TransLink Launches R6 RapidBus Service

TransLink, Westminster, BC, has launched its R6 Scott Road RapidBus, which will provide faster and more frequent service for Surrey and Delta residents, as well as Kwantlen Polytechnic University students.

The new service will provide space for 20 percent more riders on the busiest bus corridor south of the Fraser River. Surrey and Delta’s public transit ridership is part of the fastest growing area in Metro Vancouver, where bus boardings are exceeding 2019 ridership levels by 16 percent.

“The R6 RapidBus will save Surrey and Delta customers up to 20 minutes and provide much-needed relief on the busiest bus route south of the Fraser River,” said Kevin Quinn, CEO, TransLink. “Ridership in places like Surrey and Delta is growing faster than any other part of the region and it’s essential that transit services keep up as Metro Vancouver’s population grows.”

R6 is TransLink’s largest service expansion since 2020 and is the sixth RapidBus throughout Metro Vancouver. It features fewer stops and all-door boarding, articulated buses with more capacity, bus priority lanes along the corridor, a center-median bus boarding area at Scott Road and 72^nd Avenue to speed up boardings and bus travel times, improved bus stops with live next-bus digital signage, and audio information available for customers who are blind or partially sighted.

Community art has been installed throughout the corridors by three local artists. This includes a mosaic for the median center-island bus boarding area, as well as bus shelter art at the stops located outside of Kwantlen Polytechnic University and at Scott Road and 72^nd Avenue.

Street changes have also been implemented to enhance safety. This includes adding new crosswalks, protected left-turn lanes, signal improvements, and allowance for making U-turns at selected locations.

This $33 million project was delivered jointly by TransLink, the City of Surrey, and the City of Delta. It was paid for through the Mayors’ 10-Year Vision, of which the Government of British Columbia contributed 40 percent of all capital costs. TransLink plans to upgrade this route to full BRT and will continue to alleviate overcrowding through the Access for Everyone ten-year plan, should the plan receive funding.