TransLink says human error led to the SkyTrain shutdown, offers free BC Day transit
Posted July 22, 2014 11:49 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – TransLink says yesterday’s system-wide SkyTrain shutdown was due to human error.
The transit authority says an electrician installing a new circuit breaker for the Evergreen Line accidentally tripped the main breaker feeding SkyTrain’s critical systems.
The Millenium and Expo lines were shut down for nearly five hours. TransLink says the power outage not only stopped trains, but also affected its ability to communicate over the SkyTrain PA systems.
TransLink’s COO admits it had a major impact on commuters. It plans to make it up to customers by offering a free free day of transit on BC Day; full details are expected soon.
“Our trains are reliable 95 per cent of the time, but we know that is little consolation for customers who are delayed for hours when we do have a significant breakdown,” says Doug Kelsey.
This most recent glitch came just five days after a system-wide failure last week, which happened right in the middle of rush hour.
Jordan Bateman with The Canadian Taxpayers Federation says money is not being well spent at TransLink. “Take $20 million to have the necessary redundancy in the computer system to prevent last week’s breakdown, the Compass Card project is almost exactly $20 million over budget. So, one has to wonder whether or not TransLink is managing its budget effectively.”
He says, for example, the transit authority shouldn’t be spending $175,000 on artwork during station upgrades. “I think people would prefer that you cut all the frills and gimmicks, just stick to the actual utilitarian service of moving people around.”
