TransLink representatives were at Delta council this week to talk about proposed changes to local routes.
As part of its annual review of the transportation network, the transit authority conducted a survey to gauge public reaction to more than 85 proposed changes, including modifications to two routes in South Delta.
Tim Savoie, vice-president of transportation planning and policy, told civic politicians that of the 12,000 completed surveys, 300 respondents self-identified as living in South Delta.
The public consultation was completed between Oct. 13 and Nov. 6, however, the process continues, he said.
"The process is not yet completed... I don't want council to feel this is a done deal."
The proposed changes would affect the 601 and 609 routes, as well as the 620 Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal express route.
"These routes are extremely busy," said Dan Freeman, transit network manager.
The 601 and 609 routes will be amended to also serve the Tsawwassen First Nation malls once they are open later this year.
Proposed changes to the 620 route will help speed up travel times to and from the ferry terminal by eliminating some of the less used stops, Freeman said. As well, proposed improvements at the terminal should help speed up loading and unloading of passengers, which can be a longer process if they have baggage.
Freeman said the proposed changes had good support through initial public feedback.
TransLink also recently established the Southwest Area Transport Plan Public Advisory Group, which brought together stakeholders in Delta, Richmond and Tsawwassen First Nation to identify a long-term vision and address transportation, transit and infrastructure needs.
Mayor Lois Jackson and engineering director Steven Lan attended the first meeting.
Several council members took the opportunity this week to lobby to have the 601 service to downtown restored, something local politicians have been pushing for since the route was discontinued in 2009 with the opening of the Canada Line. Now transit users trying to get into Vancouver from South Delta must take the bus to the Bridgeport station in Richmond.
Freeman said that while the comments are appreciated, reinstating full bus service into downtown is not feasible right now.
"It's really just good planning process to get people to the most efficient form of transit," Savoie said.
