TransLink to advance the region’s first new Bus Rapid Transit routes

NEW WESTMINSTER, B.C. – The Mayors’ Council on Regional Transportation has selected three priority corridors for TransLink to advance Metro Vancouver’s first new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) routes. BRT is a high-frequency rapid transit service with dedicated bus lanes and rail-like stations.

The corridors are:

• King George Boulevard from Surrey Centre to White Rock
• Langley Centre to Haney Place
• Metrotown to North Shore

The three corridors were selected based on ridership potential, increasing access to jobs, future housing and development growth projections, the feasibility of implementing new transit priority infrastructure, and the early support from local governments to implement the changes necessary for the projects.

BRT routes will keep customers moving quickly by operating with high frequencies in traffic-separated lanes and signal priority at intersections. They will have high-capacity buses with rail-like stations that provide customers with real-time information, shelter, and convenient boarding.

TransLink will advance BRT planning work on the King George Boulevard and Langley Centre to Haney Place corridors. For the Metrotown to Park Royal corridor, TransLink will immediately extend and upgrade the R2 RapidBus while advancing rapid transit planning through the Burrard Inlet Rapid Transit Study. This work will determine the ultimate rapid transit technology for this corridor.

The specific alignment, designs, associated costs, and timelines have not yet been determined for each of the three corridors. TransLink and local government partners will immediately begin work to develop concept designs and engage with the public on these three corridors.

Through the Access for Everyone plan, TransLink is working with regional Mayors to implement up to nine regional BRT corridors. These three corridors have been selected in the first phase to proceed, with the other corridors to follow.

Media downloads:
Media can download b-roll of a BRT example in Ontario’s York region here

More information:
TransLink BRT Webpage
Video tour of BRT in Indianapolis

Media Contacts:
TransLink Media Relations
media@translink.ca

Quotes:

Brad West, Chair, Mayors’ Council
“Bus Rapid Transit is going to be a game-changer for the transit system in Metro Vancouver. We’ve heard from communities across the region that they need better transit now. BRT will allow us to bring rapid transit to more communities faster, enabling sustainable transportation as our region continues to grow.”

Kevin Quinn, CEO, TransLink
“Bus Rapid Transit is the future of transit in Metro Vancouver. With dedicated lanes, high frequencies, and premium stations – Bus Rapid Transit is the best possible bus service that can be deployed quickly for our rapidly growing region. We look forward to working with our government partners to advance these important projects.”

The Honourable Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Government of British Columbia
“It’s exciting to see TransLink and the Mayors’ Council advance the planning of bus rapid transit in the Lower Mainland. I know this is just the beginning of an initiative that’s going to improve speed and efficiency on key commuter routes and support increased ridership.”

Khelsilem, Council Chairperson, Squamish Nation
“The implementation of Bus Rapid Transit through the North Shore presents a unique chance to enhance the quality of life for all residents, including the Squamish People, who have been an integral part of this region for nearly 400 generations. Establishing a dedicated Bus Rapid Transit link from Park Royal to Metrotown promises improved accessibility to essential services, job opportunities, and community resources while alleviating congestion. The long-awaited prioritization of the North Shore is a welcome development, and the Squamish Nation looks forward to collaborating with local, regional, provincial, and federal governments to work together to create shared benefits for all our communities.”

Jen Thomas, Chief, sə̓lílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) 
“sə̓lílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) is pleased to see the Bus Rapid Transit Program moving forward in a good way. Safe, quick, and reliable transit is vitally important to our Tsleil-Waututh community, to keep us connected to the wider community and to transport us to and from work and school.”

Linda Buchanan, Mayor, City of North Vancouver
“We all know we need innovative transportation solutions across the region urgently. People do not have a competitive option for travelling to and from the North Shore. I am incredibly pleased that a rapid transit connection over the Burrard Inlet has been prioritized and that the R2 RapidBus will be immediately extended to Metrotown as we look at implementing Bus Rapid Transit. This investment will be a game changer in reducing congestion, growing our economy, and creating equitable access to jobs and housing.”

Mike Little, Mayor, District of North Vancouver
I am pleased to see this bus rapid transit being prioritized. Traffic congestion continues to be a critical issue for residents on the North Shore. This is an important step in improving rapid transportation options while providing a new way for our residents to get around and connect with the rest of the region.

