Extension of Fraser Valley Express: BC Transit improving connections with Metro Vancouver
BC Transit and its local government partners are extending the Fraser Valley Express (FVX) to Lougheed Town Centre SkyTrain Station and Bus Exchange, which will expand the reach of this important inter-community connector to Burnaby and beyond into Metro Vancouver.
The Route 66 FVX currently extends from downtown Chilliwack through Abbotsford to the Carvolth Exchange in Langley via Highway 1. Beginning March 27, this limited stop express route will extend to the Lougheed SkyTrain Station in Burnaby.
“Public transit is about providing people with a safe, reliable and affordable connection to their communities,” said BC Transit President and CEO Erinn Pinkerton. “Working with our local government partners and TransLink to provide transit riders with an integrated transit solution between the Fraser Valley and Metro Vancouver is an important step in making it easier for people to choose transit in the Lower Mainland.”
This location offers two TransLink SkyTrain lines – Millennium and Expo – and one of the best-served and busiest RapidBus exchanges in the region. Easy access to nearby pedestrian and cycling routes also provides easy integration between public transit and other forms of active transportation.
Fraser Valley riders can either access the Route 66 FVX from local transit or can take advantage of park and ride locations at Lickman Road, McCallum Road and Highstreet Shopping Centre.
“Better linking Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley through transit was prioritized in our Transport 2050 Strategy to better connect our communities and to make transit a more attractive option for commuters traveling in this corridor,” said TransLink CEO Kevin Quinn. “The Fraser Valley Express is a major step forward for transit users, the economy and tourism by creating a more convenient connection between downtown Vancouver and Chilliwack.”
BC Transit, the Fraser Valley Regional District, city of Abbotsford and city of Chilliwack have worked in close collaboration with TransLink on the FVX extension. The integrated signage and marketing materials that have been developed will provide easily accessible information and a seamless transition for customers wishing to travel between the Fraser Valley and Metro Vancouver using both BC Transit and TransLink services.
In addition to the launch of the FVX extension, two additional weekday and two additional Saturday trips will be added to the existing schedule. Trip times will be adjusted to optimize service for our customers, and a detailed preview schedule is now available for the Central Fraser Valley and Chilliwack, so customers can begin trip planning.
“Extending Route 66 FVX from the Fraser Valley to the SkyTrain in Metro Vancouver expands the possibilities for residents and visitors travelling to and from our region,” said Fraser Valley Regional District Chair Jason Lum. “Public transit provides a vital link from our rural and urban communities to health care, business and educational opportunities.”