TransLink: assurances of West Coast Express tracks open for the afternoon commute

Thousands who rely on a commuter train to get to work in Vancouver from homes in the Fraser Valley or municipalities east of the city had to find some other mode of transport this morning as a blockade shut down the West Coast Express.

Demonstrators supporting the Wet'suwet'en battle against a pipeline on traditional territories set up the blockade yesterday afternoon, forcing cancellation of all eastbound trains.

Protesters stayed in place overnight, cancelling westbound trains this morning, but began packing up shortly after the end of the morning rush.

TransLink says it has assurances from C.P. Rail that the tracks are open for the afternoon commute.