink to ensure transit service in place to support B.C.’s Restart Plan], translink.ca, retrieved 05-08-2020</ref> | |<ref>[https://www.translink.ca/About-Us/Media/2020/May/Province-and-TransLink-to-ensure-transit-service-in-place-to-support-BCs-Restart-Plan.aspx Province and TransLink to ensure transit service in place to support B.C.’s Restart Plan], translink.ca, retrieved 05-08-2020</ref> | ||
|- align="center" | |- align="center" | ||
Line 79: | Line 86: | ||
|June 1, 2020 | |June 1, 2020 | ||
|align="Left"| | |align="Left"| | ||
*TransLink scheduled to resume fare collection after installation of additional barriers | *TransLink scheduled to resume fare collection after installation of additional barriers. | ||
*CMBC to resume regular seating on all bus routes | |||
|<ref>[https://www.translink.ca/About-Us/Media/2020/May/Bus-fare-collection-set-to-resume-June-1.aspx Bus fare collection set to resume June 1], translink.ca, retrieved 05-05-2020</ref> | |<ref>[https://www.translink.ca/About-Us/Media/2020/May/Bus-fare-collection-set-to-resume-June-1.aspx Bus fare collection set to resume June 1], translink.ca, retrieved 05-05-2020</ref> | ||
|- align="center" | |||
|June 11, 2020 | |||
|align="Left"| | |||
*Hand sanitizers are added onto Rapidbuses, major exchanges, select SkyTrain stations, and both SeaBus terminals | |||
|<ref>[https://www.translink.ca/About-Us/Media/2020/June/TransLink-boosts-availability-of-sanitizer-dispensers.aspx TransLink boosts availability of sanitizer dispensers], translink.ca, retrieved 06-11-2020</ref> | |||
|- align="center" | |||
|June 15, 2020 | |||
|align="Left"| | |||
*TransLink launches "Wearing is Caring", an initiative to increase the wearing of face coverings on transit. Included in this campaign was a pop-up mask giveaway at select bus loops and SkyTrain Stations. Additionally, two buses were wrapped to promote the campaign. | |||
|<ref>https://www.translink.ca/About-Us/Media/2020/June/TransLink-launches-Wearing-is-Caring-campaign.aspx TransLink launches Wearing is Caring campaign], translink.ca, retrieved 07-20-2020</ref> | |||
|- align="center" | |||
|August 24, 2020 | |||
|align="Left"| | |||
*Masks are made mandatory on transit. Accommodations are to be made for those who qualify for an exemption. | |||
|<ref>[https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/face-masks-mandatory-translink-1.5676780 Face masks will be mandatory on public transit across much of B.C.], cbc.ca, retrieved 08-18-2020</ref> | |||
|- align="center" | |||
|November 10, 2020 | |||
|align="Left"| | |||
*Copper and Organosilane project pilot launches for two weeks. A pilot being run by institutions such as UBC and Science World, the project aims to reduce the spread of germs by using a copper alloy on frequently touched surfaces. Two SkyTrain cars and two buses are involved in the pilot. | |||
|<ref>[https://new.translink.ca/plans-and-projects/programs-and-studies/translink-tomorrow#copper-and-organosilane-pilot Copper and Organosilane Transit Project], TransLink.ca, retrieved 11-14-2020</ref> | |||
|- align="center" | |||
|November 27, 2020 | |||
|align="Left"| | |||
*Provincial mask mandate: Face shields no longer qualify as acceptable face protection, exemptions and other accommodations are abolished | |||
| | |||
|- align="center" | |||
|December 16, 2020 | |||
|align="Left"| | |||
*Suspension of New Year's Eve services on buses, SkyTrain, West Coast Express and free fares after 5:00 pm due to provincial health orders. SeaBus to maintain sailings every 15 minutes until 1:00 am. | |||
|<ref>[https://www.translink.ca/news/2020/december/translink%20suspends%20free%20transit%20on%20new%20years%20eve TransLink suspends free transit on New Year’s Eve], TransLink.ca, retrieved 12-20-2020</ref> | |||
|- align="center" | |||
|March 4, 2021 | |||
|align="Left"| | |||
*The Copper and Organosilane pilot, launched in November 2020, was determined to be a success, a second phase to the pilot is announced including expansion to additional transit vehicles and increased studying | |||
