Deeper tread tires expanded to 70 per cent of bus fleet to help keep customers moving

NEW WESTMINSTER, BC – TransLink is equipping roughly 500 more buses than last year with tires featuring deeper tread patterns for improved traction, to prepare for winter weather in Metro Vancouver.

Up to 1,100 buses, about 70 per cent of the fleet and double from 2024, will be operating with Michelin Grip D tires this upcoming season. These tires have a deeper tread pattern and, like the fleet’s other tires, also carry the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake rating — the highest winter rating available for bus tires. Testing over the last three years has shown Grip D tires perform better in snowy and rainy weather, but are still reliant on road conditions. Coast Mountain Bus Company will continue transitioning the entire fleet to these tires.

Additional weather mitigation strategies will be utilized across Metro Vancouver this winter.

Bus service preparations and actions:

• 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 articulated buses with conventional 40-foot buses, where possible, on certain hilly routes.
• Utilizing snow shuttles on portions of steeper routes with heavy snowfall.
• Shovelling, salting, and sanding walkways at bus exchanges to help keep customers safe.

SkyTrain service preparations and actions:

• Using de-icer trains to keep the power rails free from ice buildup.
• Running trains overnight to prevent snow buildup in the guideway.
• Deploying SkyTrain Attendants at the front of trains for manual braking to limit delays.
• Connecting Millennium Line trains into four-car configurations to minimize staff needed on board trains.
• Preventing and clearing ice and snow buildup on SkyTrain doors with platform teams equipped with hockey sticks.
• Removing snow and ice from sidewalks and platforms.
• Salting and sanding walkways at SkyTrain and West Coast Express stations.

Customers are encouraged to dress for the elements and wear proper footwear to avoid slips and falls. To prepare for snowfall, riders are encouraged to build in extra travel time and plan commutes using Trip Planner.

To stay informed, customers can sign up for Transit Alerts, follow TransLink on X (@TransLink), or call Customer Information at 604.953.3333. Phone service is also available in over 300 languages; customers can call during operating hours and request assistance in their preferred language.

More information:
Winter Ready B-roll download
TransLink Winter Travel Guide

Media contact:
TransLink Media Relations
E: media@translink.ca