TransLink has announced the completion of a plan, shaped by the residents of Richmond, Delta and Tsawwassen First Nation, which will guide future transit and transportation investments.
The Southwest Area Transport Plan (SWATP) will help TransLink pinpoint investments over the next decade to make it easier for people and goods to get around these communities, whether they walk, cycle, drive or take transit. The plan was developed through extensive engagement with residents and stakeholders over a two-year period. Local governments in Richmond, Delta and Tsawwassen First Nation support TransLink's implementation of the plan.
In spring 2017, more than 3,200 people weighed in on a draft of the SWATP. TransLink made changes to all proposals that raised moderate to significant concerns. In fact, residents' input even helped improve proposals that already had strong support.
In 2018 and 2019, we expect to implement improvements to seven bus routes, as outlined in the SWATP. These include:
- 403 – Three Road/Bridgeport Station - Increase service to every 10-15 minutes during weekday a.m. and p.m. peak periods to reduce overcrowding
- 402 – Two Road/Richmond-Brighouse Station - Increase service to every 10 minutes during weekday a.m. peak to reduce overcrowding
- 310 (C76) – Scottsdale Exchange/Ladner Exchange - Extend the route to connect directly into Ladner Village to provide better access to shops, restaurants, McKee Seniors Recreation Centre, Ladner Pioneer Library, and Delta Secondary School
As the SWATP was being developed, improvements to transit and transportation in these communities were ongoing. This included cost-share funding to cycling and walking projects in the Southwest Area.
Now that the plan is in place, TransLink is moving forward with delivering improvements both short and longer term.
Bryce Williams, chief, Tsawwassen First Nation, said “Our Nation is going through a rapid growth phase and transportation plays a major role in ensuring the prosperity of our Members, residents and businesses. We appreciate the opportunity to help shape the Southwest Area Transport Plan.”
Malcolm Brodie, mayor, city of Richmond, said “This plan charts a clear course for investments to improve and enhance every part of our transportation network. The success of our city is closely tied to the ease with which residents and goods can get around, and this puts us on a strong path.”