|<ref>[https://www.translink.ca/news/2021/march/copper%20kills%20bacteria%20on%20transit%20surfaces Copper kills up to 99.9% of bacteria on transit surfaces, study finds], TransLink.ca, retrieved 03-06-2021</ref> | |||
|- align="center" | |||
|March 5, 2021 | |||
|align="Left"| | |||
*A Photocatalytic Oxidation pilot is announced and will be tested on three buses (An XDE60 and two Enviro500s) | |||
|<ref>[https://www.translink.ca/news/2021/march/translink%20tests%20technology%20to%20sanitize%20air%20on%20buses TransLink tests technology to sanitize air on buses], TransLink.ca, retrieved 03-06-2021</ref> | |||
|- align="center" | |||
|July 1, 2021 | |||
|align="Left"| | |||
*TransLink repeals its masks mandatory policy citing the low number of cases and step 3 of the BC government restart plan. Masks will still be recommended on vehicles and stations. | |||
| | |||
|- align="center" | |||
|August 25, 2021 | |||
|align="Left"| | |||
*Masks mandatory policy returns by order of the Provincial Health Officer for masks to be worn in all indoor public spaces throughout the province. | |||
|<ref>[https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021HLTH0053-001665 Mask mandate to reduce transmission, protect people in public spaces], Government of British Columbia, retrieved 25-08-2021</ref> | |||
|- align="center" | |||
|March 11, 2022 | |||
|align="Left"| | |||
*Masks no longer mandatory, as per Provincial Health Officer's decision to repeal the public health order requiring masks in public spaces. Masks remain mandatory for HandyDART services. | |||
|<ref>[https://www.translink.ca/news/2022/mask%20mandate%20lifted%20for%20metro%20vancouver%20transit Mask mandate lifted for Metro Vancouver transit], TransLink.ca, retrieved 11-03-2022</ref> | |||
|- align="center" | |||
|June 19, 2023 | |||
|align="Left"| | |||
*Restoration of pre-pandemic service for the West Coast Express. | |||
|<ref>[https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/translink-west-coast-express-service-returns West Coast Express returns to pre-pandemic service of five trains] Daily Hive, retrieved 18-06-2023</ref> | |||
|} | |||
===Vancouver Coastal Health shuttles=== | |||
On March 29, 2021, a shuttle bus service was set up by Vancouver Coastal Health to aid North Vancouver residents in getting to their vaccination appointments. The shuttle was operated by TransLink and ran from Capilano Mall to the ICBC test collection site. The service was scheduled to run until Thursday, April 1.<ref>[https://www.nsnews.com/local-news/vancouver-coastal-health-rolls-out-free-trial-shuttle-bus-to-help-north-vancouver-residents-get-to-covid-19-vaccination-clinic-3581522 VCH rolls out free trial shuttle bus for North Vancouver COVID-19 vaccination clinic], nsnews.com, retrieved 04-01-2021</ref> | |||
===2021 Fraser Health Vaccination Campaign=== | |||
On July 13, 2021, TransLink and Fraser Health announced a mobile vaccination campaign. The Mobile Vaccine Bus program involved the use of unit 18036.<ref>[https://www.citynews1130.com/2021/07/14/vaccine-bus-white-rock/ Fraser Health's vaccine push takes to streets of White Rock], citynews1130.com, retrieved 07-14-2021</ref> A second bus, unit 18130, was also used in tandem as a mobile vaccination site since the July 30 clinic at the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal. | |||
{| border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" | |||
!Dates | |||
!Locations | |||
|- align="center" | |||
|July 14 | |||
|White Rock<ref>[https://www.citynews1130.com/2021/07/14/vaccine-bus-white-rock/ Fraser Health's vaccine push takes to streets of White Rock], citynews1130.com, retrieved 07-14-2021</ref><ref>[https://www.fraserhealth.ca/news/2021/Jul/fraser-health-and-translink-roll-into-white-rock-with-the-mobile-vaccine-bus#.YPMJ5mhKiM8 Fraser Health and TransLink roll into White Rock with the Mobile Vaccine Bus] Fraser Health, retrieved 17-07-2021</ref> | |||
