For many, the phrase “snow day” conjures up warm and cozy thoughts—sipping hot cocoa, sledding, building snowmen. For those who work in public transit, those thoughts tend to be much icier—we’re talking frozen roads, vehicle weatherization, and traffic delays. While the rest of our world takes a pause, we keep rolling.
As a public transit agency, our duty is to show up for our passengers every single day. That includes inclement-weather days. As we all know, predicting the weather is a gamble, which means we can only prepare for the worst and hope for the best.
C-TRAN’s team stays busy year-round to keep our buses running, but those efforts go into overtime when temperatures fall below freezing and snow is in the forecast. Operations enacts the agency’s Adverse Weather Plan; Fleet Maintenance preps vehicles with snow tires, chains, and emergency kits; Facilities Maintenance puts down ice melt and salt at C-TRAN buildings and stops to reduce fall risks; Customer Service Representatives bid alternate winter weather shifts in the event that extra coverage is needed. If snow and ice are in the mix, Operations field staff are out checking road conditions in the wee hours of the morning, before the first buses leave the yard. All of this and more goes on behind the scenes to help set our operators up for success to deliver the service our community depends on.
As passengers, there are things we can all do to help weather the storm when temperatures and patience are low. Traveling in snowy and icy conditions is stressful for all of us. By knowing what to expect before you set out, you’ll be better prepared to navigate challenges until things warm up enough to melt and regular service resumes.
- Before you head out, know where to go for the latest service updates. Transit, C-TRAN’s official mobile trip-planning app, provides real-time arrival information. During inclement weather events, Express routes, Shopping Shuttle, The Current, and C-VAN may also be affected. Updates on all C-TRAN services will be displayed on the home page of our website, c-tran.com.
- Make yourself visible. Wear reflective clothing or safety gear, and carry a flashlight. As your bus approaches, turn the flashlight on and point it at the ground, sweeping it in a back-and-forth motion to draw attention to yourself. Never point the light at the bus or other vehicles; this can impede their vision. Cell phone flashlights work well, too.
- Dress appropriately for the weather. Even if you’re running out for a quick trip, it’s better to be prepared in case you end up being out longer than planned. In the winter, this means dressing in warm layers and wearing water-resistant footwear with tread.
- Bring any essential items you may need if your trip is delayed. Charged cell phones, mobility devices, food, water, and medication are just a few examples.
- Check whether any routes you ride frequently have designated snow routes. Before freezing weather hits each year, C-TRAN publishes snow and ice service information for the coming winter. This includes pre-planned detours to avoid roads and locations that have proven difficult or unsafe to navigate when snow and ice are present. All routes may experience delays in winter weather. In some cases, service on select routes may be suspended entirely until conditions improve.
- If you’re riding The Vine, be prepared to board a regular 40-foot bus instead of the 60-foot articulated buses normally used. Each Vine platform includes an “Adverse Weather” bus stop indicating where passengers should board these smaller vehicles.
- Don’t forget about C-TRAN’s SafeStop program! After 8:00 p.m., passengers can request that their driver stop anywhere along their bus route, where safety allows. This program is extended into daylight hours during adverse weather situations such as snow and ice, or other emergency situations.
- Stay on the curb and allow the bus to come to a complete stop before approaching. This is especially important when snow and ice are present, as buses may slide unexpectedly.