In response to public pressure, TransLink will explore the feasibility of providing extended Canada Line and SkyTrain service on Friday and Saturday nights.
TransLink and its operator - the BC Rapid Transit Company - will undertake the following three steps to review the options:
Best practice research into how other systems worldwide have managed the introduction of late-night service;
Study how extended service can be provided while retaining the necessary maintenance hours that are required to keep the system running safely and reliably, and study the potential financial costs associated with providing extended service;
Gather a group of community leaders – including municipal officials, downtown businesses and police - to consider all implications of extended late night service.
These discussions will also include other options that could be available to customers such as bus, ride-hailing and enhanced taxi service.
TransLink anticipates early findings will be ready for review mid-2018.
However, TransLink says that maintaining a safe and reliable train system will continue to be its top priority and this requires ongoing maintenance, either overnight or during other times of the day.
“We have heard there is demand for SkyTrain to run later on weekends and we are taking a fresh look at what would be required to make that happen,” said Kevin Desmond, TransLink’s CEO.
“While it has always been technically possible to operate SkyTrain later at night, it would have a significant impact on maintenance.
“We are committed to operating a system that is safe and reliable. We want to find out if we can keep that commitment while offering another option for customers who travel late at night.”
While Gregor Robertson, Mayors’ Council Chair and City of Vancouver mayor, said it’s time to also help people who are working in Downtown Vancouver late at night.
