New all-day service will connect North Shore, Vancouver, Burnaby

NEW WESTMINSTER, BC – TransLink is accelerating the launch of the R2 RapidBus extension to Metrotown, bringing faster, more frequent service between the North Shore, Vancouver, and Burnaby. Funded through the 2025 Investment Plan, the new R2 Marine–Willingdon RapidBus is expected to begin service in September — more than three months ahead of schedule.

The extension of the existing R2 from Phibbs Exchange to Metrotown Station, via Hastings Street and Willingdon Avenue, will create a new direct connection across one of the region’s busiest transit corridors.

Demand through this corridor remains strong, with more than 14,000 daily transit trips between Phibbs Exchange and Metrotown. The upgraded R2 will serve key destinations, including Park Royal, Lonsdale Quay, Phibbs Exchange, Burnaby Heights, Hastings Park and the PNE, BCIT’s Burnaby Campus, Brentwood Town Centre, and Metrotown. 

The R2 RapidBus currently has more than 1.9 million boardings per year; this route extension will:

• Create a new direct connection between Park Royal and Metrotown, eliminating the need to transfer at Phibbs Exchange.
• Reduce wait times, with service every 6-7 minutes during peak periods.
• Use larger 60-foot buses to add capacity and improve comfort.
• Strengthen connections to the Expo and Millennium SkyTrain lines.

Construction will begin at the end of April 2026 and continue throughout the summer. A total of 14 existing bus stops will be modified, with two additional bus shelters being built; three new bus stops will be added in Burnaby to improve accessibility.

With this new route, the #222 Willingdon Express between Phibbs Exchange and Metrotown, which currently operates during weekday peak hours only, will be discontinued in September. The R2 extension will replace the #222, with all-day service seven days a week and more capacity to relieve overcrowding. Route 130 will continue providing local service, with most trips terminating at Kootenay Loop. The R2 extension will not include changes to bus priority or HOV lanes in Burnaby.

The new R2 Marine–Willingdon RapidBus will deliver immediate service improvements for customers and reflects both TransLink and the Mayors’ Council’s commitment to improving transit service in fast-growing parts of the region. Planning for future Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), and evaluating other possible rapid transit solutions, in this part of the region will also continue. A decision on the final route option for BRT in Vancouver and Burnaby has not been made.

This project was made possible with support and collaboration from the Mayors’ Council on Regional Transportation, the District of West Vancouver, the City of North Vancouver, the District of North Vancouver, the City of Vancouver, the City of Burnaby, xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation), and the Government of British Columbia.

Quotes:

Kevin Quinn, TransLink CEO –
“This is an important upgrade for a corridor that connects people to jobs, services, and destinations across the region. Extending the R2 to Metrotown will give customers a more direct trip, more service throughout the day, and more room on board where it’s needed.”

Mike Farnworth, Minister of Transportation and Transit, Government of British Columbia –
“This RapidBus extension is about making life easier for people by reducing congestion in one of Metro Vancouver’s busiest travel corridors. By delivering the extended R2 Marine–Willingdon RapidBus more than three months ahead of schedule, we’re giving people a faster and more reliable way to travel, and strengthening connections between communities throughout the region.”

Mark Sager, Mayor of West Vancouver –
“Starting the R2 RapidBus extension three months early is welcome news for West Vancouver. This service will make it easier for people who live, work, and visit our community to get around and stay better connected to the rest of the region. We appreciate TransLink’s partnership in delivering faster, more frequent transit for our community.”

Linda Buchanan, Mayor of City of North Vancouver –
“The early launch of the R2 Rapid Bus extension from Metrotown to the North Shore is welcome news for the City of North Vancouver. It means we are accelerating the transportation improvements our community urgently needs by expanding access to housing, post-secondary education, supporting jobs and economic growth, and reducing congestion. Residents of North Vancouver have waited long enough for these upgrades, which makes this accelerated timeline especially significant, helping students, workers, and families better connect to the places and services they rely on every day.”

Mike Little, Mayor of District of North Vancouver –
“The R2 RapidBus extension is an important step toward reducing congestion and improving transit across the North Shore communities. Seeing this project delivered ahead of schedule means residents will benefit sooner from faster, more reliable transit on one of our busiest corridors.”

Mike Hurley, Mayor of Burnaby –
"This upgrade to the R2 RapidBus route is a critical link for many Burnaby residents — connecting major economic hubs across both sides of the Burrard Inlet with faster, more comfortable service. Whether you're commuting to work, planning a day trip to shop at the Heights, Metrotown, or Park Royal, this upgrade will make your trip significantly shorter and more enjoyable."

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