TransLink to expand Metro Vancouver bus service with newly approved investment plan. The Canadian Press
Metro Vancouver is set to see its biggest bus service expansion since 2018. A new investment plan, approved by TransLink’s board and the Mayors’ Council, promises more routes, better access, and targeted improvements across the region.
40 New or Improved Routes Coming Soon
The 2025 investment plan includes the launch or enhancement of 40 bus routes. This includes entirely new routes in eight areas that currently have no transit access. Six underserved regions will also see improvements to existing services.
This expansion aims to better connect key areas that have long struggled with limited transit options.
Industrial Hubs and Parks Get Linked
The new bus routes will stretch into several industrial zones. These include Campbell Heights in Surrey, Gloucester in Langley, and Tilbury in Delta. These areas are major employment centres that have lacked reliable public transportation for years.
Recreational spots aren’t left out. TransLink will also boost access to Stanley Park in Vancouver, Terra Nova Park in Richmond, and Golden Ears Provincial Park in Maple Ridge. These improvements are designed to make parks more accessible without increasing car traffic.
Who’s Paying for the Plan?
To fund the expansion, TransLink will rely on a mix of sources:
- A $20 hike in property taxes for median households starting next year
- A fare increase of 14 cents per average trip beginning July 2026
- A one-time $312 million contribution from the B.C. government over three years
These combined efforts aim to support ongoing operations and service enhancements.
Closing a Massive Deficit
For years, TransLink has been facing a major financial shortfall. Declining fuel tax revenue, inflation-capped fare increases, and rising costs have led to an annual deficit of over $600 million.
The new investment plan is a financial lifeline. It ensures full funding for operations through 2027 and cuts the structural deficit nearly in half beyond that.
A Plan with Long-Term Benefits
This transit overhaul isn’t just about adding more buses. It’s about building a stronger, more connected region. Better service in underdeveloped and industrial zones can help reduce car reliance and improve access to jobs and recreation.
TransLink’s latest plan signals a bold shift toward a more inclusive and sustainable transit future for Metro Vancouver.
