TransLink is apologizing to passengers after a major SkyTrain disruption Thursday evening meant lengthy waits for hockey fans heading to a Canucks game.
Officials say a power rail expansion joint failed between 22nd Street and New Westminster stations, forcing them to shut down SkyTrain service on that section of the Expo Line around 5:30 p.m.
Fred Cummings, president of TransLink’s SkyTrain subsidiary said the fact it happened in rush hour and while fans were trying to get to the Canucks’ last regular season home game was “particularly difficult on our passengers.”
A bus bridge was put in place and some passengers were able to take the Millennium Line.
TransLink officials estimated delays of about an hour and called it one of the worst service disruptions in recent years.
Repairs were completed later that night and the system was running normally Friday.
The failed power line expansion joint had operated for 27 years as part of the original 1986 Expo Line.
All such joints of that vintage being replaced in a$33-million upgrade of the power rail system between Nanaimo and Scott Road stations over the next two years.
