TransLink offers advice on personal, pro-active protection

The assault last week on a young woman after leaving SkyTrain is raising concerns among members of the public about safety on the SkyTrain system.

TransLink has posted some very helpful information on its website (http://www.translink.bc.ca/Transportation_Services/SkyTrain/SkyTrain_Safety.asp) regarding safety features found on every train and in stations. These features can help people take charge in cases where they feel a situation is getting out of control – whether they are directly threatened or not.

In addition, visitors to the site may also view an interview with SkyTrain CEO Doug Kelsey, in which he “walks” people through the security features and discusses ways people can be pro-active about their safety. (NB: The video requires Java on one’s computer in order to view.)

Staff at the SkyTrain Operations and Maintenance Centre have stated that a customer who feels the slightest threat should not hesitate to err on the side of caution and activate any of the systems available.

TransLink is continually reviewing its security measures, however, individuals can do a lot to reduce the threat themselves, including being constantly aware of their surroundings as well as of the security communications systems, and by not creating their own distractions by wearing headphones or talking on cell phones, particularly while boarding or disembarking a train.

TransLink would also like to commend the Collingwood Community Policing Centre, which spearheaded – in partnership with SkyTrain, TransLink and Vancouver and SCBCTA Police – the “whistle blower” campaign. The first run of 1000 whistles has been given out, and another 1000 have been purchased. Until last Tuesday’s assault, there had been no reported assaults in the vicinity of Joyce-Collingwood, 29th Avenue or Nanaimo Stations since the program was launched in June 2007.

TRANSLINK - Open House?

With a show of hands please. How many of you went to the Translink “Open House” held last Sunday at Semiahmoo Mall? I thought so, very few of you. How many of you even knew it was happening? Once again not many.

Translink held a series of Open Houses around the South of Fraser region to inform riders about the change in service, once the new Canada Line section of skytrain opens out to the airport and on south through Richmond.

The 351/352 & 354 bus from Crescent Beach/White Rock will no longer be traveling into Vancouver. Instead under the new system we/you will be getting off the bus at the Oak Street station for the Canada Line. Rumour has it, the new system is a result of a PPP private public partnership in the construction of the new line. In order to attract an investor to put up their money, rider ship was guaranteed by diverting all the Tswassen, Delta and White Rock buses to the skytrain station. If this is true I would have to figure this is why the stations on the new skytrain line will have security. In the fact we will have paid when we boarded the bus locally, there must be a way to account for the numbers getting on to skytrain in Richmond and then some form of credit will be directed back to the private investor. Imagine for just a moment how packed those skytrain cars will be in the morning, by the time the come all the way up through Richmond?

Translink felt by putting a little ad in the local paper paper they had done a good job in getting the word out. he problem is as all of you will knoow, that Friday paper paper sometimes doesn't arrive until Sunday, if then. What about putting up information posters at the Park N Ride, or maybe uptown White Rock where a great number of people catch the bus? Not likely folks.

At the end of the day Translink like so many government services, simply wants to create the illusion they care. If they cared they would have asked us for our input before they made the commitment and changes.