The Great Storm of 2015

One of the big concerns of driverless transit systems is that there is no driver or attendant who can foresee danger on the track. Well TransLink found out in the “Great Storm of 2015” that driverless transit system are at peril with mother nature.

TransLink put its passengers in danger during the storm and are very lucky no one was injured, but reckless operation will cost the taxpayer a lot of money for repairs. A more prudent operation of the driverless mini-metro in adverse weather conditions would be desirable, but then, TransLink has never been a consumer oriented organization and senior staff really don’t care about passenger safety.

Expo Line note: TransLink is replacing rail on the Expo line and reduce operations are in the order, due to single track operation. This is now the second tine in the Expo lines history that track is being replaced, which means track replacement happens every 15 years or so. By comparison, LRT track needs replacing about every 40 years.

 

 

Damage to the Mark 2 SkyTrain unit – Anonymous Photographer.

29 August 2015

Branch Hits Train

Vancouver British Columbia– The massive windstorm that continues to rip through the Lower Mainland this afternoon has caused major service disruptions on SkyTrain’s Expo and Millennium lines.Due to debris on the tracks, including fallen trees, trains are moving from Waterfront to Metrotown stations and New Westminster to King George and VCC-Clark stations.The current issue is with a tree falling across the tracks near Royal Oak Station.According to Transit Police, a bus bridge has been set up between Metrotown and New Westminster stations.

Transit users should board the number 106 bus at Metrotown for the bus bridge, although long lines should be expected.

Train service between VCC-Clark and Sapperton stations was halted earlier in the day, but the span has since resumed service.

A Mark 2.5 train purchased before the Olympics was also hit by a large branch, with photos showing substantial damage to the front of the train.

Passengers on the damaged train were seen leaving the vehicle and walking on the tracks, it is unclear whether they were assisted by transit staff.

The Canada Line is still running normally as much of the system runs underground.

Some bus services are taking detours due to downed trees on their usual routes.

B.C. Hydro says 500,000 customers are currently without power.

Traffic lights in many areas are not working and trees have fallen onto roads, bringing traffic to a standstill.

TransLink had previously said that scheduled delays on SkyTrain would occur all day this weekend to allow maintenance crews to perform a rail replacement project.

At this time, it is unclear whether the scheduled timeline for the project will be prolonged.

Kenneth Chan.

Damage to the SkyTrain unit – Anonymous Photographer.