TransLink saw highest usage in years on Canada-Switzerland match day

A SkyTrain travels over the crowd marching to a World Cup match at BC Place in this image handed out by TransLink.

Transit usage around Metro Vancouver experienced a six-year high on Wednesday, when Canada faced Switzerland at BC Place, according to TransLink.

The transit provider says it recorded nearly 1.4 million boardings and about 859,500 total trips on June 24. TransLink says that marks the highest daily ridership count since March 2020 and a nearly 20 per cent increase over a typical day.

Every time someone gets on a transit vehicle is a boarding, while a trip is a full journey from end to end including transfers.

The SeaBus in particular saw a massive gain on Wednesday, with 81 per cent more boardings than a typical day. SkyTrain boardings were up nearly 30 per cent.

“The continued growth in ridership throughout the tournament demonstrates the essential role transit plays in moving large crowds efficiently, while maintaining reliable service for customers travelling around the region,” TransLink wrote in a news release Friday.

“TransLink continues to monitor ridership trends and adjust service where needed to support customers during FIFA World Cup 2026™ to ensure people can get to matches, fan events, work, school, and other destinations.”

The 2010 Olympics still holds the all-time record for the highest daily ridership, with 1.27 million trips on the busiest day. Since then, TransLink’s busiest day was the Global Climate Strike on Sept. 27, 2019, when 987,000 trips were recorded.