Our street teams have wrapped up giving away face coverings at SkyTrain stations and bus loops — for now. For those who didn’t get one, we’re giving away a few more on our social media channels!
All you have to do is enter a draw. Keep reading to find out how. Read more »
This year, we’re going to have to celebrate Canada’s 153rd a little differently. The Government of Canada’s hosting a virtual celebration and you can read this Vancouver Sun article for a list of local virtual celebrations.
But if you haven’t made plans yet and prefer something a little more hands-on, we have a last-minute Canada Day adventure by transit for you! Read more »
Laying the line for streetcars at Granville and Robson, Vancouver (Photo: City of Vancouver Archives)
Metro Vancouver’s first public transit vehicle was an electric streetcar that rolled down Main Street in the City of Vancouver for the first time on June 27, 1890.
That makes June 27, 2020 the 130th anniversary of public transit in Metro Vancouver! Read more »
The Bike Parkade at Maple Meadows Station opens on June 26, marking the completion of the expansion project.
The Maple Meadows Bike Parkade opens to customers today, marking the completion of TransLink’s Bike Parkade Expansion Project. With 11 total indoor Bike Parkades on the TransLink network, Metro Vancouver now has the largest transit-integrated Bike Parkade network in Canada.
Indoor Bike Parkades are glass-walled facilities that provide a safer place for customers to store their bikes. Each new indoor parkade includes:
Since 2017, TransLink has added six new indoor Bike Parkades and two new sets of bike lockers to Metro Vancouver’s transit system through The Bike Parkade Expansion Project. This $5.3 million investment was partially funded by The Public Transit Infrastructure Fund (PTIF) with a $2 million investment from the Government of Canada, a $1.4 million investment from the Government of British Columbia, and the remainder funded by TransLink. Read more »
Stefan and Carolini met on the SeaBus five years ago. Now, they’re engaged after Stefan popped the question onboard the SeaBus last week.
There’s a saying that love happens when you least expect it.
For Stefan and Carolini five years ago, it was an ordinary day riding the SeaBus from Waterfront to Lonsdale Quay — a quick, albeit often uneventful, 15-minute trip they’ve made countless times. Unbeknownst to them at the time, it would become anything but. It would be the day they meet.
So naturally, a return to the SeaBus was in the books to pop the question five years later. Stefan reached out to us help him pull off the surprise proposal onboard the 7:02 p.m. sailing from Lonsdale Quay to Waterfront Station on July 17. Read more »
Starting on Thursday, June 25, you’ll be able to bring TransLink maps from the system to your home!
The discontinued maps and wayfinding that were once found at our stations and facilities will be available for purchase at TransLink Store. Read more »
The upgrades to the Lonsdale Quay Exchange are almost complete! Starting on Monday, June 22, all buses will begin operating out of the Lonsdale Quay Exchange.
The entire bus island has been upgraded and is now complete. This means that the temporary stops along Carrie Cates will no longer be required and customers can now catch and disembark their buses inside of the loop. Read more »
On June 21, it’s National Indigenous Peoples Day – a day recognizing and celebrating the cultures and contributions of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis Indigenous peoples of Canada. On this day, relationships are about listening, learning and connecting to the Indigenous culture and peoples of Canada.
The pandemic means we’re going to have to celebrate a little differently this year. We have put together a list of places to visit, such as public art pieces, installations and sculptures, restaurants, music and arts, virtual events, movies and documentaries, as well as books and literature. Read more »
TransLink is calling for new ideas to make public transit even safer and cleaner as people return to using the system. TransLink’s 2020 Open Call for Innovation will be open to proposals from local businesses, entrepreneurs, inventors and innovators of all sorts to submit their ideas for ways to improve the health and safety of customers and employees on transit.
TransLink will fast-track the review process by evaluating proposals as they come in and accelerate the implementation of successful ideas. Read more »
Starting today, you’ll be able to collect online deliveries from smart lockers situated at three SkyTrain stations. PigeonBox, the winners of the 2019 Open Call for Innovation, are bringing smart lockers to Joyce-Collingwood, Stadium-Chinatown, and Commercial-Broadway stations.
“One of our core and consistent objectives has been improving the customer experience on transit,” says TransLink CEO Kevin Desmond. “In addition to providing a new and convenient option for our customers, this initiative can also help to reduce the number of trips people take to collect packages.”
