TransLink Boosts Bus Service on 53 Crowded Routes Starting Sept. 1

UPDATE: Metro Vancouver’s transit authority, TransLink, is set to increase bus service on 53 crowded routes starting September 1, 2023. This urgent expansion aims to alleviate overcrowding and improve transit efficiency across the region.

TransLink announced the service upgrades on Monday, following a recent investment plan that secures funding for the transit system until at least 2027. The changes are particularly focused on the five most overcrowded routes, all located south of the Fraser River in Surrey, as well as popular lines like the 99 B-Line, R1, and R4 RapidBuses.

Dan Mountain, a spokesperson for TransLink, emphasized the commitment to improving service levels every three months under the new investment framework. “Really, what we’re doing is we’re targeting those routes to make sure there’s more service for our customers throughout the region,” Mountain said. “Buses that used to come every 10 minutes will now likely come every 6 minutes.”

Notably, the 388 bus route, which connects New Westminster to the Carvolth Exchange in Surrey’s Port Kells neighborhood, will now offer midday service on weekdays, a significant enhancement from its previous peak-hour-only schedule.

Transit advocate Denis Agar, executive director of the advocacy group Movement – Metro Vancouver Transit Riders, praised the expansion as “a really big deal.” However, he noted that this is just the beginning, as years of funding struggles have left the system needing even more improvements. “We’re pretty deep in the hole,” Agar remarked, urging for continued service increases in the coming years.

As part of the long-term vision, TransLink plans to engage the community starting next year, aiming to introduce additional bus routes through the 2025 investment plan. Mountain reassured that “this is just the beginning, and there’s more to come” for transit users in the region.

The announcement comes amid a recent resolution of a fiscal crisis faced by TransLink, with funding measures now in place that alleviate fears of drastic cuts. The successful passage of a new funding agreement allows for enhanced transit services, marking a pivotal moment for public transportation in Metro Vancouver.

For full details on the upgraded bus routes effective September 1, visit TransLink’s official website. This expansion not only signifies improved transit options but also aims to enhance the overall commuting experience for residents across Metro Vancouver, making public transportation more accessible and efficient.

Stay tuned for further updates as TransLink continues to evolve its services to meet the growing demands of commuters in the region.