During February and March 2010, Translink has re-routed bus service in downtown Vancouver. Here’s the site to watch for changes. The routing changes accommodate the security zones and road closures.

Breathe deeply, there will be tourists, officials, locals who never take transit, locals who are used to regular bus routes and commuters. Translink is projecting up to 2 hour waits for some routes.

Once on the bus or train, it make take two to three times as long as anticipated to get to your destination. As a transit veteran, using transit in Vancouver is an exercise in patience.

Here’s an opportunity to multi-task. I load my iPod with books, newspapers and podcasts. I find my free podcasts on iTunes; my books and magazines are purchased from Audible. iTunes also has magazines and books. I prefer Audible’s selection and prices.

For .mp3 brands other than Apple, refer to your owner manual. Before I purchased another .mp3 player, I’d check the compatibility chart at the Audible site.

If you’re travelling with children, be sure to have a snack, water and something to keep them amused.

Put identification on everything .. Translink has an efficient Lost and Found. I was able to retrieve an older .mp3 player within 2 days. Canadians are mostly honest.

And don’t forget to breathe.

Bonnie Sainsbury a Social Media Strategist and Principal in Duet Media. She doesn’t own a private automobile, she used transit and car-coops to get around the city.