More than 15,000 TransLink masks being handed out to customers
TransLink is today launching a new campaign aimed at promoting the use of face coverings and non-medical masks on Metro Vancouver’s transit system. As part of the ‘Wearing is Caring’ campaign, more than 15,000 TransLink branded masks will be handed out at key transit hubs over coming weeks. Read more »
Dispensers to be installed on entire RapidBus fleet, at exchanges, and more stations
Starting next week, TransLink will build on its Safe Operating Action Plan and expand the availability of hand sanitizer dispensers across Metro Vancouver’s transit system. Dispensers will be installed on the entire RapidBus fleet, at key exchanges, and at more SkyTrain stations.
“Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have been focused on our cleaning and sanitizing protocols,” says TransLink CEO Kevin Desmond. “These dispensers will help promote strong personal hygiene practices, which is especially important as our ridership continues to grow. We need to look out for one another and do our part to ensure we are keeping ourselves and our fellow passengers as safe as possible.” Read more »
Each time summer draws near, we’re reminded of thousands of kilometres of British Columbia coastline and countless panoramic destinations to visit. This year might feel different, but it doesn’t mean you should cancel your summer plans!
As the quarantine restrictions ease up, the following months can be a good time for us to safely explore our local communities and enjoy their beaches. Living in Metro Vancouver also means that most of the excellent sunset spots and panoramic destinations are just under an hour away by public transit. We’ve compiled a list of awesome transit-friendly spots for you to check out this summer.
While visiting public outdoor spaces, please don’t forget to maintain at least 2 metres (6 feet) from others. Note lifeguards are not on duty at certain beaches and some facilities may remain close. We advice that you to check the official websites before planning your trips.
How to get there: Bus 150
Location: Sasamat Lake, Port Moody
If you want to go for swimming, consider checking out the White Pine Beach on Sasamat Lake. Sasamat Lake is one of the warmest in Greater Vancouver and the beach is located just a few minutes outside of Coquitlam in Belcarra Regional Park. It’s a family-friendly spot that has great walking trails, a beach area and swimming in the lake.
How to get there: Buses 361, 362
Location: Marine Drive, White Rock
A beautiful gem located just a few kilometres north of the US border and only 35 minutes south of the City of Vancouver, BC. White Rock is known for it’s sandy beaches and stunning sunsets. The 2.5 km long beach promenade, which connects west beach and east beach at the ocean’s side, will offer you a nice stroll.
How to get there: Bus 619
Location: 541, Centennial Parkway, Delta
If you live nearby or want to avoid the Vancouver crowds – this is a perfect destination for you! Located in Boundary Bay Regional Park, this spot has sandy beaches, salt marshes, tidal flats and lagoons.
How to get there: Bus 160
Location: 8181 Barnet Road, Burnaby
Barnet Marine Park is located on the Burrard Inlet and offers ocean swimming, walking trails and dog off-leash area. Whether you prefer an early morning walk, or views of the setting sun, this park and beach have something for everyone.
Note: The beach is undergoing annual clean-up and log removal. Please check the official website for further updates.
How to get there: Buses 250, 253
Location: 1150, Marine Drive, West Vancouver
Ambleside Park Beach offers a stunning view of Stanley Park and Lions Gate Bridge. This is one of the dog-friendly destinations with large off-leash area for dogs that you can visit with your furry friend. Another perk includes a large waterfront walking path that stretches throughout the park.
How to get there: Buses 351
Location: Sullivan Street, South Surrey
Website
Visit Crescent Beach for a fun day on the seaside! It is a beautiful family-friendly beach and residential area in South Surrey not far from White Rock. Enjoy swimming, scenic views from the pier and nature trails. Dogs are not allowed along the walkway at Crescent Beach from May 15 to September 15, as per municipal bylaws.
New figures show early signs of ridership recovery on Metro Vancouver’s transit system. Systemwide boardings last week were 85 per cent higher than the second week of April, which had the lowest ridership levels during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I’m very pleased to see our customers gradually returning to the transit system,” says TransLink CEO Kevin Desmond. “We’ve worked hard to ensure our customers have confidence in transit by developing the Safe Operating Action Plan, which keeps our services as safe and reliable as possible.”
