Vancouver's transit system is showing signs of the Swift-fever that the city seems to be coming down with.
TransLink has revealed more Taylor Swift-themed maps, signs and plans in advance of the final Eras Tour shows in Vancouver on Dec. 6, 7, and 8.
The biggest (physical) reveal is the new map.
Two versions have been set up at Stadium-Chinatown Station, the main Expo Line SkyTrain station for BC Place, where the shows will take place.
The map plays heavily on the friendship bead bracelets that Swift's fans wear and trade. Each of the SkyTrain lines has been turned into a bracelet, while bead graphics fill out the design.
The station is also now decked out in a new, temporary sign which also plays on the friendship bracelet theme.
And, to continue down that track, TransLink will be handing out real friendship bracelets with transit-themed beads.
"We're going to have special surprises, whether it's handing out friendship bracelets or trading friendship bracelets with our front-line staff," says TransLink spokesperson Tina Lovgreen. "[We're] also having surprise singalongs on the SeaBus and performances here at Stadium-Chinatown."
There will also be special Swiftie PA announcements.
Lovgreen notes that an exact schedule won't be released for any of the pop-ups to give the experiences a more spontaneous feel, like flash mobs. The goal is to create a special experience for visitors and concert-goers.
"[We want to] make sure that if you're visiting your city for the first time, if you're hopping on transit for the first time, or if you're just going to the concert, that that great positive experience starts the moment you hop on a train or hop on a bus and make your way down to BC Place," she says.
A couple of other surprises are coming as well, Lovgreen hints, but details aren't being released.
"Not only is taking transit the easiest way to get to and from the concerts, but we're also hoping it's also the funnest way," she adds.
Shuttle bus between BC Place and Waterfront
Along with increased transit services all weekend long, a special route is being added to the system, taking people directly from BC Place to Waterfront station every night of the Eras Tour after each show.
"The buses will be stationed at West Georgia and Hamilton Street and there will be tons of transit supervisors to help get those buses moving," she says.
Riders, take note: The bus is a fare-paid zone, not a free ride.
West Coast Express, Taylor's Version
The West Coast Express will have one extra train trip running on Saturday, Dec. 7.
"That train departs at 4 p.m. from Mission and then the return train will leave Waterfront at midnight," Lovgreen explains. "It's first come first serve."
The train heading into Vancouver is expected to arrive at Waterfront station at 4:30 p.m.
Alerts day of concerts
Loegreen says there are a couple of ways people can stay on top of transit changes and alerts during the busy weekend.
TransLink's social media accounts will update people via X (Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok.
There's also a way to be alerted via text or email.
"The best thing to do is sign up for transit alerts. So if you sign up for transit alerts, you can personalize it to what mode you're taking, what bus you're taking, what SkyTrain you're taking," says Lovgreen.
