TransLink has prepared alternate service for West Coast Express customers following the announcement that two unions working for CP Rail have issued strike notice to their employer. The unions were n a position to strike at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, April 21.
We are monitoring the situation closely for any impacts on West Coast Express service.
CP Rail says it is developing a contingency plan to hopefully maintain commuter rail service in the event of strike action. If a strike were to persist over the long term, however, it is possible there will be impacts on regular service.
Regardless, we have a plan in place to ensure transit connections along the West Coast Express system are maintained.
If a worst-case scenario plays out and WCE service is disrupted, we will provide multiple buses to connect customers travelling from Mission City, Port Haney, Maple Meadows, Pitt Meadows and Port Coquitlam WCE stations with SkyTrain at Coquitlam Central Station. We will deploy sufficient buses to match West Coast Express customer demand, with up to 12 buses during peak demand in the morning (including six, 60-foot articulated buses) and up to 16 buses during peak in the afternoon (eight articulated buses). We will also increase SkyTrain service on the Millennium Line, adding four trains to prevent overcrowding.
Our priority is to keep our customers moving.
West Coast Express is one of the fastest, most reliable ways to get into downtown Vancouver each day.
We are hopeful that CP Rail and its unions will reach an agreement as soon as possible.
Meantime, we will provide updates if we anticipate any changes to WCE service.
