Getting around during the Games...not as easy as it seems TransLink encourages Vancouverites to walk, bike or take transit By Kristina Mameli, News Editor s the 2010 Winter Games rapidly approach, A: ransLink has busied itself with final preparations or the more than one million people expected to use its services daily during the Olympic and Paralympic games, a 33 per cent increase from its current 750,000 patrons. TransLink is publicly encouraging commuters to give up their cars for the duration of the Games in favour of walking, biking or braving what could be lengthy transit waits. The lines that heralded the grand opening of the Canada Line are expected to pale in comparison to those during the Games, with the wait at some stations and bus routes far rivalling others. TransLink warns to allow for a minimum delay of two hours no matter where you’re headed, especially during peak periods. It is also important to note that for the entire length of the Games, all bikes will be banned from both the SkyTrain and the Canada Line to allow for more room. SkyTrain stations that will be particularly congested include all stations in the downtown core, including Broadway and Commercial, park and ride stations such as King George and Scott Road in Surrey, and stations a little closer to home such as Lougheed and New Westminster. New Westminster is expecting an increase in commuter traffic when the city opens a new park-and-ride lot near the station, a move that could potentially have had adverse effects on Douglas students were it not for the Olympic 4 break from classes. Adding to the frustration some Vancouverites are beginning to feel regarding transportation during the Games, VANOC experimented with lane closures late last week, particularly Friday, hoping to cut traffic volume downtown by five per cent each week leading to the beginning of the Games. Their goal is to reduce traffic by 30 per cent by February 12. TransLink, though, does not plan to add any additional service to help compensate until the start of the Games. TanskLink also announced Friday that starting January 18, travelers using ticket vending machines from the Sea Island stations along the Canada Line will be charged an additional $5 when travelling beyond the Sea Island spur. Trips to the spur, which includes YVR-Airport, Sea Island Centre and Templeton however, will remain free. The fee, which will be difficult to enforce, will not apply to those with prepaid fares such as U-Passes and bus passes. As of January 1, TransLink tripled provincial sales tax on private parking lots as well as dramatically increased regional fuel taxes by three cents, making it 15 cents per litre. The latter increase will result in a climb in the cost of FareSavers and monthly passes as of April. The increase stems from the $130 million transportation plan approved in October. For the duration of the Olympics, VANOC as well as the city, encourage you to take TransLink’s “TravelSmart Challenge.” Check out: http://travelsmart2010.ca/ to help plan your routes during the Games and monitor delays. Douglas College Wrap-Up By Kristina Mameli Win tickets to the 2010 Winter Games The Douglas College Foundation is giving every Douglas community member the chance to attend one of four Olympic events: the opening or closing ceremonies, team pursuit speed skating or the always coveted men’s gold medal hockey game. The foundation is selling a limited amount of tickets for each draw to benefit student aid. Tickets range from $15—40 and are limited to 400 per draw. The prices are as follows: * For two tickets to the gold medal men’s hockey: $40 each. ¢ For two tickets to Vancouver 2010 opening ceremonies: $25 each. * For two tickets to Vancouver 2010 closing ceremonies: $20 each. *¢ For two tickets to men’s and women’s team pursuit speed skating finals: $15 each. Tickets can be picked up in person on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30—10:30 a.m. or 12-1 p.m. at the main cafeteria, by email: olympicraffle@douglas.bce.ca or by calling Alexis Smith at 604.527.6172. Food bank now open at DSU Student hunger is a rising issue in Canada, one that the Douglas Students’ Union is doing its best to help with. “Tn the past year we’ve revamped the food bank in trying to make it a little more visible, a little less stigma attached to it and trying to bring awareness to student hunger,” Priscilla Bartleman, the DSU’s external relations coordinator told The Other Press. “We do have students coming and using that service, so that’s helped.” The DSU food bank is open to all students that need a little help and is gladly accepting donations of packaged, non- perishable food. For more information visit the DSU’s front desk or call 604.527.5110.