Those hopping on Richmond’s buses are asked to provide feedback on some proposed network changes.
While modifications are expected throughout the Lower Mainland, Richmond could see four specific areas affected and an information session is scheduled for later this month at the Richmond-Brighouse Station.
Here are the four proposed route changes in Richmond:
1. Steveston – Bridgeport – Knight Street (407)
TransLink is proposing splitting route 407 into two routes at Bridgeport Station. This would mean 407 West would connect Steveston to Bridgeport Station via Lansdowne Station (instead of Brighouse Station) while 407 East would connect Bridgeport Station to Knight Street via the Vulcan Way industrial area.
TransLink says these proposed changes are because the current 407 route is long and can be unreliable due to traffic congestion in the city’s centre.
TransLink also says most passengers from south Richmond don’t travel past Bridgeport.
While TransLink says this will introduce additional service along Gilbert and Lansdowne roads, direct service between Steveston and Kwantlen and all day service to Vulcan Way, there would be a new transfer for transit users travelling to Richmond Centre or from south Richmond past Bridgeport.
2. Riverside – Richmond Centre – Bridgeport (404/405/416)
These three buses could see some redesign under TransLink’s suggestions. First of all, route 404 would end at Riverside Industrial Area, route 405 would continue straight on No 5 Road and end at Bridgeport Station and finally, route 416 would serve Westminster Highway and No 4 Road, ending at Jacombs and Cambie roads.
Some of the reasons for these changes include route 405 being long and susceptible to traffic, an increasing demand for service in the Riverside Industrial Area and increasing demand as a result of the residential development near River Drive and No 4 Road.
TransLink says these changes would offer new service to residential developments along River Drive and along No 5 Road north of Westminster Highway. However, some bus stops would lose service along Viking Way and Westminster Highway.
3. Ironwood – Richmond Centre (408)
The suggested changes to the 408 route are fairly subtle and the result of customer requests, says TransLink. The proposed changes would include introducing two-way service on Williams Road between Seacote and No 5 roads. There would also no longer be service on King and Seacote roads.
TransLink says this would reduce travel time for transit users going through King Road and Customers whose destinations are closer to the current Williams Road stops would no longer have to walk to or from the King Road stops.
4. Downtown Vancouver – YVR – Richmond NightBus (N10/N15)
Finally, some of Richmond’s night buses might get a slight overhaul if these proposed changes go through. Firstly, N15 hours of service could be extended to provide connections to Vancouver International Airport until the first Canada Line train around 5 a.m., with the route extending from Marine Drive to YVR.
Secondly, route N10 could be redirected to Bridgeport Station and Richmond Centre at all times, discontinuing a deviation to YVR and finally, route N15 could be extended from Marine Drive all the way to the airport.
TransLink says the current route of the N10 causes confusion and only offers service to the airport until 3:30 a.m. Instead, service would mirror the Canada Line to YVR, making it easier for transit users.
Our partners @TransLink are currently asking for public feedback on their transit network, including service to YVR. To ensure the airport is served by transit at all times, make sure you have your say here: https://t.co/ydi3dolrBi. pic.twitter.com/tE4pR18m8z
— Vancouver Airport (@yvrairport) April 3, 2019
Information session for Richmond
The information session in Richmond is scheduled for April 15 at Richmond-Brighouse Station from 3 to 6 p.m. A survey is available online to provide feedback to these proposed changes.
