SkyTrain shutdowns prompt independent review
Metro Vancouver's SkyTrain system shut down for several hours twice in the space of one week in July
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Metro Vancouver's entire SkyTrain system was shut down for hours twice in the space of one week in July, stranding commuters, and prompting a review recommending better communication.
- SkyTrain shutdown investigation makes 20 recommendations
- SkyTrain reopens after power outage
- ANALYSIS TransLink's SkyTrain communication breakdown
The first shutdown happened at the height of the afternoon rush hour on Thursday, Jul. 17. The second occurred early in the afternoon on the following Monday, Jul. 21.
During the shutdowns, some passengers forced open the train doors and started walking along the tracks, despite orders from TransLink to stay on the stalled trains.
It nearly happened all over again in September when a train stalled in Surrey and passengers left the train, causing an hour of delays.
TransLink initially said the problems were caused by human error and a faulty electrical panel and that a review was not needed. It later hired Gary MacNeil, the former CEO of GO Transit in Toronto, to conduct an independent review.
The final report made 20 recommendations, including upgrading the manual system and streamlining communications.
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