|- align="center" | |||
|July 20 | |||
|Aldergrove<ref>[https://www.fraserhealth.ca/news/2021/Jul/fraser-health-hosting-immunization-clinics-in-aldergrove-and-chilliwack#.YPcHCWhKiM8 Fraser Health hosting immunization clinics in Aldergrove and Chilliwack] Fraser Health, retrieved 20-07-2021</ref> | |||
|- align="center" | |||
|July 26 | |||
|Fort Langley | |||
|- align="center" | |||
|July 30 | |||
|Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal | |||
|- align="center" | |||
|August 10 | |||
|Meadowtown Shopping Centre | |||
|- align="center" | |||
|August 13 | |||
|Metrotown Station | |||
|- align="center" | |||
|August 18 | |||
|Tsawwassen Mills Mall | |||
|- align="center" | |||
|August 19 | |||
|Meadowtown Shopping Centre | |||
|- align="center" | |||
|August 23 | |||
|Central City | |||
|- align="center" | |||
|August 26 | |||
|Metrotown Station | |||
|- align="center" | |||
|August 28 | |||
|Haney Place Farmer's Market | |||
|- align="center" | |||
|August 30 | |||
|Simon Fraser University | |||
|- align="center" | |||
|September 27 | |||
|Meadowtown Shopping Centre | |||
|} | |} | ||
Line 86: | Line 204: | ||
===SkyTrain=== | ===SkyTrain=== | ||
During the peak of the pandemic, stations implemented a one-way entrance/exit at each entrance. | |||
Mark 1 trains were also operating in a 4-car formation at this time in order to reduce maintenance costs. That was rescinded on May 18, 2020. | |||
===SeaBus=== | |||
SeaBus service was reduced to every 15 minutes during rush hours starting March 23, 2020, with capacity reduced to just 50%. | |||
<br>Service was further reduced to every 30 minutes all day on April 6th. Sailings past 7:45 PM were cancelled starting April 22nd. | |||
As of July 13, 2020, SeaBus has re-instated peak-hour frequency every 15 minutes. The maximum capacity continues to be 50%. By Summer 2021, load restrictions were rescinded, although crowds are still monitored. | |||
10-minute peak hour service was reinstated on September 6, 2021. | |||
===West Coast Express=== | ===West Coast Express=== | ||
On March 26, 2020, Train 2 was cancelled in both directions followed by Train 4 on April 8, leaving Trains 1, 3, and 5 operating. Initially, trains were between 2 and 4 cars long. In mid-June, capacities were increased to between 3 and 5 cars long. And by August, trains were between 3 and 6 cars long. | |||
On September 6, 2021, Train 4 in both the morning and afternoon was reintroduced. | |||
Train 2 in both directions was reinstated on June 19, 2023, following the completion of the refurbishment of a locomotive and the delivery of a used locomotive. However, ridership recovery remains to be the slowest out of all modes as it has only recovered to approximately half of pre-pandemic ridership, while other modes are at 80% or more.<ref>[https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/translink-west-coast-express-service-returns West Coast Express returns to pre-pandemic service of five trains] Daily Hive, retrieved 18-06-2023</ref> | |||
===Bus=== | ===Bus=== | ||
Line 102: | Line 227: | ||
The following routes will undergo additional/alternate forms of service reductions. An unscheduled trip is when a bus is instructed to run as an additional unscheduled service. As a result, the bus is not able to be tracked using publicly available GTFS (General Transit Feed Specification) services, such as Google transit or the Next Bus site (nb.translink.ca). | The following routes will undergo additional/alternate forms of service reductions. An unscheduled trip is when a bus is instructed to run as an additional unscheduled service. As a result, the bus is not able to be tracked using publicly available GTFS (General Transit Feed Specification) services, such as Google transit or the Next Bus site (nb.translink.ca). | ||
Initial service changes included a drastic capacity reduction. | |||
Capacities were as follows: | |||
