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Bus Projects

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    The quality of our bus service and facilities are paramount to the success of our system. We have several infrastructure and fleet projects underway to improve bus speed and reliability, and our customers’ experience on our bus network.

    Many of these projects support the vision and requirements of our three main transit expansion plans: Transport 2050, the 10-Year Investment Plan, and Area Transit Plans.

    Green map pin Red map pin Pink map pin
    Completed Under construction Design phase

    Transit Centre and Bus Exchange Projects

    Images are an early representation and may not represent the exact final look of the centre.

    The Marpole Transit Centre is being built to accommodate the growing demand for public transportation in Metro Vancouver. When completed, this facility, located around Laurel and Cambie Steet in Vancouver, will be the future home to approximately 300 forty-foot buses, most of which will be 100% electric, zero-emissions vehicles.

    The new transit centre will be located at 502 West Kent Avenue South in Vancouver and will include:

    • Three-level bus garage building for bus staging and storage at ground level, bus charging infrastructure and an electrical substation on the second level, and administrative facilities as well as employee and visitor parking on the third level;

    • Two-level maintenance building including bus maintenance and repair bays, body shops, parts storage, and support areas for mechanics and maintenance staff;

    • Bus fueling facility and a bus wash and detailing facility

    Besides being part of TransLink’s low carbon fleet strategy, the new centre will provide a more reliable bus service for customers across Metro Vancouver. The Center was included in the Mayors’ Council’s Ten-Year Vision and funded through the Phase Two Investment Plan, The Marpole Transit Centre is key to reaching TransLink’s goal of a 100% net-zero GHG emissions by 2050.

    For more information, please see the Marpole Transit Centre - DP Board Presentation

    Site demolition work is scheduled to begin in April/May 2023 and will include some loud work to break and remove the existing concrete foundations, followed by geotechnical ground improvement works. Neighbours can expect to see construction trailers and fencing around the site in mid-to-late-April.

    Together with the contractor, TransLink is making every effort to minimize the impact of this project on our neighbours. When possible, work will take place during the day without impacting roads.

    The estimated opening of the Marpole Transit Centre is in 2027.

    Phibbs Exchange is one of the most important bus exchanges in the region, serving 13 bus routes with nearly 14,000 boardings and alightings daily. Because of its position in the regional road network, the exchange is where many routes on the North Shore meet in a carefully managed pulse, allowing efficient transfers in all directions.

    The upgrades will improve the comfort and safety of transit passengers, better integrate the exchange with the neighbourhood, and provide more capacity for growing customer demand and future service expansion.

    Upgrade Highlights:

    • Improved comfort and safety for transit passengers through better lighting, more weather protection, and enhanced accessibility with better connections for pedestrians and cyclists;
    • A boomerang-shaped passenger platform along the perimeter to serve major bus routes, a necessary upgrade to support future bus service improvements;
    • New and vibrant landscaping; and
    • Improved passenger amenities to create a welcoming environment for the growing Lynn Creek Town Centre community, connecting transit services on the North Shore and throughout the region.

    The Phibbs Exchange upgrades are made possible by all levels of government working together and with provincial and federal contributions through the Investing in Infrastructure Canada Program (ICIP).

    Construction on the exchange began in November 2022. The first six months of work will involve relocating existing transit operations to make space for construction of the new exchange. We anticipate the work inside the exchange will begin in late spring 2023 with the project’s completion in summer 2024.

    Bus Impacts:

    • All buses currently serving Phibbs Exchange will continue to operate during the upgrade and the exchange will remain accessible.
    • Some bus stops will be temporarily relocated near the exchange once work inside the exchange begins.
    • We will provide notice to customers prior to bus relocation with signage on site to help with directions.

    May, 2023 bus bays changes:

    Effective Monday, May 22, as part of the Phibbs Exchange rebuild to accommodate the construction of the new operator crew room, Bay 4 will be permanently closed, and the following routes will be relocated:

    • Bay 1 – relocate 28 Joyce from Bay 5
    • Bay 4 – closed – relocate 209/210/211/214 Burrard Stn to Bay 10
    • Bay 5 – relocate 214 Blueridge from Bay 1
    • Bay 10 – relocate 130 Metrotown Stn to Bay 11
    • Bay 11 – share 130 Metrotown Stn with 222 Metrotown Stn
    Map of all the Phibbs Exchange Bay 4 Closures

    The closure of Bay 4 and associated bay relocations will remain in place until the opening of the temporary exchange anticipated for later in summer 2023.

