It already takes too long to get downtown by bus and the proposed service changes will only add to that, according to members of the South Delta Probus Club, who gave TransLink officials an earful on Wednesday.
Transit authority representatives were on hand to make a presentation and answer questions at the group's weekly meeting at the Coast Tsawwassen Inn, a session where concerns were raised about creating longer bus trips.
One Probus member complained it can take 90 minutes or more to get downtown on the 601 and the proposed changes will only encourage commuters to use their cars, a sentiment quickly echoed by several others who expressed concern about how long it could take from Tsawwassen to Bridgeport.
One member suggested making the 602 an all-day express service while another questioned how many bureaucrats would have to be let go in order to maintain the 602.
Yet another asked the planning team members how many actually live in South Delta, saying it would give them a much better perspective what transit users experience trying to get out of town.
TransLink recently finished gathering feedback on the Southwest Area Transport Plan, which involves changes to the transportation network in Ladner, Tsawwassen, Tsawwassen First Nation and Richmond as well as connections to North Delta and nearby areas.
In South Delta, the proposed changes include eliminating the 601 service for some neighbourhoods, rerouting it from 52nd Street to Salish Drive (48th Street) as more development occurs within the TFN. In addition to the loss of service on 52nd Street, trips to Boundary Bay will be discontinued, although customers would be able transfer to the C89 with extended hours.
Meanwhile the 602 is to be cancelled, while the 603, 606, 608, 609 and the C84 will also see adjustments. The C87 would be cancelled, but potential additions include a new express from Scott Road Station that will work its way to the ferry terminal in Tsawwassen.
Noting reliability and directness of service were among the priorities identified by customers, and that about 60 per cent of trips in South Delta start and finish within the community, Matt Craig, a TransLink planning team manager, explained the 601 could have up to 10 minutes of additional distance added, depending on how many more stops will be included as it goes through Tsawwassen, Ladner Village and to the Ladner Exchange.
The idea is part of a new frequent transit network connecting the Tsawwassen Town Centre, TFN, Ladner Village and Canada Line.
According to TransLink, the proposals aim to simplify routes in South Delta to make it easier to understand and to provide direct service within the community, resulting in faster travel times.
"We're certainly adding distance and, depending on how many stops and stop activity there are along there, the only reason we would be wanting to make that change is to get more people on the bus, not just to make it a longer trip for everyone," Craig said.
He noted all the input gathered will be considered as the route designs are finalized. Final recommendations will come out this fall.
