CREDIT: TRANSLINK
Va n co u ve r ' s B - Line
MULTI-MODAL TRANSIT ON VANCOUVER'S B-LINE
BY BRIAN PHILLIPS, TRANSLINK & MARIYA (MARS) OTTEN-ANDREW, WSP CANADA
"Get ready for shorter travel times, shorter wait times, and less crowding! Three new rapid-service B-Line routes are launching in Metro Vancouver in 2019 as part of Phase 1 of the Mayors' Council 10-Year Vision." RAPID RIDERSHIP GROWTH IN METRO VANCOUVER TransLink delivers a public transit service area spanning more than 1,800 square kilometres to provide for the transportation needs of Metro Vancouver residents and businesses. These include an extensive bus system throughout the region, SkyTrain rapid transit, SeaBus passenger ferries, West Coast Express commuter rail, and HandyDART for passengers who are unable to use conventional transit. In partnership with local municipalities, TransLink also funds the Major Road Network and has recently announced funding for a complementary Major Bikeway Network, linking the region across all modes.
Metro Vancouver, with 2.4 million residents, is currently experiencing record-breaking ridership growth. October 2018 saw TransLink’s highest ridership ever, surpassing those seen during the 2010 Olympics. Specifically, the system experienced a 6.1% year over year increase, following a 6.2% increase in the previous year. Growth in 2018 was led by bus ridership, which grew an astounding 10.5% year over year. This explosive growth is spurred on by recent investments in transit, a strong regional economy, and high gas prices. This strong growth is both an achievement and a challenge. High ridership has led to crowding on many routes throughout the system; mounting congestion threatens to erode journey times. Thus, there is an Continued on page 29... SPRING 2019 | TRANSPORTATION TALK
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