BC's Top Employers (2026) Magazine - Magazine - Page 72
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BC’S TOP EMPLOYERS (2026)
TransLink empowers staff to move the region forward
F
or Nikki Villanueva, one
of the most meaningful
parts of working at
TransLink (South
Coast British Columbia
Transportation Authority) is the
culture of support, respect and
genuine connections.
“I currently work in rail
expansion, but I started as
an executive assistant,” says
Villanueva, portfolio specialist
for SkyTrain rail expansion. “I’ve
been given the opportunity to
develop my professional skills, but
more importantly, I was included
in discussions that allowed me
to learn more and contribute my
own ideas.”
Being a part of the
largest SkyTrain
expansion ever means
we’re contributing to a
legacy that will shape
Metro Vancouver for
generations.
— Nikki Villanueva
Project Portfolio Specialist,
Rail Expansion
Those moments of inclusion
shaped her experience. “It’s those
conversations that had the biggest
impact on me. They made me
feel valued. They showed me
that I work with people who
appreciate me, enable me to
contribute meaningfully, and help
me thrive.”
Her experience reflects
TransLink’s commitment to
building a workplace where
TransLink prioritizes employee well-being through wellness programs, development opportunities, and
employee-recognition initiatives.
employees feel supported,
respected and empowered to grow.
TransLink is responsible for
more than just buses, SeaBus
and SkyTrain. It also manages
pedestrian and cycling paths,
five regional bridges and the
Major Road Network — 2,600
lane-kilometres of key arterial
roads. The 9,600 employees across
TransLink, Coast Mountain Bus
Company, SkyTrain and Metro
Vancouver Transit Police serve 23
municipalities and enable more
than 240 million trips annually —
a number expected to grow due to
the organization’s expansion.
The two expansion projects —
the Broadway Subway Project
and Surrey-Langley SkyTrain
— will add 22 km of SkyTrain,
increase the network by 27 per
cent and serve more than 200,000
people daily by the end of the
decade. This includes building
a new Operations Control
Centre and Operation and
Maintenance Centre.
In addition, TransLink is
advancing its electrification efforts
by moving to a battery-electric bus
fleet. To increase capacity for an
electric fleet, the organization is
building a new Marpole Transit
Centre to hold more 300 electric
buses. It is also advancing work on
the first three Bus Rapid Transit
corridors that will deliver fast and
frequent travel across the region.
“This growth brings incredible
opportunities for both existing
employees and new recruits,” says
Shezana Hassko, vice-president
of engineering. “TransLink has
always supported career growth
within our enterprise, but this
level of service expansion creates a
unique opportunity for employees
to explore new roles, take on fresh
challenges and further develop
their professional skills.”
She adds: “Engineers and
project managers joining us will
tackle some of the most complex
and ambitious projects TransLink
has ever undertaken. It’s an
exciting time to be here and make
a real impact on this region’s
future.”
Hassko notes that employees
are inspired by contributing
to a sustainable, accessible
transportation network
that drives regional growth.
They’re committed to meeting
evolving customer needs while
fostering a culture of excellence,
inclusiveness, and collaboration
among colleagues and partners.
That’s certainly the case for
Villanueva.
“Being a part of the largest
SkyTrain expansion ever means
we’re contributing to a legacy
that will shape Metro Vancouver
for generations,” says. “Everyone
here is inspired knowing our
work contributes to building
