SeaBus peak hour frequency increases to every 15 minutes

SeaBus is getting a capacity boost to improve physical distancing starting on Monday, July 13.

TransLink announced Thursday afternoon weekday peak hour frequencies will increase to every 15 minutes from 7 am to 9:30 am and 3 pm to 6 pm.

Currently, frequencies for these service hours during COVID-19 are set at every 30 minutes, which have been in place since the start of the pandemic in March. Prior to the pandemic, peak-hour frequencies were every 10 minutes.

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The increased frequencies will allow SeaBus to better accommodate rising ridership demand in a safe manner. Ridership on this service has nearly tripled since the pandemic’s low point in early April, but weekday ridership is still under 25% of normal levels.

The public transit authority adds it is maintaining the 50% maximum capacity on the vessels.

SkyTrain and SeaBus ridership seem to be way up this week, anecdotally. I wouldn’t be surprised if there are double digit gains since the 33% of normal ridership figure last month. #TransLink #vanpoli pic.twitter.com/2q9OFlzNi6

— Ken Chan (@iamkennethchan) July 5, 2020

Other health safety measures that have been implemented include enhanced cleaning protocols — daily cleaning and twice-per-week disinfectant fogging — as well as hand sanitizer dispensers, decals and signage for physical distancing and hand washing, and new boarding procedures during busy periods that prevent customers from lining up in the middle of the loading ramps.

TransLink continues to urge the public to wear a face mask or covering while onboard its services.