An issue with the Millenium Line SkyTrain at a Vancouver TransLink station led to lengthy delays on Wednesday during the morning commute.
Video of flames and smoke coming from the underbelly of a SkyTrain car at Rupert Station is being shared online, showing the extent of the issue that forced the delays around 8 am.
Rupert Skytrain Station having slight problems
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One person shared on X that they heard a bang and were quickly told to leave.
@TransLink @CityNewsVAN @CTVVancouver heard some kind of blasts on a skytrain at Rupert station 5 mins ago. Train evacuated. Team Translink- is there more information?@DailyHiveVan @VancouverRCMP @BurnabyRCMP
— Amit (@amit_puri) May 29, 2024
While many have taken the situation in stride and made jokes online, it had considerable impacts on those who aren’t likely to find it a laughing matter.
“Lovin’ that new SkyTrain LED underglow lighting,” one person said. Another added, “Plus a fog machine. They went all out!”
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Another person also said it was quite a party.
“The next station is …. The Raveyard,” they wrote on Reddit.
SkyTrain Mark II cars. (Kenneth Chan/Daily Hive)
“Is it going back to the future?” another joker suggested.
#SkyTrain Millennium Line is experiencing delays due to track issue. Trains will be single tracking through Rupert and Gilmore Stations so please expect delays. Expo and Canada Line are unaffected. ^tm
— TransLink BC (@TransLink) May 29, 2024
The Millennium Line passengers were forced to wait for single-tracking trains between Rupert and Gilmore Stations.
“Please expect delays,” TransLink shared online in part.
Kenneth Chan/Daily Hive
One passenger shared that they were made very aware of the issue, almost too aware of it, by the constant announcements.
“The repeated announcements are maybe a bit too much. It’s the same recording every minute. Any chance they be done with a bit less frequency?” one person asked.
TransLink says the issue has since been resolved.
“This morning, there was a mechanical issue on a train at Rupert Station that caused electrical sparks and smoke – which stopped when power was shut off. There were no injuries, and SkyTrain is operating with regular service,” spokesperson Dan Mountain explained.
#RiderAlert UPDATE: Detours in the UBC area due to the demonstration have cleared. Routes 25, 33, 49, R4, 9 and 99 have returned to regular route. 4’s and 14’s remain on detour due to a blockage at the trolley loop ^LA
— TransLink BC (@TransLink) May 29, 2024
It comes as hundreds of other commuters were impacted by a protest near UBC, which led to traffic closures and bus delays throughout the morning. As of 2 pm, that situation has cleared.