*Community Shuttles: 9-10 seated passengers | |||
*Conventional buses: 10-12 seated passengers | |||
*Articulated buses: 16-18 seated passengers | |||
*Double-decker buses: 35 seated passengers | |||
<B> Regular seating capacity resumed on June 1, 2020, along with the resumption of front door boarding and fare collection.</B> Standees aboard buses, however, continued to be limited until restrictions were softly withdrawn by the end of 2022. | |||
<br> Capacities were as follows: | |||
*Community Shuttles: 10-15 passengers (WVMT: 19 passengers) | |||
*Conventional buses: 30-35 passengers (WVMT: 35 for LFS, 39 for XD40) | |||
*Articulated buses: 40-45 passengers | |||
*Double-decker buses: 55-60 passengers | |||
The "Jump Seat" is a seat or selection of seats directly behind the driver's area found on all buses made by Nova Bus and Orion. These were closed off in March 2020 to promote safe distancing and will continue to be closed off until further notice.<ref>[https://www.translink.ca/-/media/translink/documents/about-translink/governance-and-board/board-of-directors/board-minutes-and-reports/2021/september/2021_09_23_public_board_meeting_agenda.pdf September 23, 2021 Board Meeting Minutes], translink.ca, retrieved 2021-09-18</ref> | |||
In addition, several routes underwent drastic changes and reductions during the first wave of the pandemic. Some of the known changes included the following: | |||
{| border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" class="sortable" | {| border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" class="sortable" | ||
!Route | !Route | ||
!Status | !Status | ||
!Date | !Date | ||
|- align="center" | |||
|[[Coast Mountain Bus Company route 19 'Metrotown Stn / Stanley Park'|19]] | |||
|align="Left"| | |||
Seasonal service for the summer (Short-turn trips between Main Street Station and Stanley Park) is withdrawn | |||
<br>Additional shuttle service between Metrotown Station and Broadway at Kingsway between scheduled trips | |||
|6/2020 | |||
|- align="center" | |- align="center" | ||
|[[Coast Mountain Bus Company route 28 'Joyce Station / Phibbs Exchange'|28]] | |[[Coast Mountain Bus Company route 28 'Joyce Station / Phibbs Exchange'|28]] | ||
Line 118: | Line 265: | ||
Route cancelled | Route cancelled | ||
|4/24/2020 | |4/24/2020 | ||
|- align="center" style= | |- align="center" style= | ||
|[[Coast Mountain Bus Company route 100 '22nd St Stn / Marpole Loop'|100]] | |[[Coast Mountain Bus Company route 100 '22nd St Stn / Marpole Loop'|100]] | ||
|align="Left"| | |align="Left"| | ||
Addition of unscheduled trips operated by [[Coast Mountain Bus Company Vancouver Transit Centre|Vancouver Transit Centre]].<br>Conversion of select trips to use articulated buses operated by [[Coast Mountain Bus Company Hamilton Transit Centre|Hamilton Transit Centre]] during peak hours | Addition of unscheduled trips operated by [[Coast Mountain Bus Company Vancouver Transit Centre|Vancouver Transit Centre]].<br>Conversion of select trips to use articulated buses operated by [[Coast Mountain Bus Company Hamilton Transit Centre|Hamilton Transit Centre]] during peak hours | ||
|4/19/2020<br> | |4/19/2020<br>5/2020 | ||
|- align="center" | |- align="center" | ||
|[[Coast Mountain Bus Company route 130 'Metrotown Station / Kootenay Loop / Phibbs Exchange'|130]] | |[[Coast Mountain Bus Company route 130 'Metrotown Station / Kootenay Loop / Phibbs Exchange'|130]] | ||
Line 133: | Line 275: | ||
Addition of unscheduled trips using articulated buses | Addition of unscheduled trips using articulated buses | ||
|4/24/2020 | |4/24/2020 | ||
|- align="center" | |- align="center" | ||
|[[Coast Mountain Bus Company route 160 'Port Coquitlam Stn / Kootenay Loop'|160]] | |[[Coast Mountain Bus Company route 160 'Port Coquitlam Stn / Kootenay Loop'|160]] | ||
|align="Left"| | |align="Left"| | ||
