Metro Vancouver to Go Fare-Free for New Year’s Eve Travel
Metro Vancouver residents and visitors can ride transit without paying a fare on New Year’s Eve and into New Year’s Day. TransLink has announced a fare-free period starting at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, December 31 and running until 5 a.m. on Thursday, January 1. This special service applies to all transit modes, including SkyTrain, buses, SeaBus and NightBus.
Because of this, travellers won’t need to tap Compass cards or pay fares on any service during the free period. If trips begin before 5 p.m., riders should still tap out as usual so the system charges the correct fare.
Extended Schedules Keep Trains and Buses Running Late
On New Year’s Eve, SkyTrain and regular buses will run longer than usual. TransLink plans to operate an extended weekday schedule, adding 52 extra buses and extra service on select routes to help riders get around more easily as the night unfolds.
The last SkyTrain from Waterfront to King George, for example, will depart at about 2:16 a.m. on January 1. Meanwhile, the SeaBus will keep sails running every 15 minutes until 1:22 a.m., then every half-hour until its final trip from Waterfront at 2:22 a.m.
NightBus Offers Safe Overnight Options
After regular SkyTrain and SeaBus services end, NightBus routes will continue running throughout the night. These buses travel every 20 to 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver to major areas including Surrey, North Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, New Westminster, UBC, SFU, Coquitlam and Port Moody. They provide a safe way for late-night passengers to return home without worrying about fares.
West Coast Express and Extra Support on System
For travellers who prefer rail, the West Coast Express will also offer free rides on select trains departing Waterfront in the early evening. At the same time, TransLink staff, supervisors, transit police and security personnel will be on hand across the network to help keep operations running smoothly and assist riders throughout the night.
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