Buses in Metro Vancouver are getting an upgrade to prepare for the upcoming winter weather.
TransLink announced on Monday that more buses will be equipped with the highest winter-rated tires available for buses.
Michelin Grip D tires will be put on up to 600 buses — roughly 100 more than in 2023 — that travel key routes in Metro Vancouver.
The tires have a deeper tread pattern and carry the three-peak mountain snowfall rating, which is the highest winter rating available for bus tires.
A TransLink spokesperson says testing has shown that Michelin Grip D tires perform effectively in snowy and rainy conditions.
There will also be 16 new "articulated buses" with centre-drive axles along with standard rear-drive axles.
The buses are new to Coast Mountain Bus Company’s fleet and will allow for better traction, stability and steering control.
“They will be used specifically on steep, slippery areas in the region,” says the spokesperson.
TransLink is also thinking ahead to weather mitigation strategies such as spreading anti-icing solutions on overhead trolley wires, coordinating with municipalities on snow-clearing of priority routes and salting and sanding bus exchanges.
- Brass cutters will be used on some trolley buses to prevent ice buildup on wires.
- Replacing some rear-drive axle articulated buses with conventional 40-foot buses on certain hilly routes.
- Utilizing snow shuttles on portions of steeper routes with heavy snowfall.
When it comes to SkyTrains, TransLink is taking action there too:
- Using de-icer trains to keep the power rail free from ice buildup.
- Running trains overnight to prevent snow buildup in the guideway.
- Connecting Millennium Line trains into four-car configurations.
- Deploying SkyTrain attendants at the front of trains to limit emergency braking triggered by heavy snowfall.
- Preventing and clearing ice and snow buildup on SkyTrain doors with platform teams equipped with hockey sticks.
- Salting and sanding walkways at SkyTrain and West Coast Express stations.
A snowstorm in 2022 sent vehicles sliding and crashing all over Metro Vancouver, including a TransLink bus.
People can stay informed about weather updates from TransLink through its alert system.