Unscheduled conventional "Special" trips originating from Coquitlam Central Station in both directions during the rush hour period. | Unscheduled conventional "Special" trips originating from Coquitlam Central Station in both directions during the rush hour period. | ||
<br>Conversion of select trips to use articulated buses | |||
|4/19/2020 | |4/19/2020 | ||
|- align="center" | |||
|[[Coast Mountain Bus Company route 189 'Lafarge Park / Coquitlam Central Station'|189]] | |||
|align="Left"| | |||
Select conventional peak hour trippers downgraded to use Community Shuttles | |||
|4/24/2020 | |||
|- align="center" | |- align="center" | ||
|[[Coast Mountain Bus Company route 210 'Upper Lynn Valley / Burrard Station'|210]] | |[[Coast Mountain Bus Company route 210 'Upper Lynn Valley / Burrard Station'|210]] | ||
Line 148: | Line 291: | ||
Conversion of select PM Peak trips to use articulated buses | Conversion of select PM Peak trips to use articulated buses | ||
|4/24/2020 | |4/24/2020 | ||
|- align="center" | |||
|[[West Vancouver Municipal Transit route 227 'Lynn Valley Centre / Phibbs Exchange'|227]] | |||
|align="Left"| | |||
Seasonal service for the summer is withdrawn | |||
|6/8/2020 | |||
|- align="center" | |||
|[[Coast Mountain Bus Company route 240 'Lynn Valley / Downtown'|240]] | |||
|align="Left"| | |||
Addition of unscheduled trips using articulated buses | |||
|4/24/2020 | |||
|- align="center" style="background:#F6CECE;" | |||
|[[West Vancouver Municipal Transit route 258 'UBC / West Vancouver'|258]] | |||
| | |||
Route cancelled | |||
|3/17/2020 | |||
|- align="center" | |- align="center" | ||
|[[Coast Mountain Bus Company route 321 'White Rock Centre / Newton Exchange / Surrey Central Station'|321]] | | [[Coast Mountain Bus Company route 319 'Scott Road Station / Newton Exchange'|319]]<br>[[Coast Mountain Bus Company route 320 'Langley Centre / Fleetwood / Surrey Central Station'|320]]<br>[[Coast Mountain Bus Company route 321 'White Rock Centre / Newton Exchange / Surrey Central Station'|321]]<br>[[Coast Mountain Bus Company route 323 'Newton Exchange / Surrey Central Station'|323]]<br>[[Coast Mountain Bus Company route 324 'Newton Exchange / Surrey Central Station'|324]]<br>[[Coast Mountain Bus Company route 325 'Newton Exchange / Surrey Central Station'|325]] | ||
|align="Left"| | |align="Left"| | ||
Conversion of select trips to | Conversion of select evening trips to operate with articulated buses | ||
|4/ | |n/a | ||
|- align="center" | |||
|Several local <br> Richmond routes | |||
|align="Left"| | |||
Conversion of select scheduled trips to operate with articulated buses | |||
|4/24/2020 | |||
|- align="center" | |- align="center" | ||
|[[Coast Mountain Bus Company route 430 'Metrotown Station / Richmond-Brighouse Station'|430]] | |[[Coast Mountain Bus Company route 430 'Metrotown Station / Richmond-Brighouse Station'|430]] | ||
Line 163: | Line 326: | ||
Route cancelled | Route cancelled | ||
|4/24/2020 | |4/24/2020 | ||
|- align="center" | |||
|[[Coast Mountain Bus Company route 501 'Langley Centre / Surrey Central Station'|501]] | |||
|align="Left"| | |||
Conversion of select trips to use articulated buses. | |||
|4/24/2020 | |||
|- align="center" | |||
|[[Coast Mountain Bus Company route 502 'Langley Centre / Surrey Central Station'|502]] | |||
|align="Left"| | |||
Conversion of select trips to use articulated buses. | |||
|4/24/2020 | |||
|- align="center" | |||
|[[Coast Mountain Bus Company route 503 'Aldergrove / Surrey Central Station'|503]] | |||
|align="Left"| | |||
Conversion of select evening Aldergrove trips to operate with articulated buses | |||
|n/a | |||
|- align="center" | |- align="center" | ||
|[[Coast Mountain Bus Company route 640 'Ladner Exch / Scott Road Station'|640]] | |[[Coast Mountain Bus Company route 640 'Ladner Exch / Scott Road Station'|640]] | ||
|align="Left"| | |align="Left"| | ||
Conversion of select | Conversion of select trips to use articulated buses. | ||
|4/13/2020 | |4/13/2020 | ||
|- align="center" | |- align="center" | ||
Line 173: | Line 351: | ||
