TransLink and the municipalities of Delta and Surrey are seeking feedback on a proposed future RapidBus route that would provide faster and more frequent bus service to customers in Delta and Surrey. The R6 would operate primarily on Scott Road, home to the region’s fourth busiest route and the busiest route south of the Fraser.
“We’ve seen over many years that ridership is booming south of the Fraser. Ridership recovery in Surrey and Delta have been stronger than most other places in the region, and I’m excited to take this step towards faster, more reliable bus service for our customers in the area,” said Translink CEO Kevin Quinn.
To implement the new service, improvements need to be made to the corridor in both Delta and Surrey. Engagement participants are being asked to review the proposed changes, express their level of support, and provide comments and suggestions.
Some of the proposed improvements include:
* Adding bus priority lanes in addition to current vehicle lanes
* Signal priority
* Queue jumps at intersections
* Safety improvements
* Opportunities for public art
* A new mid-street island bus hub at 72nd and Scott Road
Feedback gathered from the consultation will help finalize the proposed improvements. The R6 would operate in addition to Route 319, which would continue to provide local service along the corridor as well.
“I’m eager to move to the next phase in the development of a RapidBus route for Delta and Surrey,” added Delta Mayor George Harvie. “This project will provide much needed transit infrastructure improvements, including along Scott Road, one of the busiest corridors south of the Fraser. Community feedback is critical in helping TransLink finalize an effective RapidBus service.”
The proposed RapidBus route is projected to be in service by the end of 2023. Go to translink.ca/r6 to submit your feedback and participate now. The consultation runs until Friday, Oct. 8.
“The Delta Chamber of Commerce fully supports TransLink’s R6 RapidBus project, which will provide residents and commuting workers with enhanced, accessible public transit service every 15 minutes or better; from 6 a.m. through midnight, seven days a week,” said incoming Executive Director of Delta Chamber of Commerce Jill McKnight.
“The improvements realized through the R6 RapidBus will make accessing North Delta businesses by transit more convenient for both customers and workers. This takes more single-occupant vehicles off the road, reduces traffic congestion, supports small businesses, and provides more employment opportunities for residents. We’re looking forward to seeing this project come to fruition and to more investments in public transit like this across other areas of Delta in the future.”