Brenda Locke, Mayor, City of Surrey
“I am thrilled that TransLink has selected Surrey’s King George Boulevard as one of the region’s first Bus Rapid Transit routes. This high-frequency service with dedicated lanes will help alleviate significant overcrowding on Surrey’s transit system and provide our residents with a reliable travel option along this busy corridor. BRT from City Centre to White Rock will also improve connection to SkyTrain, including the future Surrey Langley SkyTrain extension.”

Dan Ruimy, Mayor, Maple Ridge
“We are thrilled about being announced as one of the first municipalities that is being awarded with Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) as planned in TransLink’s Access for Everyone plan. This means that the Langley – Haney Place, Maple Ridge line will be prioritized.  From day one we have been working hard at both the staff and political levels to demonstrate that Maple Ridge is ready for more transit and will collaborate with our partners to get shovels in the ground. We appreciate the support of the Mayors’ Council recognizing the needs of our rapidly growing eastern region of Metro Vancouver. This will make a positive impact for the City of Maple Ridge, its people, the economy as well as the environment.”

Eric Woodward, Mayor, Township of Langley
“As the largest municipality within Metro Vancouver without Rapid Transit service, the Township of Langley is long overdue for a significant investment in transit infrastructure from TransLink.

The Langley – Haney Place Bus Rapid Transit line is one of the best corridors to get going on right away, with so much growth, available right-of-way, and strong municipal support from us and Maple Ridge. TransLink has always had willing a partner for Bus Rapid Transit in the Township of Langley. 200 Street is an obvious choice for the Mayors’ Council to confirm. I am pleased they did so, and look forward to working with the region to make it a success.”

Bridgitte Anderson, President and CEO, Greater Vancouver Board of Trade
“Expanded transit services are essential for improving our region's economy and livability. Our population is growing at levels not seen in generations, and we need investments throughout our region to ensure greater mobility, reduce congestion, and unlock new opportunities for business. We look forward to working with governments at all levels to secure the investment needed to build a more robust public transit system.”

Flori Chaykowski, Executive Director, Downtown Maple Ridge Business Improvement Association
"We see the benefits and significant impacts that BRT can bring to our growing community. It will provide upgrades and services needed to address our current traffic and transit challenges. The Downtown Maple Ridge BIA will be collaborating with TransLink to share information relating to these plans and facilitating opportunities for feedback from our business community and residents.”

Ritu Khanna, Executive Director, South Surrey & White Rock Chamber of Commerce
“This is a welcome announcement to see King George Boulevard identified as one of the 3 priority corridors. It is an important artery through the City of Surrey which connects residents, employees, students and goods from the top to the bottom of the city and into White Rock. It will also attract and give better access to our business areas to people coming from the Greater Vancouver Area and from south of the border. This will certainly be an important contributor to the economic development and growth for Surrey and the region.”

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Prioritized Corridor Profiles

King George Blvd

Corridor length: 23 km

The King George Blvd BRT corridor will improve transit access across the region, building on the success of the existing R1 King George Blvd RapidBus, one of the fastest growing routes in system.

This BRT corridor will improve Surrey’s access to SkyTrain, including the future Surrey Langley SkyTrain extension. It will connect key town centres and other growth areas south of the Fraser River, including: Guildford Town Centre, Surrey Centre, Surrey Memorial Hospital, Bear Creek Park, Newton Centre, South Surrey Park & Ride, and Semiahmoo Centre.

Langley – Haney Place

Corridor length: 22 km

The Langley – Haney Place BRT corridor will connect Langley Centre and Haney Place Exchange in Maple Ridge via 200th Street, the Golden Ears Bridge, and Lougheed Highway.

This BRT corridor is experiencing one of the fastest rates of population and job growth among all BRT corridors. It will provide a connection to the future Surrey Langley SkyTrain extension, and other key parts of the transit network, including: the R3 Lougheed Hwy RapidBus, Carvolth Exchange and Park & Ride, improving access to Willowbrook and Langley Events Centre.

Metrotown – North Shore

Corridor length: 21 km

The Metrotown – North Shore rapid transit corridor will connect major destinations, such as Park Royal, Capilano Mall, Lower Lonsdale, Lower Lynn, Burnaby Heights, Brentwood, BCIT, and Metrotown. It will also improve connections to SkyTrain at Brentwood Town Centre on the Millennium Line and Metrotown Station on the Expo Line.

In the near term, the R2 Marine Dr RapidBus will be upgraded and extended from Phibbs Exchange to Metrotown, providing a direct express connection from Park Royal. At the same time, a longer-term rapid transit connection will be determined through the Burrard Inlet Rapid Transit Study, which will consider BRT and other rail alternatives.