TransLink launches consultation for R6 Scott Rd. RapidBus

TransLink and the municipalities of Delta and Surrey are seeking feedback on a proposed future RapidBus route that would provide faster and more frequent bus service to customers in Delta and Surrey. The R6 would operate primarily on Scott Road, home to the region’s fourth busiest route and the busiest route south of the Fraser.

To implement the new service, improvements need to be made to the corridor in both Delta and Surrey. Engagement participants are being asked to review the proposed changes, express their level of support, and provide comments and suggestions.

Some of the proposed improvements include:

• Adding bus priority lanes in addition to current vehicle lanes
• Signal priority
• Queue jumps at intersections
• Safety improvements
• Opportunities for public art
• A new mid-street island bus hub at 72^nd and Scott Road

Feedback gathered from the consultation will help finalize the proposed improvements. The R6 would operate in addition to Route 319, which would continue to provide local service along the corridor as well.

The proposed RapidBus route is projected to be in service by the end of 2023. Go to translink.ca/r6 to submit your feedback and participate now. The consultation runs until Friday, October 8.

Rapid Facts:

• The R6 would run between Newton Exchange and Scott Road Station and would serve Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s Surrey campus.
• During peak hours, Route 319 currently takes an average of 50 minutes one way, and the R6 is projected to make the trip approximately 20 per cent faster.
• There were over 11,000 boardings on Scott Road’s 319 route on an average weekday in 2020.
  • Route 319 recovered 60 per cent of its riders in 2020 compared to 2019, which is much higher than the system-wide average.
• All RapidBus stops include real-time next-bus digital signage, real-time voice activated information, and all-door boarding.

Quotes:

Kevin Quinn, CEO, TransLink
“We’ve seen over many years that ridership is booming south of the Fraser. Ridership recovery in Surrey and Delta have been stronger than most other places in the region, and I’m excited to take this step towards faster, more reliable bus service for our customers in the area.”

George Harvie, Mayor, City of Delta
“I’m eager to move to the next phase in the development of a RapidBus route for Delta and Surrey. This project will provide much needed transit infrastructure improvements, including along Scott Road, one of the busiest corridors south of the Fraser. Community feedback is critical in helping TransLink finalize an effective RapidBus service.”

Doug McCallum, Mayor, City of Surrey
“Surrey riders have already benefitted from previous RapidBus expansions on busy corridors and I have no doubt that additional routes, like this one for Scott Road, will be welcomed in our City. Increasing access to faster, more frequent routes will have an immediate positive impact for the strong ridership we have in Surrey. I commend TransLink for continuing to invest in transit options for the fastest growing city in the province.”

Randall Heidt, VP of External Affairs, Kwantlen Polytechnic University
“TransLink’s move to provide a new R6 RapidBus route along one of the major travel corridors for students attending KPU Surrey is most welcome. I strongly encourage the KPU community to take part in TransLink’s consultation to help shape this important new service.”

Jill McKnight, Incoming Executive Director, Delta Chamber of Commerce
“The Delta Chamber of Commerce fully supports TransLink’s R6 RapidBus project, which will provide residents and commuting workers with enhanced, accessible public transit service every 15 minutes or better; from 6:00am through midnight, seven days a week.

“The improvements realized through the R6 RapidBus will make accessing North Delta businesses by transit more convenient for both customers and workers. This takes more single-occupant vehicles off the road, reduces traffic congestion, supports small businesses, and provides more employment opportunities for residents. We’re looking forward to seeing this project come to fruition and to more investments in public transit like this across other areas of Delta in the future.”

Anita Huberman, CEO and President, Surrey Board of Trade
“Surrey businesses need their workers and their consumers to have transportation options to get to and from work. The RapidBus route on Scott Road is a necessary ingredient in the overall transportation ecosystem for Surrey’s growing population.”