RapidBus is coming to four TransLink routes, which will bring customers up to 20 percent faster service with higher frequencies, fewer stops, dedicated bus lanes, bus priority changes to intersections and all-door boarding.
RapidBus provides a more reliable bus service that can move more than 10,000 people per hour at peak times. The new service is made possible through investments from Phase One of the Mayors’ Vision, the government of Canada and the province of British Columbia.
“We’re stepping up our bus game,” said TransLink CEO Kevin Desmond. “RapidBus is a crucial part of improving the region’s bus service through the Mayors’ Vision. These RapidBus routes will benefit eight communities and bring our customers a more reliable bus service that they deserve.”
Coming every 10 minutes during peak hours and every 15 minutes in non-peak hours, customers can now catch a RapidBus on these four routes:
R1 King George Blvd – (Guildford Exchange/Newton Exchange): Every eight minutes during peak hours.
R3 Lougheed Hwy (Coquitlam Central Station/Haney Place): Every ten minutes during peak hours.
R4 41st Ave (UBC/Joyce-Collingwood Station): Every three to six minutes during peak hours.
R5 Hastings St (SFU/Burrard Station): Every four to five minutes during peak hours.
RapidBus customers will enjoy new customer amenities such as softer seats, more space on 60-foot articulated buses, real-time digital signage and audio next-bus information at RapidBus stops.
RapidBus is the newest service added to improve the Metro Vancouver bus system.
The R2 Marine Drive route between Phibbs Exchange and Park Royal will enter service in spring 2020. There are seven more RapidBus routes planned for Phases Two and Three of the Mayors’ Vision following the launch of R2.
“Effective public transit helps people get to where they want to go faster, at a lower cost and in a more sustainable way,” said the Honorable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “It builds communities and helps create jobs. The RapidBus is going to make a real difference in the lives of people in Metro Vancouver. I am pleased it is part of our government’s historic investments in transit infrastructure.”
Rapid Facts:
330,000 people live within walking distance of the four RapidBus corridors.
There are 98 new RapidBus stops installed along the four corridors.
All other routes that also use either Lougheed Highway or 41st Avenue will see faster service thanks to bus-priority road changes.
The R1 King George Blvd (previously the 96 B-Line) capacity is increasing 20 percent.
The R5 Hastings St (previously the 95 B-Line) capacity is increasing 25 percent.
The “B-Line” moniker is being retired (Except for Vancouver’s 99 B-Line, which will continue serving customers during the construction of the Broadway Subway)
“These new RapidBuses will get more people to their destination faster. That means people in communities like Surrey, Maple Ridge, Coquitlam and other communities served by these lines can spend less time in traffic and more time doing the things that matter to them,” said the Honorable Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “These RapidBuses are just one example of how our shared commitment to transit is making a difference for people in the region. I know that our commitment to fund 40 percent of the capital costs for every phase of the Mayors’ Council’s 10-Year Vision will continue to deliver transit improvements across Metro Vancouver, making life better for everyone.”
