TransLink recorded its highest ridership in several years on June 26, the day Canada faced Switzerland in a FIFA World Cup match at BC Place. The transit authority reported that SkyTrain usage spiked dramatically as thousands of fans traveled to the stadium, marking a significant milestone for post-pandemic public transit recovery.
Record-breaking numbers
Preliminary data from TransLink shows that total boardings across the system exceeded previous highs not seen since before the COVID-19 pandemic. The Canada-Switzerland game, which drew a large crowd, contributed to the surge, with SkyTrain stations near BC Place experiencing heavy congestion before and after the match. TransLink deployed additional staff and service to manage the influx, according to a spokesperson.
Impact on transit operations
The high ridership day tested TransLink's capacity to handle major events. Extra trains were added on the Expo and Millennium lines, and bus services were adjusted to accommodate the crowds. The authority noted that while the system faced delays, it successfully moved the majority of fans without major incidents. “This shows that when we plan for big events, we can deliver reliable service,” said a TransLink official.
Broader context
The record comes as TransLink continues to recover from pandemic-era ridership lows. The World Cup has provided a boost to Vancouver's transit system, with several match days seeing above-average usage. However, the authority faces challenges in maintaining service levels amid funding constraints and ongoing infrastructure projects.
