Overhauled exchange provides better safety, capacity, and convenience

May 6, 2024

NORTH VANCOUVER, BC – A newly upgraded Phibbs Exchange opens today for customers – providing more space, improved lighting, and better shelter for North Shore transit customers. The overhaul modernizes the space, improves access to and from the exchange, expands capacity, and improves safety.

Completed improvements includes:

• 13 new bus bays with more space for customers
• A new multi-use pathway for better bike and pedestrian access to the exchange
• A new rain garden to modernize the space and improve drainage
• Better lighting for improved safety
• Seven new bike lockers and new bike racks
• New commercial retail space
• Improved bus stop shelters and more seating
• Upgrded design to accommodate the R2 RapidBus

Phibbs Exchange is a key transfer point for North Shore residents and Capilano University students. The exchange is home to 13 bus routes, with over 5,000 customers who use the excange on an average weekday.

Phibbs Exchange is located on the unceded Traditional Territories of xʷməθkʷəyə̓m (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), and sə̓lílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation). As part of the upgrades, public art is being installed by artists from the Sḵwxw̱ú7mesh Úxwumixw and sə̓lílwətaʔɬ to honour the Indigenous history of the land. This art is expected to be installed later this year.

This $32 million investment was paid for by the Government of British Columbia, the Government of Canada, and the District of North Vancouver.

This upgrade was made possible by capital investments in TransLink’s 2018 Investment Plan. TransLink continues to work with all levels of government to identify sustainable funding sources that would allow for similar upgrades to other parts of the transit system.

Bus routes at Phibbs Exchange:

• R2 Marine Drive RapidBus
• 28 (Joyce Station / Phibbs Exchange)
• 130 (Metrotown / Pender / Kootenay)
• 209 (Upper Lynn Valley / Burrard Station)
• 210 (Upper Lynn Valley / Burrard Station)
• 211 (Seymour / Phibbs Exchange / Burrard Station)
• 212 (Deep Cove / Phibbs Exchange)
• 214 (Blueridge / Phibbs Exchange / Burrard Station)
• 215 (Indian River / Phibbs Exchange)
• 222 (Metrotown Station / Phibbs Exchange)
• 227 (Lynn Valley / Phibbs Exchange)
• 232 (Grouse Mountain / Phibbs Exchange)
• 245 (Capilano / Phibbs Exchange)

Quotes:

Sxwixwtn, Wilson Williams, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw Spokesperson and Council Member –
“The re-opening of the Phibbs Transit Exchange represents an exciting milestone for transportation in our region. Phibbs Exchange is one of the busiest bus exchanges in the system, and the recent upgrades will enhance the lives all those commuting to and from the North Shore, including many people from the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw. We are also honoured that the public art being installed at Phibbs Exchange will reflect the rich history of these lands, where the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh people have lived for 400 generations.”

Chief Jen Thomas, Elected Chief, Tsleil-Waututh Nation –
“We are pleased to see the new, upgraded Phibbs Exchange operational. Located in our core territory, it will have many positive impacts on our growing community, including Statlew, and act as a safer, more efficient gateway for sə̓lílwətaʔɬ members to travel across the North Shore and beyond, further reducing our carbon footprint on the land that we steward. We are also elated that visitors will see the beautiful artwork done by sə̓lílwətaʔɬ and Sḵwxw̱ú7mesh Úxwumixw members, supporting our mandate to put the face of the Nation back on our traditional territory.”

The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, and Member of Parliament for North Vancouver, on behalf of the Honorable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities –
“We’re working with our partners to create a greener future by investing in projects that champion lower emission modes of travel. The upgrades to the Phibbs exchange will support more efficient, comfortable rides for North Shore transit users and make it easier to access by bike or on foot. We will continue to support community projects that improve public transit and active transportation infrastructure and make alternatives to vehicular travel more reliable and appealing to Canadians.”

The Honourable Terry Beech, Minister of Citizens’ Services, and Member of Parliament for Burnaby North – Seymour –
“Today's announcement marks a significant step forward for the North Shore community. This investment will benefit countless individuals, including students commuting to Capilano University and the local community relying on crucial transit services. Our government is committed to working with the province, municipalities, residents, and key partners to enhance connectivity and accessibility throughout the North Shore.”

Rob Fleming, BC Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure  –
“People can connect to school, work, and their communities better with the improvements made to Phibbs Exchange. Along with Indigenous art, the transit hub will feature rider amenities that will make the transit experience seamless. Building transportation infrastructure that combines convenience and creative makes our communities stronger.”

Mike Little, Mayor, District of North Vancouver –
“These upgrades bring much-needed improvements and modernization to Phibbs Exchange and provide an enhanced experience for transit riders on the North Shore. Traffic and transportation issues are top of mind for our community and upgrades like these make it easier and more comfortable for residents to choose transit and to access services like the R2 RapidBus.”

Kevin Quinn, CEO, TransLink –
“As an access point for the R2 RapidBus and a future home for the Metrotown – North Shore BRT corridor, Phibbs Exchange is an incredibly important part of our transit network. The exchange is over 50 years old, and we have now proudly modernized the space to benefit customers for decades. We look forward to future investments in our transit system like this one, as we work with our government partners to find a new sustainable funding model.”

More information:
TransLink Maintenance and Repair Program

Media downloads:
Media can download photos of the upgraded exchange here

Media contact:
TransLink Media Relations
E: media@translink.ca