TransLink Launches Food Truck Program to Boost Revenue in Vancouver

TransLink, the public transit authority for Metro Vancouver, has unveiled a new initiative aimed at generating additional revenue by permitting food trucks to operate on its transit properties. The inaugural food truck to join this program is Chickpea, a popular Mediterranean-inspired eatery known for its brick-and-mortar location on Vancouver’s Main Street and its established food truck.

Chickpea’s food truck is now stationed outside the bustling east entrance of SkyTrain’s Metrotown Station, a key transit hub that sees an average of 25,000 boardings on weekdays. The food truck operates on weekdays from late morning until evening, with occasional service on weekends, providing convenient meal options for commuters. Customers can enjoy a mobile ordering feature, allowing them to bypass the line and collect their food as they pass through the station.

Chickpea originally began its journey as a food truck before expanding to its current restaurant location in 2017. The introduction of food trucks at transit stations not only enhances the culinary landscape but also serves to support small businesses and create a more vibrant atmosphere at public transit hubs. This aligns with the principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), which emphasize the importance of a visible and staffed presence in public areas.

Expanding Opportunities for Small Businesses

Metrotown Station, recognized as the second busiest station in the SkyTrain network, is strategically located for significant foot traffic, with approximately 22,000 boardings on Saturdays and 18,000 on Sundays and holidays in 2024. This high volume of passengers flows primarily through the east entrance, which provides direct access to both the adjacent bus exchange and the Metropolis at Metrotown shopping mall.

TransLink is eager to expand this food truck initiative to other public transit hubs across the region. The organization is actively inviting businesses interested in partnership opportunities to contact them. This initiative complements TransLink’s existing commercial revenue streams, which include leasing retail and restaurant spaces at several SkyTrain stations and bus exchanges. Additionally, TransLink has diversified its vending machine offerings and introduced Amazon package pick-up lockers to enhance service convenience.

Last week, TransLink made headlines by selecting Pattison Outdoor Advertising as its primary provider of advertising services. This new partnership is expected to offer enhanced revenue opportunities and facilitate the installation of innovative digital signage for service alerts and passenger information.

The launch of the food truck program reflects TransLink’s commitment to fostering a dynamic and engaging public transit environment while boosting revenue and supporting local entrepreneurs. As the program develops, it promises to enrich the commuter experience and promote a sense of community at transit stations across Metro Vancouver.