For the first time, increases in service will be made to TransLink’s SkyTrain, bus and SeaBus to help increase capacity and lower wait times thanks to investments from all levels of the government.
“We know that the first week of September is the busiest week of the year for commuters,” said TransLink CEO Kevin Desmond. “That’s why we’ve timed these increases to do our part in reducing congestion. Whether it’s SkyTrain, bus or SeaBus, these changes will help reduce wait times for our customers all across the region.”
TransLink introduces service changes every three months to reflect seasonal demand and to bring more service where customers need it most.
“We’re very pleased to support these important enhancements that help address growing ridership throughout Metro Vancouver,” said Terry Beech, Member of Parliament for Burnaby North–Seymour. “Investing in public transit is essential to creating strong sustainable communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. This service increase will allow residents to spend less time commuting and more quality time with their loved ones.”
Funding for expanded transit service is made possible through contributions from Phase One of the Mayors’ Council 10-Year Vision, the Province of British Columbia and the government of Canada.
“More transit service means more options to keep people moving around Metro Vancouver – whether it’s by SkyTrain, bus, or SeaBus,” says Janet Routledge, MLA for Burnaby North. “Improving service across the transit spectrum is a critical part of the Mayors’ Council 10-Year Vision and aligns with our government’s commitment to help build liveable, connected communities across British Columbia.”
The following increases will take place beginning September 3.
SkyTrain
Twenty-four new SkyTrain cars in service (six trains)
Five percent capacity increase on Expo Line during peak times
Nine percent capacity increase on Millennium Line during peak times
Bus
There will be 12 permanent bus service increases to key routes to help alleviate overcrowding with the addition of over 40,000 total service hours.
Key changes include:
503 (Langley Center/Surrey Central): upgraded to a limited-stop express service
- Monday through Friday
- Service every eight to nine minutes during peak times
- Service every 10-15 minutes during day-time off-peak hours
301 (Newton Exchange/Surrey Central)
- Weekdays every 30 minutes from 7:00-10:00 p.m.
- New double-decker buses coming October
- Almost double the capacity
- USB charging outlets
- Panoramic views from the upper deck
Other popular routes receiving permanent increases:
5 Robson/Downtown, 6 Davie/Downtown, 7 Nanaimo Station/Dunbar, 19 Metrotown Station/Stanley Park, 49 Metrotown Station/Dunbar Loop/UBC, 99 Commercial-Broadway/UBC, 112 Edmonds Station/New Westminster Station, 116 Edmonds Station/Metrotown Station and 342 Newton Exchange/Langley Center.
These increases are in addition to the annual return to regular service levels for post-secondary institution routes.
SeaBus
Introducing 10-minute sailings for the first time ever during peak hours
Weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
And 50 percent higher capacity during peak hours
