For years, transit advocates have called for a free bus service in downtown Vancouver to alleviate traffic congestion and make it easier for people to get around.

It's done in  Seattle and it's done in Portland, but for some reason, TransLink has never delivered this sensible idea in downtown Vancouver.

Today, however, transit riders can experience three hours of free bus service in the core. COPE will put a big, red, double-decker free bus on the streets to highlight a major plank in its transit policies.

From 1 to 3 p.m., it will be in other parts of the city. The free bus will be back on the streets on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

Anyone who gets on the bus today will get free.