    Temporary sidewalk closure:

    • Beginning on Monday, Dec. 12, 2022, the sidewalk on the north side of Main Street will be temporarily closed.
    • We expect the closure to remain in place until late spring 2023.
    • The closure is necessary for the construction of several elements, such as the new, temporary bus bays that will be relocated along Main Street in 2023 and new multi-use paths and cycling connections.
      • The temporary bus bays are needed so construction can take place inside the exchange, which is expected to begin by summer 2023.
    • The temporary sidewalk closures will require pedestrians who travel west along Main Street from the exchange to take an alternate route.
    • The alternate route is accessible, although customers should expect the detour to add approximately 10-15 minutes of travel time.
    • Signage is in place to assist pedestrians.

    Drop-off area closed:

    • The drop-off area on the south side of Oxford Street is closing May 1st to accommodate two temporary bus bays. Short-term loading options and time-restricted parking options are being considered on Oxford Street after the new exchange is complete.

    As construction impacts change, we will continue to keep our customers and neighbours informed.

    We thank everyone for their patience as we work to upgrade the exchange.


    Next Bus Digital Screens

    Next Bus digital screen at UBC exchange

    UBC Digital Screen Pilot

    In December 2021, TransLink unveiled three new models of real-time information signs at bus stops within UBC Exchange to improve the quality and accessibility of real-time transit information and provide an even better transit experience for customers.

    Customers in the exchange will notice two types of new signs at some of the stops, each with a digital screen showing stop-related information, as well as a centralized digital information board—TransLink’s first!

    Some stops have poles which are designed to be seen from far away, while others have plinths, which are essentially a wider type of stand that are more easily experienced up close. The digital information board is centrally located to provide an easy one-stop-spot to plan your trip.

    All of these screens feature:

    • Next Bus arrival information

    • Alerts for individual bus routes, as well as systemwide alerts; and

    • Other relevant and timely transit information such as transit etiquette reminders and upcoming service change information.

    More than just what’s on screen, this pilot is also about the overall functionalities of the different models. This means:

    • Improved visibility and legibility, both day and night, for static and variable information including full colour backlit LCD screens with larger, clearer text, and backlit bus stop and route numbers;

    • An ability to provide a range of transit information and the flexibility to change information as needed; and

    • Enhanced accessibility of information in two formats including text-to-speech audio and a Braille panel with bus stop information.

    By integrating these features into three unique sign models, we’re able to evaluate how different types of technology can improve information sharing when used together in a purpose-built system. Over the next year, we will be assessing this new way of sharing information with our customers and how different technologies can help us to keep our customers informed throughout their journeys.

    We want to hear from you! If you have feedback on this pilot, please reach out to our Customer Information team at 604.953.3333.

    People waiting for the bus next to a bus stop with a BPIDs display

    As of Jan. 1, 2021, TransLink’s service provider will no longer support its 2G network, which has enabled internet connectivity to LED real-time information displays at some bus stops across the region. That is why 27 LED information displays at bus stops along Main Street will be retired and removed starting Dec. 31, 2020.

    These displays were installed in 2009 as part of a pilot project with Transport Canada and the City of Vancouver. This pilot project has provided valuable insight that has helped inform planning work for real-time bus information technology across the region.

    Displays at Main Street–Science World Station, and additional displays at Carvolth Exchange and South Surrey Park and Ride will be replaced with newer models to continue serving these transit hubs.

    For real-time transit information, we encourage customers to:


    Annual Pavement Rehabilitation Program

    A bus driving out of a bus exchange

    TransLink’s Annual Pavement Rehabilitation Program takes place during the summer months and is focused on resurfacing asphalt walking, driving, and parking areas at Coast Mountain Bus Company transit centres and bus loops. This critical work supports the continued safety of our bus facilities for customers and employees today and for years to come.

    Active Projects

    Maple Meadows Park and Ride Bus Loop

      Anticipated completion: spring 2023

    Boundary Loop

      Anticipated start: summer 2023

    Kootenay Loop

      Anticipated start: summer 2023

    Scott Road Bus Loop

      Anticipated start: summer 2023

    Past Projects

    We’ve recently completed pavement rehabilitation projects at the following bus loops:

    2020 to 2021

    • Richmond Transit Centre

    • Blanca Bus Loop

    • Granville & 63th Bus Loop

    • Victoria & 54th Bus Loop

    • Production Way–University Exchange

    • Bridgeport Bus Exchange

    • Braid Bus Exchange

    2022

    • Surrey Central Bus Loop

    • South Surrey Park and Ride Bus Loop

    Thank you for your patience during construction!


