Frequently Asked Questions

What are the next steps for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)

People need more, and better, options for moving to, through, and from the North Shore.

Funding for the Metrotown-Park Royal BRT corridor still needs to be secured.  North Shore Connects are committed to working together to ensure the continued prioritization and funding of the Metrotown-Park Royal BRT. The Metrotown-Park Royal BRT was the highest-scoring regional route under consideration due to the immediate demand from ridership and providing access to major employers.

Why is rapid transit to the North Shore needed?

The North Shore is a highly desirable place to live, work and play. It’s also an important economic driver in British Columbia with its tourism destinations, nationally significant port and ship building facilities, university, and arts and film industries. But increasing roadway congestion and unpredictable travel times are affecting the health and wellbeing of people, our environment and our economy. North Shore Connects partners are working to get the planning work done as quickly as possible for a rapid transit connection to better connect the North Shore to the existing Metro Vancouver rapid transit network.

What is Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)?

BRT provides fast, frequent and high-capacity service on high-demand corridors. It can be built at a fraction of the cost of rail-based technology and can be built in a fraction of the time, making this investment a cost-effective, competitive and fast solution. Many jurisdictions around the world use BRT to mitigate congestion and move people quickly and efficiently.

BRT is different from TransLink’s RapidBus service in that it is traffic-separated and has signal priority; has fast and convenient boarding to minimize the amount of time the bus remains stopped; and specialized vehicles that enable high passenger capacity. Vehicles would be electric or produce zero-emissions with advanced driver assistance controls, ensuring a smooth ride.

North Shore Connects will work with TransLink to complete the planning work and business case to confirm the alignment, terminus locations and degree of grade separation, as well as engaging with our communities.

What are the key priorities of North Shore Connects?

We all want to move from place to place as easily and efficiently as possible. North Shore Connects will work together to improve mobility and advocate for long overdue transportation investments. We will prioritize improvements that reduce congestion, support livable and connected communities, and grow the economy. Key priorities include Burrard Inlet Rapid Transit, a western Lower Level Road extension, and a long-term plan for the section of Highway 1 between Lynn Valley Road and the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal.

North Shore Connects believes that everyone deserves to move safely and efficiently on, to and from the North Shore. North Shore Connects are committed to working together to ensure the continued prioritization and funding of the Metrotown-Park Royal BRT. The Metrotown-Park Royal BRT was the highest-scoring regional route under consideration by TransLink when looking at ridership and its ability to provide access to major centers of employment and housing. The new BRT corridor will make it easier for people who live, work and play on the North Shore to get around.

How will you get these projects done?

North Shore Connects will work in collaboration with TransLink, the Province of B.C. and the Government of Canada to plan, secure funding for, and implement projects that improve transportation on, to and from the North Shore.