Two new major bus routes coming in April
River District and North Shore Express to Metrotown bus routes approved
NEW WESTMINSTER, BC – Two new major bus routes have been approved to serve residents in Vancouver’s East Fraser Lands (the River District), the North Shore, and Burnaby. Beginning April 6, the new services will connect North Shore and River District residents directly to the SkyTrain at Metrotown Station.
New Routes:
31 River District/Metrotown – A new service operating between Metrotown Station and the River District. This new route will serve the River District’s growing levels of residential and commercial development by providing a direct bus connection to SkyTrain.
222 Willingdon Express – This new route provides an express service connecting Phibbs Exchange in North Vancouver to Metrotown in Burnaby via Willingdon Avenue. This will be a limited-stop service with only six stops on the entire route. It will serve key transit hubs such as Phibbs Exchange, the Kootenay Bus Loop, Brentwood Town Centre SkyTrain Station, BCIT, and Metrotown. The demand for this route was identified as part of the Integrated North Shore Transportation Planning Project (INSTPP).
Both routes were accepted as part of the 2019 Transit Network Review – which consults on new ways to optimize the transit system for customers. The full Transit Network Review consulted on proposed changes to 12 routes last year, and these are the first two to have their proposals implemented. These and other transit expansion projects are funded through the Mayors’ 10-Year Vision.
Engagement results:
In total, there were 4,000 surveys completed for the two new routes. Nearly 80 per cent of respondents said they would be likely to use the Willingdon Express, and two-thirds of respondents said they would be likely to use the River District service.
More info:
Quotes:
George Chow, MLA Vancouver-Fraserview –
“I am thrilled that TransLink has adopted one of the Vancouver-Fraserview Transit Working Group’s recommendations for improved service. This investment in our community will ensure commuting remains affordable and transit is accessible for seniors and young families, all while reducing congestion and carbon pollution.”
Mike Little, District of North Vancouver Mayor –
“The new Willingdon Express bus route is an exciting addition for North Shore residents that provides a faster, more convenient transit option to get to and from the SkyTrain. Transportation is the number one concern that impacts our community. With this new route connecting to the much-anticipated R2 Marine Drive RapidBus service, North Shore residents and businesses will have access to two brand new, limited-stop express bus services they can rely on.”
Kevin Desmond, CEO, TransLink –
“These new routes will make a big difference for students at BCIT and Capilano University, as well as residents in the River District, Burnaby, and the North Shore. This is part of our important commitment to deliver on the Mayors’ 10-Year Vision and provide more and better transit services to customers across the region.”
Media Contact:
TransLink Media Relations
E: media@translink.ca