TransLink saystire ‘socks’ worked

TransLink spent just over $4,000 on “tire socks” in order to keep buses running up Burnaby Mountain during two snow days last winter.

Last fall, the transit authority announced that it would be the first in North America to test tire socks on buses. The socks are fabric covers that have Kevlar threads running through them, and are installed on the back wheels of buses.

The socks were used on four buses that ran between Production Way-University Station and the information tunnel and bus loop at Simon Fraser University.

This winter, service to the university was never cancelled.

The tire socks were used on two occasions during the winter: Dec. 19 and Feb. 23. The transit authority used 19 sets of tire socks at a cost of about $230 per set, for a total cost of about $4,370. A set of tire socks typically lasted for about two hours.

TransLink spokesman Chris Bryan said overall, the results of the tire-sock trial were positive.

“Drivers felt that they made a tangible difference in the buses’ ability to find traction coming out of bus stops and climbing grades,” he said. “Compared to using traditional chains, passenger comfort wasn’t compromised and there was no risk of damage to the bus or roads.”

TransLink had purchased chains to use as a backup in case the socks weren’t successful.

Bryan said TransLink will evaluate the tire socks’ performance, including durability in dry and wet conditions, and explore how the devices could be used in other areas of the city.