TransLink says it will provide additional bus service if a railway strike affects the West Coast Express’ (WCE) ability to run.
The WCE is a major commuter rail service that travels westbound to Downtown Vancouver on weekday mornings, and eastbound to Mission City on weekday afternoon and evenings.
With a major strike or lockout looming over Canada’s two major railways, communities are bracing for the potential impacts this could have on local systems.
In the Lower Mainland, TransLink says if Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) and Teamsters Canada Rail Conference fail to reach a deal and if a lockout occurs as CPKC has warned, “West Coast Express will not be able to run.”
The local transit authority explains the WCE operates on rail that is owned by CPKC, noting it “cannot operate without CPKC’s dispatchers and rail workers.”
But it says it’s prepared for the stoppage, laying out options for all types of commuters affected.
“Depending on the station customers take the West Coast Express to and from, the best option might be different,” TransLink said in a statement Wednesday.
TransLinks says the contingencies include:
At Mission City or Port Haney stations:
- Supplemental bus service will be provided to connect customers to and from SkyTrain at Coquitlam Central Station.
- This supplemental bus service will leave from Mission City Station in the morning at 5:25, 5:55, 6:25, 6:55, and 7:25 a.m.
- Buses will then leave from Port Haney Station at approximately 5:53, 6:23, 6:53, 7:23, and 7:53 a.m. Times may vary depending on traffic.
- In the afternoon, the return buses will leave from Coquitlam Central Station at 4:50, 5:20, 5:50, 6:30, and 7:20 p.m.
At Port Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows, or Maple Meadows stations:
- The R3, Route 701, or 791 are the best alternatives to connect to SkyTrain at Coquitlam Central Station.
- Customers at Port Coquitlam Station could also take routes 159, 160, 173, 174, or 175 to connect with SkyTrain.
At Port Moody or Coquitlam Central stations:
- Taking the Millennium Line and transferring to the Expo Line at Commercial-Broadway Station is the best alternative.
TransLink says over 3,000 customers take the WCE each day.