New Westminster
Columbia is just before the diverging point for originally the Millennium Line (looping back on the new branch to VCC-Clark) and the Expo Line (going over the SkyBridge to Surrey) Trains. As of 2016 the stop is now the junction point where the Expo Line branches diverge or combine. Today leaving Waterfront during rush hours about every third train during (service to Braid is every 6 minutes, while service to King George and Surrey is as frequent as every 2 to 5 minutes during rush hours, 6 minutes middays) curving off to Braid with some every other train on this branch extended to meet the Millennium Line at Production Way-University (12 minute frequency throughout the service day).
The stop is built into a hill with a bizarre layout and exits at either end of the two side platforms for the two station tracks. The eastern end of the station is underground with tiled walls while the western half is more open with mesh walls in places (in more of an open-cut). At the eastern end of the station a staircase leads up from each platform to a small entrance area and an exit to 4th Street. The western end is the reverse: a staircase and elevator lead down to a larger lower mezzanine area and exits out on either side, one through the lobby of the Boucher Centre, through a shopping arcade. The opposite side leads up to a staircase up to an entrance at the end of Clarkson Street.
All photos taken on 9 October, 2011
