TransLink rolling out biggest increase to bus service since 2018 | Daily Hive

TransLink

Bus service for Metro Vancouver public transit riders is ramping up in a big way as part of TransLink’s Fall 2025 seasonal service changes.

The South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority announced today that more than 50 routes used by over 100,000 people every weekday will receive a boost in frequency.

TransLink is set to increase bus service across the region starting on Monday, Sept. 1, including routes serving schools and job sites. Seasonal changes will also be made to shift resources away from busy summertime destinations.

translink 23 main street english bay bus route upgrade

Kenneth Chan/Daily Hive

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“This fall, we’re adding more service on 53 bus routes, making it easier to get to school, work, and everywhere in between,” said Kevin Quinn, CEO of TransLink, in a release.

“That means more buses, more room, and easier connections throughout Metro Vancouver.”

Translink highlighted a number of key changes for the fall, including:

Increased service on the five most overcrowded bus routes
- 321, 335, 345, 393, and 503
Boost in service on the 13 highest ridership routes
- 5/6, 9, 16, 19, 20, 49, 99, 100, 130, 321, 335, R1, and R4
Adding midday service on Route 388 in Surrey on weekdays

There will also be targeted boosts on 25 routes serving several post-secondary institutions, including:

UBC
Langara
Douglas College
BCIT
SFU Burnaby
SFU Surrey
Capilano University.

TransLink is also promising better access to industrial job sites such as Annacis Island, Rosemary Heights Business Park, Mary Hill Business Park, and the Port Kells Industrial Area.

TransLink

These September 2025 service improvements are part of a funding plan approved earlier this year by TransLink that will see transit in Metro Vancouver fully funded until the end of 2027.

The new plan to avoid the cuts and make improvements includes an average five per cent fare increase in July 2026 — higher than the previously contemplated three per cent increase — and a two per cent increase annually starting in July 2027.

Riders will see an increase of $0.14 on the average trip beginning July 2026.

The provincial government is also helping local transit with a one-time $312 million investment, “and a commitment to a new revenue source by 2027.

“While so many other North American cities had to make transit cuts following the pandemic, we are instead investing in the biggest increase to bus service since 2018,” said Brad West, Chair of the Mayors’ Council, in a statement.

“I’m pleased to see expansion begin from the 2025 Investment Plan, which will improve commutes for residents throughout Metro Vancouver.”

Seasonal service changes take place every January, April, June, and September to adjust and optimize for fluctuations in ridership demand throughout the year.

With files from Amir Ali and Kenneth Chan