As the New Year’s Eve countdown approaches, the Vancouver Barwatch program is pushing for extended public transit service hours to ensure safe and convenient transportation for late-night revelers.
Chairing the program, Curtis Robinson emphasizes the need for transportation services to operate until 5 a.m., urging authorities to prioritize this crucial aspect. He stresses the importance of accommodating those working in the entertainment sector, many of whom are female servers unable to live in Vancouver and reliant on downtown venues for their livelihoods.
Robinson highlights the upcoming FIFA World Cup as a key moment when the need for extended late-night transportation becomes even more significant. He underlines the necessity for improvements in SkyTrain and Canada Line services to better serve the late-night crowd.
Currently, the last SkyTrain services depart downtown around 1:15-1:22 a.m., limiting options for those out late. However, in anticipation of New Year’s celebrations, TransLink has announced extended service hours, allowing passengers to party for an extra hour. Free services will be available from 5 p.m. on New Year’s Eve until 5 a.m. on New Year’s Day, with additional buses and enhanced routes throughout the system.
The Vancouver Barwatch initiative focuses on enhancing safety in bars and entertainment venues through measures such as ID scanning to keep individuals with criminal records away. By collaborating with the Vancouver Police Department and venue owners, the program enforces a code of conduct that includes six essential behavioral standards. Violating these standards can lead to ejection from venues for up to two years, ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for patrons and staff.
In total, 45 venues across Metro Vancouver participate in the Vancouver Barwatch program, reinforcing the commitment to maintaining safe and secure hospitality spaces for all patrons.