Conversion of select trips to use articulated buses. | Conversion of select trips to use articulated buses. | ||
|4/26/2020<br> | |4/26/2020<br> | ||
|} | |||
Below is a list of bus routes that had drastic pandemic-related suspensions and alterations that were partially or fully reversed as health restrictions were lifted: | |||
{| border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" class="sortable" | |||
!Route | |||
!Date Suspended | |||
!Date Reversed | |||
!style="width: 600px;"|Notes | |||
|- align="center" | |||
|[[Coast Mountain Bus Company route 19 'Metrotown Stn / Stanley Park'|19]] | |||
|6/2020 | |||
|6/21/2021 | |||
|align="Left"| | |||
* Seasonal summer service (Main Street Station–Stanley Park short-turn trips) restored | |||
* Short-turn trips only operated on Canada Day | |||
|- align="center" | |||
|[[Coast Mountain Bus Company route 44 'UBC / Downtown'|44]] | |||
|6/22/2020 | |||
|9/6/2021 | |||
|align="Left"| | |||
* Regular service restored running with 40-foot buses instead of 60-foot articulated buses | |||
* Overload AM trips running with 60-foot buses introduced shortly after route reintroduction to reduce overcrowding | |||
* Shortened operating hours | |||
|- align="center" | |||
|[[Coast Mountain Bus Company route 143 'Burquitlam Station / SFU'|143]] | |||
|4/19/2020 | |||
|9/6/2021 | |||
|align="Left"| | |||
* Regular service restored running with 40-foot buses instead of 60-foot articulated buses | |||
* Shortened operating hours | |||
|} | |} | ||
Latest revision as of 23:03, 18 June 2023
The COVID-19 Pandemic has had a large impact on TransLink operations in various ways, including a steep loss in revenue as well as a major reduction in bus service resulting from a major decline in ridership.
List of Important Events
Despite not being mentioned in the press releases, bus services continue to undergo some cancellations. See the List of Reductions By Service Mode table for the explicit list of service reductions.
Date | Overview | Source |
---|---|---|
March 19, 2020 |
|
[1] |
March 23, 2020 |
|
[2] |
March 24, 2020 |
|
[3] |
March 25, 2020 |
|
[4] |
April 4, 2020 |
|
[5] |
April 13, 2020 |
|
[6] |
April 20, 2020 |
|
[7] |
April 22, 2020 |
| |
April 24, 2020 |
| |
May 8, 2020 |
|
[8] |
May 15-18, 2020 |
|
|
June 1, 2020 |
|
[9] |
June 11, 2020 |
|
[10] |
June 15, 2020 |
|
[11] |
August 24, 2020 |
|
[12] |
November 10, 2020 |
|
[13] |
November 27, 2020 |
|
|
December 16, 2020 |
|
[14] |
March 4, 2021 |
|
[15] |
March 5, 2021 |
|
[16] |
July 1, 2021 |
|
|
August 25, 2021 |
|
[17] |
March 11, 2022 |
|
[18] |
June 19, 2023 |
|
[19] |
Vancouver Coastal Health shuttles
On March 29, 2021, a shuttle bus service was set up by Vancouver Coastal Health to aid North Vancouver residents in getting to their vaccination appointments. The shuttle was operated by TransLink and ran from Capilano Mall to the ICBC test collection site. The service was scheduled to run until Thursday, April 1.[20]
2021 Fraser Health Vaccination Campaign
On July 13, 2021, TransLink and Fraser Health announced a mobile vaccination campaign. The Mobile Vaccine Bus program involved the use of unit 18036.[21] A second bus, unit 18130, was also used in tandem as a mobile vaccination site since the July 30 clinic at the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal.
Dates | Locations |
---|---|
July 14 | White Rock[22][23] |
July 20 | Aldergrove[24] |
July 26 | Fort Langley |
July 30 | Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal |
August 10 | Meadowtown Shopping Centre |
August 13 | Metrotown Station |
August 18 | Tsawwassen Mills Mall |
August 19 | Meadowtown Shopping Centre |
August 23 | Central City |
August 26 | Metrotown Station |
August 28 | Haney Place Farmer's Market |
August 30 | Simon Fraser University |
September 27 | Meadowtown Shopping Centre |
List of Reductions and Changes By Service Mode
SkyTrain
During the peak of the pandemic, stations implemented a one-way entrance/exit at each entrance.
