For a limited time only, transit will be free so those imbibing heartily at New Years' celebrations across Metro Vancouver can get home safely.
TransLink is bringing back its tradition of helping commuters to get a ride home by offering free transit on New Year’s Eve, from 5 p.m. on Dec. 31 until 5 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2022. Customers are advised not to tap Compass Cards or any other payment methods as the fare gates will be open during these hours. Commuters who begin trips prior to 5 p.m. should tap out to ensure they’re charged the correct fare TransLink said in a recent statement.
“Offering a free and safe method of transportation on New Year’s Eve has been a long-standing tradition at TransLink,” says TransLink CEO Kevin Quinn. “While restrictions prevented us from offering this last year, we are excited to bring this tradition back and encourage all those celebrating 2022 to choose transit for a safe ride home.”
Here's what transit on Dec. 31 will look like at a glance:
- Buses will run on a regular weekday schedule with some routes running additional evening and late-night service after their normal schedules.
- NightBus will continue to operate round-the-clock service on several routes.
- SkyTrain will operate on regular weekday service.
- SeaBus will be running regular weekday service. Last sailing from North Shore will be at 1:00 a.m. and from Waterfront will be at 1:22 a.m. with extended 15-minute service until 1 a.m.
- West Coast Express will be operating modified weekday schedule.
- Westbound: 5:25 a.m., 6:25 a.m., 6:55 a.m., 7:25 a.m.
- Eastbound: 1:30 p.m., 3:50 p.m., 4:50 p.m., 6:20 p.m.
- Additional SkyTrain staff, Transit Police and Transit Security officers will be on the system to direct and assist customers.
