Tri-Cities transit riders seeking a sushi snack were disappointed to see their favourite vending machine vandalized on Friday (Aug. 25).
Only a few weeks after the pilot program was introduced by TransLink, someone smashed the glass on the front of the new sushi vending machine at Coquitlam's Lafarge Lake-Douglas SkyTrain station and took several food items.
The vandalism was reported at 6:15 a.m. that morning by a SkyTrain attendant.
However, upon closer inspection it appears other parts of the station — the last stop on the Evergreen Extension Line — were vandalized, as well.
"Of note, officers also located damage to the bike parkade window as well as damage to a SkyTrain service vehicle parked in the lot at the station," Metro Vancouver Transit Police spokesperson Const. Amanda Steed told the Tri-City News.
It is not known if the incidents are related, however, an investigation is underway and CCTV footage has been ordered.
Fortunately, TransLink hasn't given up on the idea of providing fresh food and snacks in vending machines.
Spokesperson Dan Mountain said the sushi vending machine — featuring locally made sushi, salads and Asians teas — will soon be back up and running.
"Repairs have been scheduled by the vendor and the machine should be back up and running next week," he said in an email to the Tri-City News.
The sushi snack vending machine is operated by Sushi Mori, a Coquitlam-based Japanese fusion eatery.
Coquitlam Central also has fresh snack vending machines and they are to be introduced at Moody Centre SkyTrain station, as well.
Earlier this year, TransLink partnered with Sushi Mori, Nicli Pizzeria, and Khaykery Bakery to bring their sushi, Italian subs and Filipino frozen dessert to vending machines at different SkyTrain stations across Metro Vancouver and the SeaBus terminal at Lonsdale Quay.
Who is Sushi Mori?
Sushi Mori, located at 2565 Barnet Hwy., is a long-standing Coquitlam restaurant that has grown to include three restaurants in the Lower Mainland, with over 100 staff.