Mark 1 trains were also operating in a 4-car formation at this time in order to reduce maintenance costs. That was rescinded on May 18, 2020.
SeaBus
SeaBus service was reduced to every 15 minutes during rush hours starting March 23, 2020, with capacity reduced to just 50%.
Service was further reduced to every 30 minutes all day on April 6th. Sailings past 7:45 PM were cancelled starting April 22nd.
As of July 13, 2020, SeaBus has re-instated peak-hour frequency every 15 minutes. The maximum capacity continues to be 50%. By Summer 2021, load restrictions were rescinded, although crowds are still monitored.
10-minute peak hour service was reinstated on September 6, 2021.
West Coast Express
On March 26, 2020, Train 2 was cancelled in both directions followed by Train 4 on April 8, leaving Trains 1, 3, and 5 operating. Initially, trains were between 2 and 4 cars long. In mid-June, capacities were increased to between 3 and 5 cars long. And by August, trains were between 3 and 6 cars long.
On September 6, 2021, Train 4 in both the morning and afternoon was reintroduced.
Train 2 in both directions was reinstated on June 19, 2023, following the completion of the refurbishment of a locomotive and the delivery of a used locomotive. However, ridership recovery remains to be the slowest out of all modes as it has only recovered to approximately half of pre-pandemic ridership, while other modes are at 80% or more.[25]
Bus
The following routes will undergo additional/alternate forms of service reductions. An unscheduled trip is when a bus is instructed to run as an additional unscheduled service. As a result, the bus is not able to be tracked using publicly available GTFS (General Transit Feed Specification) services, such as Google transit or the Next Bus site (nb.translink.ca).
Initial service changes included a drastic capacity reduction.
Capacities were as follows:
- Community Shuttles: 9-10 seated passengers
- Conventional buses: 10-12 seated passengers
- Articulated buses: 16-18 seated passengers
- Double-decker buses: 35 seated passengers
Regular seating capacity resumed on June 1, 2020, along with the resumption of front door boarding and fare collection. Standees aboard buses, however, continued to be limited until restrictions were softly withdrawn by the end of 2022.
Capacities were as follows:
- Community Shuttles: 10-15 passengers (WVMT: 19 passengers)
- Conventional buses: 30-35 passengers (WVMT: 35 for LFS, 39 for XD40)
- Articulated buses: 40-45 passengers
- Double-decker buses: 55-60 passengers
The "Jump Seat" is a seat or selection of seats directly behind the driver's area found on all buses made by Nova Bus and Orion. These were closed off in March 2020 to promote safe distancing and will continue to be closed off until further notice.[26]
In addition, several routes underwent drastic changes and reductions during the first wave of the pandemic. Some of the known changes included the following:
Route | Status | Date |
---|---|---|
19 |
Seasonal service for the summer (Short-turn trips between Main Street Station and Stanley Park) is withdrawn
|
6/2020 |
28 |
Addition of select unscheduled trips using articulated buses |
4/3/2020 |
32 |
Route cancelled |
4/24/2020 |
100 |
Addition of unscheduled trips operated by Vancouver Transit Centre. |
4/19/2020 5/2020 |
130 |
Addition of unscheduled trips using articulated buses |
4/24/2020 |
160 |
Unscheduled conventional "Special" trips originating from Coquitlam Central Station in both directions during the rush hour period.