    Braille and Tactile Walking Surface Indicators

    TransLink is installing braille signage on every bus stop pole across the system by the end of 2022. To make it easier to find bus stops, TransLink will also install tactile walking surface indicators (TWSI) at every bus stop on TransLink-owned property.

    The braille bus stop signs will contain:

    • Information written in both Unified English Braille and raised tactile letters

    • Bus stop ID numbers

    • Bus routes serving that bus stop

    • Bay or bus stop indicators

    • Customer Information phone number

    In addition to the braille signage, tactile walking surface indicators will be installed at every bus stop on property that TransLink owns. These raised surface indicators will be mounted on the ground to help customers who are blind or partially sighted know they are near a bus stop while helping direct them to the front door of the bus.

    These improvements will help customers who are blind or partially sighted to better navigate the transit system by letting them know which stop they are at and which buses they are waiting for. TransLink will be the first transit system in Canada to install braille signage across its entire bus system once installation is complete.


    Accessible Navigation Project

    Accessible Navigation code sign on bus stop pole in New Westminster

    TransLink is piloting a new technology to make it easier for customers with sight loss to navigate the transit system. Using the NaviLens smartphone app, customers in three locations in New Westminster and Vancouver can receive audio and haptic cues to help find their bus stop and receive other updates.

    The six-month pilot launched in Feb. 2023.

    Share Your Toughts in the Project Survey

    We're encouraging Accessible Navigation Project participants to provide their feedback by answering a short survey.


    About the Project

    The system is enabled by the installation of 16 coded decals in the pilot area, which can be read using the NaviLens app to up to 14 metres away, depending on the angle of detection.

    Once the app reads these proprietary QR codes, customers will receive navigational audio and haptic cues to identify their bus stop and the exact point of pick up. Customers will also receive real-time bus arrival times and service alerts. The app can also identify relevant facilities in the location, such as elevators.

    Customers can set their notification preferences in the app by selecting one of 34 languages to receive audio cues in.

    Project Goals

    As part of our commitment to making transit more accessible, we’ve partnered with NaviLens to bring their accessibility technology to Canada for the very first time. We’re asking customers with sight loss to try the system and give us feedback through a survey. We’ll consider that feedback and test the technology for potential future expansion.

    Get Involved

    The technology is implemented at 16 designated bus stops, ustomers with sight loss are able to download and use the NaviLens app (available on Android or iOS) at those stops.

    New Westminster Station

    10 Bus Bays at New Westminster SkyTrain Station:

    • New Westminster Station @ Bay 1 – Stop # 61648

    • New Westminster Station @ Bay 2 – Stop # 61649

    • New Westminster Station @ Bay 3 – Stop # 61650

    • New Westminster Station @ Bay 4 – Stop # 61651

    • New Westminster Station @ Bay 5 – Stop # 61652

    • New Westminster Station @ Bay 6 – Stop # 61653

    • New Westminster Station @ Bay 7 – Stop # 61654

    • New Westminster Station @ Bay 8 – Stop # 61655

    • New Westminster Station @ Bay 9 – Stop # 61656

    • New Westminster Station @ Bay 10 – Stop # 61657

    CNIB Offices

    4 Bus Stops near CNIB office in New Westminster (intersection of 6th St. and 6th Ave):

    • NB 6th St. @ 6th Ave. – Stop # 52242

    • EB 6th Ave. @ 6th St. – Stop # 52487

    • SB 6th St. @ 6th Ave. – Stop # 52420

    • WB 6th Ave. @ 6th St. – Stop # 52303

    VCC Broadway

    2 Bus Stops near VCC campus (155 E. Broadway, Vancouver):

    • WB E Broadway @ Glen Dr. – Stop # 50917

    • EB E Broadway @ Glen Dr. – Stop # 50884

    For more information about how to use the NaviLens app for this proect, please see the FAQ on the Mobile Services page.

    Planning Timeline

    Key dates:

    • Jan. 9, 2023: installation of NaviLens codes begins

    • Feb. 2023: pilot begins and survey opens

    • Aug. 2023: pilot concludes – a public report will be issued in the coming months


    TransLink

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