TransLink expands service on nearly two dozen bus routes this fall
In good news for transit riders, TransLink is expanding bus service on nearly two dozen bus routes across the region.
On Sept. 7, the transportation authority will officially switch over to its fall scheduling, which means that while it is increasing service on 21 routes, it will also cut back on services to popular outdoor destinations, as well as discontinue six summer-only routes until next spring.
“These seasonal adjustments help us direct transit resources where they are needed most, with more service returning to these routes in Spring and Summer 2027,” reads TransLink’s website.
At the same time, service is increased or restored on routes serving post-secondary institutions to support returning students, faculty, and staff.
Part of the fall-time changes include two of TransLink’s 2025 Investment Plan Commitments: the extension of R2 Rapid Bus’s terminus stop from Phibbs Exchange to Metrotown and a new weekday route, 556, to serve Langley’s Gloucester Industrial Area, providing bus service for the area’s businesses and employees.
“We’re so excited to provide people with a direct, reliable transit connection to the Gloucester Industrial Area — giving new access to jobs and helping employers attract and retain the talent they need,” said Kevin Quinn, the CEO of TransLink. “By delivering this route a full year ahead of schedule, we’re supporting local workers and businesses faster, while strengthening our regional economy.”
TransLink’s 2025 Investment Plan is the region’s largest expansion of bus service since 2018. With these two new upgrades, it has now hit 65 per cent of its target of bus service expansion.
With the first day of school on Sept. 8, TransLink is adding more weekday trips on five bus routes that service the University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, and Capilano University.
For UBC students, TransLink is bringing back weekday service between Alma and UBC for the 9 Broadway during morning and evening rush hours, weekday morning and afternoon service on the 44 UBC Exchange/Downtown Express, and adding more service to the 84 4th Avenue Express to shorten wait times.
For SFU students, Translink is adding more service to the 143 SFU Exchange and the 145 SFU Exchange.
And for Capilano students, TransLink has added more service to the 245 Capilano University to shorten wait times.
You can find more information on the fall service changes online.