|
4/19/2020 |
189 |
Select conventional peak hour trippers downgraded to use Community Shuttles |
4/24/2020 |
210 |
Conversion of select PM Peak trips to use articulated buses |
4/24/2020 |
227 |
Seasonal service for the summer is withdrawn |
6/8/2020 |
240 |
Addition of unscheduled trips using articulated buses |
4/24/2020 |
258 |
Route cancelled |
3/17/2020 |
319 320 321 323 324 325 |
Conversion of select evening trips to operate with articulated buses |
n/a |
Several local Richmond routes |
Conversion of select scheduled trips to operate with articulated buses |
4/24/2020 |
430 |
Conversion of select scheduled trips to operate with articulated buses |
4/24/2020 |
480 |
Route cancelled |
4/24/2020 |
501 |
Conversion of select trips to use articulated buses. |
4/24/2020 |
502 |
Conversion of select trips to use articulated buses. |
4/24/2020 |
503 |
Conversion of select evening Aldergrove trips to operate with articulated buses |
n/a |
640 |
Conversion of select trips to use articulated buses. |
4/13/2020 |
701 |
Conversion of select trips to use articulated buses. |
4/26/2020 |
Below is a list of bus routes that had drastic pandemic-related suspensions and alterations that were partially or fully reversed as health restrictions were lifted:
Route | Date Suspended | Date Reversed | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
19 | 6/2020 | 6/21/2021 |
|
44 | 6/22/2020 | 9/6/2021 |
|
143 | 4/19/2020 | 9/6/2021 |
|
References
- ↑ TransLink COVID-19 Update: TransLink moves to rear-door boarding on buses to promote social distancing, translink.ca, retrieved 05-05-2020
- ↑ TransLink COVID-19 Update: Minor service reductions and in-person customer service centre closures, translink.ca, retrieved 05-05-2020
- ↑ TransLink COVID-19 Update: HandyDART fare collection suspended to protect operators and promote physical distancing, translink.ca, retrieved 05-05-2020
- ↑ TransLink COVID-19 Update: Seating limits on buses to promote physical distancing, translink.ca, retrieved 05-05-2020
- ↑ TransLink COVID-19 Update: Service reductions beginning Monday and July fare increase deferred, translink.ca, retrieved 05-05-2020
- ↑ TransLink seeking emergency funding, translink.ca, retrieved 05-05-2020
- ↑ TransLink implements cost saving measures, translink.ca, retrieved 05-05-2020
- ↑ Province and TransLink to ensure transit service in place to support B.C.’s Restart Plan, translink.ca, retrieved 05-08-2020
- ↑ Bus fare collection set to resume June 1, translink.ca, retrieved 05-05-2020
- ↑ TransLink boosts availability of sanitizer dispensers, translink.ca, retrieved 06-11-2020
- ↑ https://www.translink.ca/About-Us/Media/2020/June/TransLink-launches-Wearing-is-Caring-campaign.aspx TransLink launches Wearing is Caring campaign], translink.ca, retrieved 07-20-2020
- ↑ Face masks will be mandatory on public transit across much of B.C., cbc.ca, retrieved 08-18-2020
- ↑ Copper and Organosilane Transit Project, TransLink.ca, retrieved 11-14-2020
- ↑ TransLink suspends free transit on New Year’s Eve, TransLink.ca, retrieved 12-20-2020
- ↑ Copper kills up to 99.9% of bacteria on transit surfaces, study finds, TransLink.ca, retrieved 03-06-2021
- ↑ TransLink tests technology to sanitize air on buses, TransLink.ca, retrieved 03-06-2021
- ↑ Mask mandate to reduce transmission, protect people in public spaces, Government of British Columbia, retrieved 25-08-2021
- ↑ Mask mandate lifted for Metro Vancouver transit, TransLink.ca, retrieved 11-03-2022
- ↑ West Coast Express returns to pre-pandemic service of five trains Daily Hive, retrieved 18-06-2023
- ↑ VCH rolls out free trial shuttle bus for North Vancouver COVID-19 vaccination clinic, nsnews.com, retrieved 04-01-2021
- ↑ Fraser Health's vaccine push takes to streets of White Rock, citynews1130.com, retrieved 07-14-2021
- ↑ Fraser Health's vaccine push takes to streets of White Rock, citynews1130.com, retrieved 07-14-2021
- ↑ Fraser Health and TransLink roll into White Rock with the Mobile Vaccine Bus Fraser Health, retrieved 17-07-2021
- ↑ Fraser Health hosting immunization clinics in Aldergrove and Chilliwack Fraser Health, retrieved 20-07-2021
- ↑ West Coast Express returns to pre-pandemic service of five trains Daily Hive, retrieved 18-06-2023
- ↑ September 23, 2021 Board Meeting Minutes, translink.ca, retrieved 2021-09-18