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

UPDATE: Metro Vancouver’s transit authority, TransLink, is set to expand bus service on 53 crowded routes starting September 1. This urgent development aims to tackle overcrowding and improve transit reliability across the region.

The service changes were just announced by TransLink on Monday, following a significant investment plan that secures funding for the transit system until at least 2027. This expansion is particularly focused on the five most overcrowded routes, all located south of the Fraser River, primarily in Surrey. High-ridership routes like the 99 B-Line, R1, and R4 RapidBuses will also see increased service.

According to TransLink spokesperson Dan Mountain, the goal is to provide more frequent service to meet the growing demand. “Buses that used to come every 10 minutes will likely come every six minutes,” Mountain explained. This change is crucial for commuters who have been facing long wait times and overcrowded vehicles.

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 much-needed improvement from its previous peak-only hours.

Transit advocate Denis Agar described the service expansion as “a really big deal,” acknowledging that it represents progress following years of funding struggles. However, he emphasized that this is just the beginning. “We’re pretty deep in the hole,” Agar stated, calling for further increases in service over the coming years.

As part of their commitment to enhancing transit options, TransLink plans to introduce new routes starting in the new year. “This is just the beginning, and there’s more to come,” Mountain added, hinting at ongoing engagement campaigns to explore additional service expansions.

Full details of the upgraded bus routes will be available on TransLink’s website, allowing commuters to plan accordingly for the upcoming changes. With this expansion, TransLink aims to improve the overall transit experience for the region, ensuring that residents have access to reliable and frequent bus service.

Stay tuned for more updates as TransLink continues to roll out these essential service enhancements. Share this article to keep your friends and family informed about the latest developments in Metro Vancouver’s transit system!