New bus routes, frequent transit service in North Shore in April

TransLink will be providing more frequent and reliable service in North Shore beginning April 6.

There will be new routes and some routes will be adjusted so the North Shore transit network can better integrate with high-frequency RapidBus route.

The R2 Marine Drive between Park Royal and Phibbs Exchange is a new, high-frequency bus route with limited stops.

There will be eight to 10 minute service every day from 6 am to 9 pm, and a 15-minute evening service from 9 pm to 1 am.

Another new route is the 222 Willingdon Express, an express service with only six stops.

It serves Phibbs Exchange, the Kootenay Loop, Hastings and Willingdon, Brentwood Town Centre SkyTrain Station, BCIT, and Metrotown.

This will be a new 10-minute peak service, and TransLink is encouraging former customers of the 125 (Patterson/BCIT) route to switch to this new express service.

There are more service improvements coming in the fall, TransLink added.

Some North Shore bus routes have been adjusted.

For the 240 Lynn Valley/Downtown route, the terminus will be  extending from Grand Boulevard to Lynn Valley to integrate with the R2 RapidBus.

For the 28 Joyce Station/Phibbs Exchange and 130 Metrotown/Phibbs Exchange, the bus terminal will be moved from Capilano University to Phibbs Exchange.

For the 239 Park Royal/Capilano University customers, TransLink is advising that the service will be replaced by R2 RapidBus. There wil be increased service on routes 240 and 255.

TransLink is also providing a direct bus connection from the North Shore to Metrotown.

Each year, TransLink temporarily increases service during the spring and summer months to key tourist destinations like ferry terminals, parks, and beaches.