Let me start by saying that TransLink has made efforts to reduce noise on the SkyTrain through Burnaby, including near my Royal Oak neighbourhood.
I was told that TransLink had done some sort of grinding, which reduces friction that causes noise.
But these effort never seem enough and I can’t sleep at night because this screeching is just bonkers.
Things seem to be worse when it’s not raining. I don’t know if the track is so dry that it sounds worse but it can be ear-piercing.
I go to bed early, around 9 p.m., because I work an early shift. So for those few hours before SkyTrain stops for the day, the noise often wake me up multiple times. Things are even worse during the summer when I need the windows open if it’s too hot.
Some of my neighbours can’t sleep either, but a few of them also say the noise doesn’t bother them.
It’s just that during the night when the traffic noise dies down the sudden screech really jolts me awake. I have debates with my friends about this and not all of them are sympathetic.
They tell me, “well, that’s what you get for moving next to SkyTrain.”
But that’s not really fair, is it?
The bulk of Burnaby development is based around being really close to SkyTrain. I chose this because I wanted to get rid of my car and only take transit. I shouldn’t then get punished for wanted to do better for the environment.
I don’t know if it’s just some of the old Expo line trains that are noisier than others? Will things get better when newer trains are added?
Hopefully we get more solutions soon before I need to open my windows again.
R. Anderson, Burnaby
