Commuters, YVR passengers take to Twitter to air Boxing Day traffic grievances
Posted December 27, 2019 6:48 am.
Last Updated December 27, 2019 6:49 am.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Another Boxing Day has come and gone, but not without frustration.
Once again, people who say they were driving to Vancouver International Airport are expressing their angst over the outlet mall near YVR, after they were stuck in traffic backing up into Vancouver.
“Stupidest place ever for a mall,” reads one tweet in response to the congestion caused by deal hunters at the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet.
Stupidest place ever for a mall
— Ann Simonetta ???????? (@anniecanada7) December 26, 2019
“Poor planning,” another Twitter user said. “Build a different entrance.”
Poor planning. Build a different entrance. Does any other airport have this problem ?
— Flyboy (@topgunsteeler) December 26, 2019
There were even some suggestions to entice travellers to take alternate transportation to YVR.
“Maybe the mall should offer incentives to folks who take transit instead of driving,” one person tweeted.
How short sighted were they to ever put this shopping center where they did? Maybe the mall should offer incentives to folks who take transit instead of driving.
— Blank™ (@PhilRidinBikes) December 26, 2019
Some drivers called NEWS 1130 to air their grievances directly, with some saying they waited about 40 minutes to get across the bridge toward the airport from Bridgeport. At least one passenger said they were probably going to miss their flight.
The airport did issue a travel advisory days in advance, suggesting people take the Canada Line to avoid the traffic.
TRAVEL ALERT: Are you flying out of YVR today? Do you work at the airport? We are expecting congestion on Sea Island as a result of Boxing Day sales @McArthurGlenVan. Plan ahead and leave extra time.
— YVR (@yvrairport) December 26, 2019
The airport was also actively responding to comments online.
Hi @Marlow22. There are traffic management plans in place, but recommend taking the Canada Line if possible to avoid delays.
— YVR (@yvrairport) December 26, 2019
McArthurGlen — however — remained silent on Twitter at the peak of the gridlock.
There were similar issues in Delta, with congestion around Tsawwassen Mills delaying drivers heading to the ferries.