TransLink’s Safe Operating Action Plan increases cleaning and sanitizing of transit vehicles and hubs, increases service levels, creates space between customers where possible, and recommends that all customers wear a mask, if they are able to do so.
While ridership has been gradually increasing, systemwide ridership is still low compared to pre-COVID levels. Systemwide boardings are currently at around 33 per cent of the levels they were at last year.
| Week | Boardings | Increase since early April |
| April 5 – April 11 | 1,396,000 | – |
| April 12 – April 18 | 1,467,000 | +5 per cent |
| April 19 – April 25 | 1,548,000 | +11 per cent |
| April 26 – May 2 | 1,580,000 | +13 per cent |
| May 3 – May 9 | 1,683,000 | +21 per cent |
| May 10 – May 16 | 1,726,000 | +24 per cent |
| May 17 – May 23 | 1,876,000 | +34 per cent |
| May 24 – May 30 | 2,219,000 | +59 per cent |
| May 31 – June 6 | 2,578,000 | +85 per cent |
| Mode | Boardings April 5 -11, 2020 | Boardings May 31 -June 6 2020 | Increase |
| Systemwide* | 1,396,000 | 2,578,000 | +85 per cent |
| Bus | 903,000 | 1,631,000 | +81 per cent |
| Expo-Millennium | 372,000 | 697,000 | +87 per cent |
| Canada Line | 109,000 | 221,000 | +103 per cent |
| SeaBus | 10,000 | 23,000 | +130 per cent |
| West Coast Express | 2,000 | 6,000 | +200 per cent |
| HandyDART** | 4,300 | 6,700 | +56 per cent |
*Excludes HandyDART given separate measurement method
**HandyDART measured in trips rather than boardings
COVID-19 (Coronavirus), Media Releases | TransLink Staff | 
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The last few months have been really quiet around town. However, If you keep your ear to the streets, you can hear a few more things .
Compass taps on buses returned at the start of the month, as did the sound of the front doors opening again. On SkyTrain, you can hear the footsteps of people walking 6 feet apart, following the physical distancing decals and going through the designated fare gates. The pitter-patter of people getting on and off trains is a little louder when you give extra space to get off, and in some places, you can even hear the dispensing of hand sanitizer. That’s right, transit is healing and coming back healthier than ever, thanks to TransLink’s Safe Operating Action Plan.
With all that information, and as quarantine restriction ease up with the advancement of BC’s Restart Plan, the world feels anew with opportunities for adventure. Where you haven’t been in forever feels fresh again! So, without further ado, here are some suggestions for a transit-centric “daycation” for all of you eager to safely get around again.
In no particular order:
How to get there: the 19 Bus
You may not be able to drive into Stanley Park just yet, but you can take the 19 bus! Visit Vancouver’s most famous park and soak in some views as you walk along the famous 28-kilometre seawall. Or, Rack and Ride and bring your bike to get around faster! Explore nearly 30 kilometres of trails or make some waves at Second Beach!
How to get there: Expo Line or Canada Line to Waterfront Station
Just a few minutes from Waterfront Station stands the Gastown Steam Clock. It’s tall, it’s steamy and it’s usually always crowded. But if you’ve never had the chance to take that perfect picture with it for your Instagram, today may be the day. Enjoy your photoshoot and continue your stroll in Gastown or settle down and grab a bite to eat at a nearby restaurant. Be sure to avoid the construction and grab hand sanitizer at the station if you need it!
How to get there: the 227 bus
Lynn Canyon Park has been one of Metro Vancouver’s premier picnic destinations for over a century! Open to the public since 1912, it’s also the perfect place for a fun hike or quick swim. If that’s not enough for one day, swing on over to the Lynn Canyon suspension bridge and get a thrilling view from above!
How to get there: the 388 bus
Cross over to the other side of the river and take a nice hike in Surrey’s Tynehead Regional Park. Check out many of the different routes and if you’re not done after walking nearly 5 kilomertres, head on to the overpass and get an up-close, overhead view of Highway 1.
How to get there: Canada Line to Richmond-Brighouse Station
If being outside isn’t your thing, and you’re tired of all the online shopping – make it real at Aberdeen. The shopping centre located in the heart of Richmond is a unique and exciting fusion of East and West and has everything you need for a fun-filled day! Stop by at the 60 feet tall musical fountain and catch shows every hour!
