As I posted about last week, TransLink has seen a massive decline in both transit ridership and revenue. This has resulted in the organization losing $75 million per month since the start of the COVID-19 state of emergency. TransLink staff warned last week that if the province or federal government didn’t provide emergency funding, transit service would be significantly cut to ensure that the organization would have the cashflow to meet its financial obligations.
Currently, there is no federal or provincial emergency funding for transit service in Metro Vancouver. Yesterday, TransLink announced significant cuts to transit service which start this week.
On Wednesday, SkyTrain service will be further reduced by 15% to 40% depending on the route and time of day. With reduced frequency, it will be harder for people to practice physical distancing.
The West Coast Express will see two trips in the morning and two trips in the afternoon cancelled. The size of the trains will be reduced.
The SeaBus will also stop sailing by 7:45pm.
Bus service will be hard hit with service reductions or eliminations.
On Friday, 12 bus routes will be eliminated including the R3 Lougheed Highway RapidBus. Six NightBus routes will also be eliminated.
In early May, 47 more routes will be eliminated. Service frequency will be reduced on many remaining routes.
The following routes in Langley are planned to be cut in May:
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| The 564 bus route which services Langley City and Willowbrook will be eliminated in May. Route shown on map. Select map to enlarge. |
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| The 563 bus route which services Brookswood/Fernridge will be eliminated in May. Route shown on map. Select map to enlarge. |
The 509 which is a peak-only service for Walnut Grove will also be cut.
In order to ensure physical distancing, TransLink has reduced the seating on its buses. If these reduced seats become full, transit operators will not pick up further passengers.
With reduced frequency and eliminated routes, it will be challenging for essential workers (including those who work in healthcare) to get to their jobs.
The province has declared transit an essential service. If you believe that transit is important, please ask your MP and MLA to save transit.
In Langley City our MP is Tamara Jansen: tamara.jansen@parl.gc.ca
Our MLA is Mary Polak: mary.polak.MLA@leg.bc.ca
1 comment:
10 to 30 % cutback has already been implemented on about 80 bus routes.
However, eliminating 65 routes completely out of about 230 bus routes is
complete madness at TransLink. Other cities bigger or smaller than TransLink implemented other measures that are not as punitive. It's up to Langely City Council to pass a motion against this madness. Furthermore, the City should
sign a franchise agreement with TransLink regulating the provision of transit services/fares.
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