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TransLink prepares for crowds amid trio of major downtown events

It’s shaping up to be a busy night in downtown Vancouver, and TransLink says it’s prepared for the crowds of people expected to pack into the core.

Both Rogers Arena and BC Place are hosting big-ticket concerts Friday night, with performances from Miranda Lambert and Coldplay respectively.

And just next door, the city’s newest casino — called Parq — is also holding its grand opening.

TransLink spokesperson Jill Drews said extra service will be in place to ensure people can get in and out of downtown.

“[We’ll be] adding extra trains to the Expo Line after the concerts let out. Instead of a train every four minutes, you’ll see a train every two to three minutes. Hopefully that will get people home faster and not have to see them waiting too long.”
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Drews added that riders can speed up their trip home if they plan ahead on their way down to the events.

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“One thing that I always find that’s helpful is, if you’re not using your Compass Card, and you plan on buying a Compass product from a vending machine, buy two at once,” she said

“You can do that on your way to the event and then you’ll have it in your pocket on the way home and you won’t have to wait in line.”

The expected transit crush comes just days after TransLink had to shut down the nearby Stadium-Chinatown station during rush hour after a switch problem caused delays, leading to massive overcrowding on the train platforms.

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