A 25% increase in SeaBus service, a new rapid bus connection between Lynn Valley and Lonsdale and potentially downtown Vancouver have been included in TransLink’s Transport 2050 plan.
The Burrard Inlet Rapid Transit (BIRT) has also been confirmed as part of Transport 2050: 10-Year Priorities. Transport 2050, TransLink’s regional strategy, commits to:
Delivering a traffic-separated Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) connection between Park Royal and Metrotown as soon as possible by immediately beginning the required planning work to advance a BRT option so construction of rapid transit can begin within years 0-5.
Advancing business case development concurrently to confirm whether the ultimate technology will be BRT, Light Rail Transit, or SkyTrain (or a combination)
Confirming the associated alignment, terminus locations, and degree of grade separation including options for a dedicated transit crossing of Burrard Inlet and
Increasing bus service and transit priority measures, as feasible, between Park Royal and Metrotown in the meantime to improve bus travel times, operating costs, and grow ridership in advance of a more permanent rapid transit investment.
North Shore Connects will support TransLink, government agencies and stakeholders to get the planning and implementation of this new rapid transit connection completed as quickly as possible. “We look forward to working with TransLink to complete the planning work and business case to confirm the alignment, terminus locations and degree of grade separation, as well as engaging with our communities,” said North Shore Connects.
BRT is different from TransLink’s RapidBus service in that it is traffic separated and has signal priority, has fast and convenient boarding to minimize the amount of time the bus remains stopped, and specialized vehicles that enable high passenger capacity. Vehicles would be electric or produce zero-emissions with advanced driver assistance controls, ensuring a smooth ride.
TransLink will also work with provincial and regional partners to explore express bus solutions connecting the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District and Metro Vancouv
Comments
NOTE: The North Shore Daily Post welcomes your opinions and comments. We do not allow personal attacks, offensive language or unsubstantiated allegations. We reserve the right to edit comments for length, style, legality and taste and reproduce them in print, electronic or otherwise. For further information, please contact the editor or publisher, or see our Terms and Conditions.