West Coast Express service has been suspended as of the afternoon of March 19 due to significant track issues near Port Haney Station. Prolonged torrential rainfall, with up to 130 mm expected in parts of Metro Vancouver, triggered a mudslide that has halted freight train traffic and disrupted commuter services.
As a result of the suspension, all eastbound return trips on the West Coast Express for Thursday have been cancelled. TransLink has advised commuters to take the SkyTrain to Coquitlam Central Station as an alternative means of transportation.
To assist affected passengers, extra bus services will be provided to transport commuters to the remaining West Coast Express stations. However, it is important to note that West Coast Express trains cannot travel east of Maple Meadows Station due to the ongoing track issues.
Extra buses will also offer westbound service to Maple Meadows Station for customers at Mission City and Port Haney stations, ensuring that some level of service remains available despite the disruptions.
The federal government’s meteorological agency has issued an orange warning for rainfall in parts of Metro Vancouver, highlighting the severity of the weather conditions that have led to this situation.
Service impacts are expected to continue into Friday morning, as crews work to assess and resolve the track issues caused by the mudslide. Observers are closely monitoring the situation, and further updates will be provided as they become available.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact timeline for the restoration of normal service, but TransLink is committed to keeping commuters informed throughout the process.
