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TransLink halts fare hike, trims service on bus routes

bus
A 28-year-old man was arrested early Thursday morning after allegedly stealing a bus and taking it for a joyride. File photo Dan Toulgoet

TransLink announced Saturday that it is reducing service on bus, SeaBus, and West Coast Express beginning Monday due to “low ridership and financial pressures.”

TransLink also said in a news release that it is deferring a fare increase that was set for July 1.

These are the service changes:

  • As of Monday, SeaBus will move to a 30-minute sailing schedule all-day.
  • As of Monday, Coast Mountain Bus Company will reduce bus service with a focus on routes with very low ridership. Priority will be given to maintaining service on routes where pass-ups occur. 
  • As of Wednesday, West Coast Express train 4, leaving Mission at 6:55 a.m. and Waterfront at 5:30 p.m. will be cancelled.

According to TransLink, since mid-March:

  • SeaBus ridership is down 90%
  • West Coast Express ridership is down 95%
  • Bus boardings are down 82%
  • Total Boardings on the entire transit system are down 83%

“As a result of the sudden and significant drop in ridership, the temporary suspension of fare collection on buses to allow for rear-door boarding, and a 60% drop in fuel tax revenue due to fewer people driving, TransLink revenues have dropped dramatically,” the transit authority said.

Transit fares were scheduled to increase on July 1 by 20 to 25 cents for single-use fares, 25 cents for DayPasses, and $3 to $5 for monthly passes.

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