TransLink plans to add 80 new cars to the SkyTrain system between 2018 and 2019 | Rob Kruyt
TransLink has released data showing how much transit use has increased in May ahead of a scheduled fare increase on July 1.
According to TransLink's ridership data:
- Average weekly bus boardings increased 9.5 per cent in May and are up 6.9 per cent year to date.
- Expo and Millennium Line SkyTrain weekly boardings rose 9.2 per cent in May while the Canada Line's grew by 8.1 per cent. SkyTrain boardings for all lines are up 5.7 per cent so far this year.
- Average weekday boardings on the SeaBus gained by 13.1 per cent, which TransLink attributes in part to more frequent evening service. Year to date, boardings are up 7.6 per cent.
- West Coast Express boardings for May rose by 6.7 per cent and are up 6.7 per cent year-to-date.
Planned transit expansions are part of the Mayors’ Council on Regional Transportation’s 10-year Vision. Phase Two of the plan includes the construction of light rail in Surrey, the Millennium Line Broadway Extension in Vancouver and planning work for the Surrey-Langley rapid transit system.
“These investments will ensure people living here have transit as an affordable option for getting to work, shopping, and visiting family and friends," says Mayor Derek Corrigan, Chair of the Mayors’ Council and Mayor of Burnaby in a release.
Four new B-line routes will be in service starting in September of 2019 increasing bus service by 10 per cent.
TransLink is also adding 56 new SkyTrain and 24 new Canada Line cars starting in late 2018 into 2019 to increase rail service by 20 per cent.
“New service and capacity is being used as fast as we can get it out there,” says TransLink CEO Kevin Desmond.
