TransLink, TTC preparing for winter operations

TransLink and the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) are prepping for winter operations in their respective coverage areas throughout Canada. 

TransLink 

TransLink is equipping more buses with new tires and deploying new articulated buses with better traction this season to prepare for winter weather in Metro Vancouver. 

According to the agency, up to 600 buses — roughly 100 more than 2023 — will be equipped with Michelin Grip D tires on key routes. The Michelin Grip D tires have a deeper tread pattern and, like the fleet’s existing tires, carry the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake rating, which the agency notes is the highest winter rating available for bus tires.  

TransLink says testing has shown Michelin Grip D tires perform effectively in snowy and rainy conditions. Coast Mountain Bus Company (CMBC) will continue to evaluate the performance of the tires. 

According to the agency, 16 new articulated buses with center drive axles (in addition to standard rear drive axles) are also being put into service. The 16 buses are new to CMBC’s fleet, with the dual drive axles providing better traction, stability and steering control. TransLink says the 16 buses will be used specifically on steep, slippery areas in the region.        

Bus service preparations and actions include: 

• Coordinating with municipalities on snow-clearing of priority routes. 
• Spreading anti-icing solution on overhead trolley wires. 
• Using brass cutters 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. 
• Salting and sanding bus exchanges. 

SkyTrain service preparations and actions include: 

• 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. 

TTC

TTC has revealed details of its winter readiness plan to ensure employees and customers are safe and service is accessible and reliable throughout the winter season. 

The winter readiness plan includes:  

• Adding extra staff and vehicles. 
• Running overnight storm trains and streetcars to keep the power rail and tracks clear of snow and ice. 
• Storing subway trains in tunnels to avoid potential snow blockages at rail yards. 
• Spraying anti-icing on the entire streetcar overhead network, as well as on the ground at all bus, streetcar and subway divisions to ensure vehicles can operate safely. 
• Adjusting service so express bus routes (except the 900 Airport Express and 927 Highway 27 Express) serve all stops to ensure customers do not have to wait for a local bus. 
• Communicating with the city of Toronto, Ontario’s, transportation team to ensure crews know where extra plowing or salting on transit routes is needed. 
• Frequent social media and web updates to keep customers informed. 
• Alerting Wheel-Trans customers when a severe weather advisory is declared and permitting customers to cancel their booked trips without deducting ‘Life Happens’ points. 

“Thank you to all the TTC employees who will be out there, braving the elements to ensure riders can safely get to and from their destinations this winter,” said Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow.  “With a comprehensive winter readiness plan in place, I am confident that the TTC is ready to handle any winter weather challenges this season and to keep Toronto moving.” 

“The dedication and hard work of TTC employees, combined with strategic planning and proactive measures, will ensure that the city’s transit system continues to operate safely and reliably in the face of winter weather challenges,” said TTC Chair Jamaal Myers. “My message to motorists is to leave their cars at home during snowfall and winter storms and instead opt for public transit to help reduce traffic congestion and keep the roads safe.” 

TTC has also identified 56 bus stops where conditions can become hazardous during storms with significant snowfall or freezing rain. The agency notes winter weather information signs are installed at the 56 stops to provide valuable information to customers, including details about service disruptions and the location of the nearest in-service bus stop. By scanning a QR code on the signs, customers can easily check if their bus stop is affected by severe weather conditions. 

“Our singular priority this winter is safety. Safety for the TTC’s 17,000 employees and the millions of customers who rely on us to get around the city,” said TTC CEO Greg Percy. “Safety and operational reliability go hand in hand and we are committed to upholding the highest standards in both areas. The TTC is ready to ensure Toronto stays on the move this winter.”