Editor’s note: As of 10 am, several bus routes have resumed regular service.
Several buses were delayed or rerouted through the University Endowment Lands area between Vancouver and the University of British Columbia (UBC) on Wednesday morning, as demonstrators gathered at a major intersection.
TransLink says the group is set up near 16th Avenue and Wesbrook Mall and advises passengers to plan for extra time as a result.
The 33, the R4, the 49, the 99 B-line, and the 4 are all impacted by the delays as of 9 am.
#RiderAlert 49 UBC/R4 to UBC detour. Regular route to Marine Dr and Wesbrook, then Marine Dr, Chancellor Blvd, Wesbrook to UBC Loop due to demonstration. ^LA
— TransLink BC (@TransLink) May 29, 2024
It comes as ongoing protests at university campuses continue to make headlines across the country, and weeks after the UBC president released a statement on the encampment of pro-Palestinian protesters at UBC’s MacInnes Field.
#PeoplesUniversityUBC pic.twitter.com/lbxBBgBzfq
— Biryani For One (@biryaniforone) May 12, 2024
However, some have questioned the impact this protest is having on the students.
“Because blocking off commuter students, who are just so well known for their considerable political influence and high voting rates, is so helpful to a conflict thousands of miles away,” one person said online.
“Hoping all grads get to their ceremonies on time! Give yourself more time than usual!” one person wrote on Reddit.
The UBC Physical Therapy and Research Clinic also posted on X cautioning those heading to the clinic on Wednesday.
Due to a demonstration on the UBC campus, there are currently transit delays and some parking lots are blocked. If you need to reschedule your appointment, please call us at (604) 827-6959 or log into your Jane account to manually change your appointment – https://t.co/jRFRwmUZXZ
— ubcphysioclinic (@ubcphysioclinic) May 29, 2024
A statement from UBC reads.
“We are aware of the protest that is taking place at the intersection of University Boulevard and Wesbrook Drive. The RCMP and Vancouver Police Department are in attendance and will determine next steps. The safety and security of the UBC community is our foremost priority,” they said.
In a release, RCMP said that one person did not comply with instructions to clear the intersection, leading to an arrest.
“The RCMP will continue to monitor the situation and take necessary action should there be any criminal activities that pose a threat to the safety of individuals and/or property”