Vancouver is rolling out the red carpet for the grand finale of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, and the city is pulling out all the stops to ensure locals and visitors enjoy a seamless themed experience.
As part of the celebrations, TransLink has not only boosted public transit services but also added a touch of sparkle to the SkyTrain network map with a special Swiftie-themed makeover, creating a memorable tribute to the occasion.
Much like the vibrant temporary installations appearing across downtown Vancouver, the Swiftie-themed SkyTrain map is bursting with colourful pastel shades of pink. The three SkyTrain lines and the West Coast Express commuter rail are reimagined as the beads of friendship bracelets, a playful nod to the bracelet swapping among Swifties during the Eras Tour.
But unlike TransLink’s past Star Wars-themed (“May The 4th Be With You” Day) and Christmas-themed SkyTrain network maps, no station names have been altered in the Swiftie-themed map.
TransLink’s special Taylor Swift-themed SkyTrain network map for The Eras Tour in Vancouver. (TransLink)
Giant physical versions of the Swiftie-themed SkyTrain network map are now found at eight public transit hubs across Metro Vancouver.
Four of these physical map locations are in downtown Vancouver — at Stadium-Chinatown Station, Waterfront Station (walkway to the SeaBus terminal), Burrard Station, and Main Street-Science World Station.
Another four maps are located elsewhere in the region — at Sapperton Station, King George Station, Sperling Station, and Lougheed Town Centre Station.
Physical map outside Stadium-Chinatown Station; TransLink’s special Taylor Swift-themed SkyTrain network map for The Eras Tour in Vancouver. (TransLink)
Physical map outside Stadium-Chinatown Station; TransLink’s special Taylor Swift-themed SkyTrain network map for The Eras Tour in Vancouver. (TransLink)
Vancouver preparing for the Swift storm 🌪️—when Swifties descend, it’s like Formula 1 racing through town, but with sparkles instead of exhaust. #ErasTour #ErasTourVancouver #TaylorSwift pic.twitter.com/f0fjOMfYnW
— Kenneth Chan (@iamkennethchan) December 1, 2024
As a reminder, TransLink will be deploying extra public transit services over the three-day Eras Tour concert period from Friday, December 6 to Sunday, December 8, 2024, to accommodate the surge of Swifties from around the world descending both inside and outside BC Place Stadium, as well as the crowds attending two Vancouver Canucks home games next door at Rogers Arena on December 6 and December 8.
SkyTrain frequencies will be increased to provide more capacity, with the last train departing from Waterfront Station at 1:15 am for the Canada Line and at 1:16 am for the Expo Line on all three concert nights.
SeaBus sailings will operate every 10 minutes from 3 pm onwards on all three nights until the last sailing from Waterfront Station, which is extended to 1:22 am.
TransLink will deploy extra shuttle buses — the special “Swift” shuttle buses — from BC Place Stadium after the concerts to help customers reach Waterfront Station.
Sponsored by Rogers, there will even be a special West Coast Express commuter rail train run on Saturday, December 7 only, departing Mission at 4 pm and leaving Waterfront Station at midnight. Seats on the West Coast Express’ “Midnight” train are on a first come, first served basis.
Also, Aquabus and False Creek Ferries will run later into the night on all concert dates, and both BC Ferries and Hullo Ferries will make extra-late trips to accommodate Swifties travelling between Vancouver Island and Metro Vancouver.
“Whether you’re a local or from out of town, we are making it as easy as possible to travel safely and swiftly to enjoy the concerts. So, grab your Compass Card, friendship bracelet, and let transit get you to the show,” said TransLink CEO Kevin Quinn in a statement today.
Swiftie-themed friendship bracelet signage for SkyTrain Stadium-Chinatown Station. (Kenneth Chan/Daily Hive)
The Eras Tour signage at BC Place Stadium. (Kenneth Chan/Daily Hive)
The Eras Tour signage at BC Place Stadium. (Kenneth Chan/Daily Hive)
Across Metro Vancouver’s public transit system, special Swiftie-themed activations are being installed, such as SkyTrain station name signs based on a friendship bracelet design. TransLink also notes that there will be a “surprise singalong” onboard SeaBus and live performances at Stadium-Chinatown Station.
To help manage crowds and direct customers, extra SkyTrain attendants, Transit Security, Transit Police, and Transit Volunteers will be on hand at key public transit hubs.
Vancouver mayor Ken Sim has noted that 700 extra Vancouver Police officers are being deployed in the area around BC Place Stadium and elsewhere in the downtown Vancouver peninsula over the three-day concert weekend.
Several road closures will be in effect in, around, and out of downtown Vancouver from noon until midnight on December 6, 7, and 8.