https://youtu.be/sQkPUATu61k

We know that fast, frequent service is key to getting more people onto transit — that’s why we’re introducing a new service called RapidBus! This new service builds on the success of the B-Line routes it comes to three new corridors in Metro Vancouver in January 2020.

We’re excited to share what RapidBus means for you and its cool amenities that will provide a much more comfortable transit experience for our passengers.

What are the features?

RapidBus is going to mean faster travel times, more reliable service and new customer amenities.

On these routes, customers will enjoy service that’s up to 20 per cent faster than local bus service. Time-savings will be achieved by introducing bus priority on roadways, such as bus lanes and signal priority, and less frequent stops.

The RapidBus amenities aren’t just onboard the buses and in the service — they’re also at bus stops! We’re introducing new bus stops, called RapidBus posts, that have real-time information, telling you upcoming departure times for all the buses that use that stop. There will be an audio button customers can push to hear these next-bus announcements too.

But don’t take our word for it, let Denis the Planner over explain it for ya.

But why blue and green?

RapidBus is fast, frequent and reliable, so we wanted the colours to reflect that! That’s why the buses use a blue and green colour scheme. Living up to its name, we also wanted our customers to be able to rapidly identify RapidBus from a distance, so they know when a RapidBus is approaching their stop.

What are the routes for RapidBus?

The five RapidBus routes will serve 11 communities:

• R1: King George Boulevard (Guildford Town Centre to Newton Exchange) – upgraded 96 B-Line
• R2: Marine Drive (Park Royal to Phibbs Exchange)
• R3: Lougheed Highway (Coquitlam Central Station to Haney Place)
• R4: 41st Avenue (UBC to Joyce–Collingwood Station)
• R5: Hastings (SFU to Burrard Station) – upgraded 95 B-Line

So, what happens to the B-Line?

Many of its features, such as all-door boarding and articulated buses, live on in the new RapidBus routes, which builds on the success of B-Line! The 95 and 96 B-Lines will become RapidBus routes in January 2020 and the 99 B-Line will remain as it is for the near future. Decisions will be made at a later time about what will happen to it in the future.

Will there be more RapidBus routes in the future?

These five new RapidBus routes are a part of Phase One of the 10-Year Vision. Two additional RapidBus routes are planned to launch in 2021 to Surrey, Delta and Richmond, with five more routes planned for Phase Three of the 10-Year Vision, so stay tuned!

Still want more RapidBus info? Watch the live stream of the announcement below and visit translink.ca/rapidbus.