TransLink accepts recommendations to improve SkyTrain service

TransLink has accepted all 20 of an outside consultant's recommendations for how the greater Vancouver transit agency can improve its SkyTrain service.

Prepared by former GO Transit President Gary McNeil, a report estimated the cost of implementing the recommendations at $71 million (in Canadian dollars). The recommendations aim to:
• reduce the frequency and duration of service disruptions;
• ensure timely evacuation of passengers in the event of a prolonged disruption;
• strengthen the resilience of the system so it can recover from breakdowns more quickly; and
• provide clear and frequent communication with customers on trains, in and around stations and buses.

The report, which was prepared in reaction to SkyTrain service disruptions in July, states that the incidents "showed vulnerability in some of the system elements, and highlighted customer service issues that needed to be rectified."

The unprecedented service disruptions were "unacceptable to customers and unacceptable to us," said TransLink Chief Executive Officer Ian Jarvis in a press release.

"We have taken these incidents very seriously, and we fully accept and are acting on all 20 recommendations. We have already started the work," he said.

Following the incidents, TransLink took steps to improve the way it prevents, prepares for and responds to service disruptions.