Service Optimization

Service optimization refers to the process of reallocating transit resources or “service hours” from areas of low-productivity to where demand is higher. It's a critical part of TransLink’s ongoing program of managing the transit network and relies on the data gathered as part of our annual bus system performance review.

 

 

How do we make the best use of our existing bus service?

  • Putting service where it's needed most
  • Matching service levels to demand
  • Making the best use of limited taxpayer dollars
  • Helping TransLink generate revenues to provide better service

 

Guiding Principles 

In the Fall of 2010, we consulted with the public on service optimization and confirmed these ten principles for guiding decisions about the reallocation of resources.

Where service is underused, decisions will be made to:

  • Maintain service, to the greatest degree possible, for transit dependent customers
  • Maintain services which are strategically significant for network connectivity
  • Minimize service reductions in areas where there are no other transit alternatives
  • Minimize impacts to existing infrastructure
  • Protect growing markets, where ridership or productivity is substantially improving

Where we reinvest services and resources, decisions will be made that are expected to:

  • Generate higher ridership and/or address overcrowding
  • Generate increased revenue ridership in proportion to increased service levels
  • Maximize use of existing transit infrastructure
  • Increase revenue ridership
  • Support TransLink's long-term goals and objectives for the regional transportation system

 

2013 Service Optimization Consultation - What We Heard

From November 19 through December 17, 2012, we held a series of public open houses across the region, and posted an online questionnaire, to gather feedback on a number of bus service optimization changes being proposed for implementation in mid-to-late 2013. These proposed changes are listed below. 

To review what we heard during the consultation, and how we recommend proceeding with each project, read our 2013 Service Optimization Public Consultation Summary.


Aldergrove/Langley

Affected Route: 502

Proposed Route Changes:

  • 502 Service Redesign: Introduce new 503 express service to Langley / Aldergrove and truncate 502 at Langley Centre
    Anticipated Implementation: Early 2014

Burnaby

Affected Routes: C1, C2

Proposed Route Changes:

Coquitlam/Port Coquitlam

Affected Routes: C24, C29, C30, C38, 153, 159, 177, 179, 189

Proposed Route Changes:

  • C24 Service Refinement: Reroute via Robinson and Foster to improve coverage and reduce duplication
    Anticipated Implementation: Early 2014
  • C29/C30/C38 Service Refinements: Reroute services near Coquitlam Centre to improve directness and reliability
    Anticipated Implementation: December 2013
  • 153 Service Refinement: Reroute via Schoolhouse Street to expand network coverage and reduce duplication
    Anticipated Implementation: Early 2014
  • 159/177 Service Redesign: Combine routes and discontinue service on low-demand segments
    Anticipated Implementation: September 2013
  • 179/189 Service Redesign: Discontinue existing service and replace with new 188 David Avenue / Coast Meridian
    Update: to ensure adequate capacity on those trips connecting with West Coast Express trips, a new peak-only service will also be added to serve the highest demand segments of the C28 and C29 south of David Avenue with full-sized buses.
    Anticipated Implementation: December 2013

New Westminster

Affected Routes: 101, 154, C98, C99

Proposed Route Changes:

  • 101/154 Service Redesign: Realign services to simplify network and improve directness of routes
    Anticipated Implementation: September 2013
  • C98/C99 Redesign: Discontinue C99 and reroute C98 to improve service to Queensborough Landing area
    Anticipated Implementation: September 2013

North Vancouver

Affected Routes: 211, 229, N24

Proposed Route Changes:

  • 211 Service Refinement: Remove low-ridership Fairway detour
    Update: the 211 proposal has been cancelled based on the results of this consultation process.
  • 229 Service Redesign: Split service at Lynn Valley and convert lower-demand portion to 227 Community Shuttle
    Anticipated Implementation: December 2013
  • N24 Service Redesign: Reroute northern end of service to connect to Lynn Valley Town Centre
    Anticipated Implementation: September 2013

Pitt Meadows/Maple Ridge

Affected Routes: C41, C48, C49

Proposed Route Changes:

  • C41 Service Refinement: Convert to two-way service with reduced frequency and reroute via civic centre
    Anticipated Implementation: December 2013
  • C48/C49 Service Redesign: Discontinue service on lowest-demand segments and reroute C48 to connect with West Coast Express
    Update: A C48/C49 Service Redesign Update has been prepared to maintain existing coverage, reroute C48 via McClure Drive and connect to West Coast Express.
    Anticipated Implementation: December 2013

Surrey/North Delta

Affected Routes: 312, 314, 332, 335, 502

Proposed Route Changes:

  • 312 Service Refinement: Remove Scottsdale Mall detour to improve travel times and simplify route
    Anticipated Implementation: June 2013
  • 314 Service Refinement: Remove River Road segment to reduce duplication and simplify route
    Anticipated Implementation: September 2013
  • 332/335 Service Redesign: Combine services and reroute via 72nd Ave to Newton Exchange
    Anticipated Implementation: September 2013
  • 502 Service Redesign: Introduce new 503 express service to Langley / Aldergrove and truncate 502 at Langley Centre
    Anticipated Implementation: Early 2014

UBC

Affected Routes: C20, C22

Proposed Route Changes:

  • C20/C22 Service Redesign: Discontinue C22 service, convert C20 to two-way service and extend to South Campus (Wesbrook Place)
    Update: Following consultation, further work was done to explore alternative routing options. The new C20 route will operate clock-wise via SW Marine Drive and counter-clock-wise via West Mall, maintaining current service levels to the UBC Botanical Gardens and St. John's Hospice site.
    Anticipated Implementation: December 2013
*Consultation for service optimization changes at UBC was led by UBC Campus and Community Planning in collaboration with TransLink. 

Vancouver

Affected Routes: 2, 22, C21, C23

Proposed Route Changes:

  • 2/22 Service Refinement: Combine as 22 and extend some short-turns to Knight and Kingsway
    Anticipated Implementation: December 2013
  • C21/C23 Service Redesign: Separate services, extend C21 to Stanley Park and C23 along Terminal Ave
    Anticipated Implementation: December 2013

West Vancouver

Affected Routes: 251, 252

Proposed Route Changes:

  • 251/252 Service Redesign: Reroute and convert to two-way service with connections to higher-frequency 250
    Anticipated Implementation: December 2013

 

For more information, please contact:

Vince Gonsalves
 Community Relations Coordinator
TransLink
604.453.3043