New rapid transit will alleviate congestion on the North Shore and provide critical connectivity for commuters

NORTH VANCOUVER —BC NDP candidates Bowinn Ma, Susie Chant and Sara Eftekhar today announced a campaign promise to bring a new rapid transit line to the North Shore.

The project will begin with a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line that will stretch from Park Royal to Metrotown. Bus Rapid Transit differs from the existing RapidBus lines in that it is entirely separated from traffic. It provides high-frequency, high-capacity service, making for a fast and efficient journey. As work happens on the new Bus Rapid Transit, the BC NDP will also move forward on work for the future expansion of rapid transit to either light rail or Skytrain, in consultation with the Mayors’ Council and communities.

"A new rapid transit line between Park Royal and Metrotown means that people will have more choices about how they get on, off, and around the North Shore," said BC NDP candidate Bowinn Ma, of North Vancouver-Lonsdale. "This new high-efficiency service will help get people where they’re going, faster, and sooner as we also drive forward with work on longer term expansion, like fixed light rail or Skytrain."

Before construction on the new Bus Rapid Transit line begins, a new BC NDP government will work with TransLink, local governments and First Nations on ways to increase bus service between Park Royal and Metrotown. It would also expedite the work to extend the R2 Marine Drive RapidBus from Phibbs Exchange to Metrotown, providing all-day service with higher-capacity articulated buses and enhanced stop amenities.

“People in West Vancouver are frustrated by congestion,” continued Sara Eftekhar, BC NDP candidate in West Vancouver-Capilano. “So we’re taking action to relieve that congestion. This new service will help people spend less time on the road and more time with their families.”

Given the complexity of the corridor, a new BC NDP government would work with TransLink and the Mayors’ Council to immediately begin the required work.

“I’ve called the Lynn Valley home since 1988, and my kids grew up here. Traffic is a real challenge,” continued Susie Chant, BC NDP candidate in North Vancouver-Seymour. “A new rapid transit line will help ease the congestion on our roads and bridges, so that we can all spend less time stuck in our cars and more time with the people we love.”

The project is expected to start construction in 2025.