SkyTrain network changes could snarl Monday's commute for some - Action News
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SkyTrain network changes could snarl Monday's commute for some

The SkyTrain network is undergoing some changes that could have an impact on how you get around this week.

TransLink changed Millennium and Expo Lines on Oct. 22 as Evergreen Extension gets set to open

This graphic from TransLink shows what SkyTrain service will look like once Evergreen Line service begins around Christmas 2016. On Oct. 22, some changes took place to prepare for that. (TransLink)

Changes tothe SkyTrain network that took effect this weekendcould make for a headache Monday as a crush of commuters lineup for the system.

"Like with any change, some people need a little more assistance," saidVivienneKing, president and general manager of theB.C. Rapid Transit Company.

"You'll notice we have a lot more staff around, particularly the stations where the change has happened."

TransLink employees are walking around SkyTrain stations with large yellow smile buttons inviting passengers to 'Ask Me' for details on changes to SkyTrain service. (CBC)

The Millennium Line no longer travels to Waterfront Station in downtown Vancouver.Instead, it runs east-west from Lougheed Town Centre in Burnaby to VCC-Clark in Vancouver.

Customers can transfer between Expo and Millennium lines at Commercial-Broadway, Lougheed Station or Production Way-University.

TransLink says thosetransferring between the Expo and Millennium lines at Production WayUniversity can hop off one train and onto another on the same platform without having to takestairs, escalators or elevators.

When the Evergreen Extension opens, which will be sometime before Christmas, the Millennium Line will run from VCC-Clark to Lafarge Lake-Douglas in Coquitlam without requiring a transfer.

TransLink CEO Kevin Desmond told CBC News the changes are part of a testing program to get ready for the extension.

Expo Line changes

There are also changes fortheExpo Line, which is nowsplit into two branches.

One will travel between Waterfront and Production Way-University in Burnaby.

The second will travel between Waterfront and King George Station in Surrey.

TranksLink says the frequency of Millennium Line trains will increase, but the Expo Line will remainroughly the same.