TransLink responded well to Vancouver windstorm

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      Vancouver mayor Gregor Robertson has called extreme weather events the "new normal".

      And it appears that TransLink responded reasonably well to the challenge posed by a powerful windstorm over the weekend.

      While B.C. Hydro has come under criticism for website problems and lengthy delays in restoring power to some homes, the regional transportation authority managed to emerge without any damage to its reputation.

      Today, TransLink revealed that it launched 16 bus shuttles on Saturday when a tree branch hit the SkyTrain, halting service between Metrotown and New Westminster stations.

      In the immediate aftermath of the storm, TransLink did a good job keeping transit riders informed of bus route changes as a result of falling trees and downed trolley wires.

      As well, customers were notified about the temporary closure of King George Station.

      It's due in part to TransLink's well-developed social-media networks.

      In addition, the transportation authority installed generators at several stations to keep them open in the midst of widespread power outages.

      During the recent transit and transportation plebiscite, it was fashionable for critics to bash TransLink for its sins, including delays in rolling out the Compass Card system.

      But when TransLink performed well in the face of serious adversity, will these same critics give the organization credit for a job well done?

      Not likely. 

      The Burnaby Transit Centre was hit hard by the storm.

       

      Comments

      13 Comments

      Edward Bernays

      Sep 1, 2015 at 1:21am

      They did their job competently. That's what the money we give them is for. They get credit for a job well done every time they cash their cheques.

      StormSurvivor

      Sep 1, 2015 at 10:26am

      The skytrain generally shuts down if a leaf falls onto it, leaving half the city stranded. Therefore, Kudos to Translink for surviving the storm with only a few hiccups.

      suck up and get more advertisement revenue from idiots

      Sep 1, 2015 at 11:52am

      It does not hurt to suck up to TransLink, the most incompetent idiots on the planet. It is good for revenue. Good job.

      We'll see...

      Sep 1, 2015 at 1:00pm

      Managing to 'survive' one event without imploding does not warrant a cheerleading session.
      Providing service is their reason for being; doing so is expected, and should not require back patting.
      Performing reasonably well during one incident does not erase their previous screw ups.
      We can only hope that lessons have been actually learned, and that this was not a fluke.

      jm.thome

      Sep 1, 2015 at 2:20pm

      'Extreme weather events the new normal'? We had one windy day.

      No No No

      Sep 1, 2015 at 3:25pm

      They did their job without the usual arrogant lack of consideration we're so used to. For once.
      If they keep people informed and improve their performance and quit wasting billions of dollars then they may get to keep their jobs. That's how stuff works.

      They aren't small children who need to be applauded for using the potty.

      @jm.thome

      Sep 1, 2015 at 3:27pm

      He meant because of the global warming issue that's been talked about for years now. And that just wasn't a normal "windy" day. This did not happen back in the day...

      Emily

      Sep 1, 2015 at 3:54pm

      So many trolls feeding here today. GFY!

      430 ppm

      Sep 1, 2015 at 6:41pm

      Atta boy, Charlie. You're one step closer to the six figure communications gig at Translink

      Arachides

      Sep 1, 2015 at 7:59pm

      So extreme weather events/climate change are the new normal yet the City of Vancouver continues to hand out free parking/parking passess for COV employees at record levels regardless of cycling/transit connections, ever notice that Vision Vancouver has never recommended tolls on bridges/roads coming into Vancouver.
      They've expanded the numbers of fossil-fuel burning food-trucks, added more vehicles to the roads thru expanding car-sharing companies/ fleets ( Uber would for the most part utilize existing vehicles ) and continue to plant trees that bear no edible fruit for Citizens or wildlife. They're also advertising free wood cut-down after this latest storm damage available to be burned in fireplaces, Asthmatics be damned.
      How is any of that Green?