Dear Customer Relations and Engineering Services. 
TransLink / SkyTrain Operations

We, the residents of New Westminster living in a few blocks' proximity to the SkyTrain tracks, are writing to formally express our serious concerns regarding the increasingly excessive noise generated by SkyTrain trains, particularly on the section of track between 22nd Street Station and New Westminster Station, and especially on the curved elevated guideway immediately west of New Westminster Station, where the tracks cross above Third Avenue before entering the station. The noise generated by trains in these sections travels well beyond the immediate vicinity of the tracks and stations, carrying across the surrounding neighbourhoods and affecting residents several blocks away and, in some areas, multiple blocks from the SkyTrain corridor. The noise therefore goes beyond this section of New Westminster, making this a broader community issue. Residents have reported experiencing the same noise levels around Columbia Station as well.

While we recognize and appreciate the essential service that SkyTrain provides to our region, the level of noise generated at this location has become unacceptable and appears to have worsened over time. Each passing train produces an extremely loud, high-pitched screech that can be heard throughout our building, even with windows closed. The sound is especially pronounced as trains travel around the curve approaching New Westminster Station and is significantly louder than normal operating noise experienced elsewhere along the SkyTrain system.

The problem extends beyond regular operating hours. Nightly maintenance activities frequently produce loud grinding, screeching, and metallic noises that continue well into the night and early morning hours. Although maintenance is necessary to ensure the safety and reliability of the transit system, the resulting noise has become a recurring disturbance for nearby residents.

The cumulative effects on our community are substantial. Residents are unable to comfortably open their windows during the summer months, despite the need for natural ventilation. Many can no longer enjoy their balconies, patios, or outdoor living spaces because conversations are repeatedly interrupted by the intense noise. Those who work from home experience frequent disruptions to meetings and concentration, while children studying at home, seniors, and families are similarly affected.

Perhaps most concerning is the impact on sleep and overall health. The repeated noise from both train operations and overnight maintenance disturbs residents during hours when they should reasonably expect quiet. Interrupted sleep, elevated stress levels, reduced concentration, headaches, fatigue, and diminished quality of life have become ongoing concerns for many people living in our building. The constant anticipation of the next passing train has also affected residents' ability to relax in their own homes.

We respectfully request that TransLink undertake a comprehensive investigation into this issue and consider implementing appropriate mitigation measures, including:

• A professional noise assessment of the curved section of track approaching New Westminster Station.
• An engineering inspection to determine whether rail wear, wheel wear, insufficient lubrication, or other mechanical factors are contributing to the excessive wheel squeal.
• Rail grinding, lubrication systems, wheel maintenance, or other proven engineering solutions to reduce curve noise where appropriate.
• A review of overnight maintenance practices to identify methods of reducing noise impacts on nearby residential properties.
• Consideration of additional long-term mitigation measures, including noise barriers or other infrastructure improvements if warranted.
• Ongoing communication with affected residents regarding the investigation, findings, and planned corrective actions.

We respectfully request a written response outlining the results of your investigation and the actions that TransLink intends to take to address this issue.

We value public transit and understand the importance of maintaining a safe and reliable SkyTrain system. At the same time, residents living adjacent to the guideway deserve a reasonable expectation of peace, particularly during nighttime hours, and should not be subjected to excessive and avoidable noise that negatively affects their health, well-being, and enjoyment of their homes.

We appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to your timely response.

Sincerely,

Residents of New Westminster, British Columbia