TransLink redesigns 22 bus routes in the Tri-Cities to improve connections to new Evergreen Extension

(This article is sponsored by TransLink.)

The extension of rapid transit to Port Moody and Coquitlam will soon result in significant adjustments to bus service in the Lower Mainland's Northeast Sector.

For many customers, this will improved travel to destinations in other parts of the region. And it will make it easier for others to visit friends, family, commercial destinations, and recreational areas in Port Moody, Coquitlam, and Port Coquitlam.

Beginning on December 19, there will be changes to 22 bus routes in the Tri-Cities.

Transit users can visit translink.ca/servicechanges to see alterations to each route.

Customers can also use TransLink's Trip Planner to figure out how they'll reach their destinations. All they need to do is enter December 19 or later as their travel date to map their routes and determine travel times.

The bus service has been redesigned to enhance passengers' connections to the Millennium Line Evergreen Extension.

The new SkyTrain runs between Lougheed Station and Coquitlam's Lafarge Lake–Douglas Station with other stops at Burquitlam, Moody Centre, Inlet Centre, Coquitlam Central, and Lincoln stations.

The line opened on December 2 and it's being accompanied by some of the largest service changes on record.

One of the most noticeable is that bus routes will be renumbered throughout the Tri-Cities. You won’t see the "C" indicating a Community Shuttle, instead customers can board any bus with their route number, regardless of the type of transit vehicle.

This and other changes arose out of the 2015 Transit Network Consultation.

Other major improvements include:

* A new 95 B-Line will run along Hastings Street to provide more direct and reliable service. This will improve connections for those travelling by transit between SFU's Burnaby campus and downtown Vancouver.

* A growing retail district in Port Coquitlam will be served by the new Dominion Triangle/Fremont Village bus route via the 171/172.

* Introducing new bus service for Burke Mountain residents via the 191.

* Customers will find it easier to connect to the Evergreen Extension with redesigned service in the Heritage Mountain and Westwood Plateau neighbourhoods.

* All-day service will be available between SFU's Burnaby campus and Burquitlam Station on the redesigned 143 route. It will feature high-capacity articulated buses to better serve the university's students and staff, as well as residents living on Burnaby Mountain.

* The 701 route will extend from Haney Place to Mission. This will increase travel options for TrainBus customers who use SkyTrain and the 701.

* All-day service will be available along Como Lake Avenue on the redesigned 151 route. Its hours have been extended to meet the first and last trains leaving Coquitlam Central Station.

* The first and last trains leaving Coquitlam Central Station will also be accessible via the 188 Coquitlam Station/Port Coquitlam Station route. It will have 15-minute service during peak periods and carry passengers all day on larger conventional buses.

* There will be 24-hour transit service between Lougheed Station and Coquitlam Central Station via the N9 extended late-night bus route.

Know before you go!

(This article is sponsored by TransLink.)