Commuter update: SkyTrain expanded for Olympic rush, while Canada Line can't cope
The Good News:
Trains for both the Expo and Millennium Lines will run every minute and 50 seconds instead of every three minutes. As well, service from Waterfront to King George will be extended to 2:15 a.m. during the games. TransLink also stated that the West Coast Express will run three or four extra trains each day during the duration of the Olympics.
The Bad News:
The Canada Line does not have the ability to lengthen trains or shorten its trip intervals so long lines are expected. Also, the last train will leave Richmond is at 12:48 a.m. After this time, commuters must catch a night bus at the station, which begins at 1:12 a.m. and runs every 30 minutes until 4:45 a.m.
Drivers are also reporting difficulties finding spaces at various park-and-ride lots around Metro Vancouver. Unfortunately, this predicament will continue during the 2010 games. TransLink is encouraging commuters to sign up for the RideShare program.
Gretzky, Fox lead speculation for final torchbearer
Speculations that Betty Fox or Wayne Gretzky will be the final torchbearer tomorrow are running rapid. Interestingly, at a promotional event yesterday at LiveCity Yaletown, Gretzky aggressively avoided reporters, causing stronger whispers that he may be the final torchbearer.
Lindsey Vonn: Say cheese — Olympics' golden girl loses her smile
U.S. Skier Lindsy Vonn, who was projected to have a five-medal games, revealed she has a serious shin injury.
Said Vonn of the injury, “It's very emotional, very scary and not the positive way you want to be starting the Olympics...I have had a lot of injuries. I've always felt I've been able to push through them pretty well. It's going to be very, very challenging, and very difficult. It's going to be hard."
Simpsons’ give curling a whirl
The Simpsons are too getting into the Olympic Spirit. In a new episode titled Boy Meets Curl, Homer and Marge wind up competing in the curling competition at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. The episode airs this Sunday on Fox and Global TV.
Ice Hockey: Injuries causing Games nightmares
Canadian forward Ryan Getzlaf has been added to the growing list of injured Olympians. Getzalf, who play for the Anaheim Ducks, reportedly injured his left ankle. Others injuired include Ottawa captain Daniel Alfredsson, who is on Team Sweden and Team USA has lost defenceman Mike Komisarek due to a season-ending shoulder injury while defenceman Paul Martin of the New Jersey Devils is out with a broken arm.