TransLink is promoting its Vanpool program – a carpooling program using Modo cars – in place of putting public transit to Mitchell Island.
The Richmond News recently reported how some people felt it was unsafe coming to the island - only accessible via the Knight Street Bridge - due to the lack of public transit.
Two TransLink employees recently held an information session on the island to let people know about the carpooling option.
TransLink cites the truck-heavy and congested traffic on Mitchell Island and the busy routes leading onto the island as reasons why it’s hard to bring public transit there.
For those who want to access a bus, they need to walk to the Knight Street Bridge where there are four bus options.
Thor Diakow, a spokesperson for Translink, said there are no current plans to expand bus service to Mitchell Island but the transit authority is “actively working” to get an employee shuttle service to the island.
“It should be noted, some industrial areas are difficult to serve by transit due to road network configurations and travel demand tied to work schedules,” said Diakow.
This is where TransLink sees Vanpool as an option.
Commuters can book a Modo van or sedan and join up with others coming to Mitchell Island, park in a Modo parking spot for the day and then take the same car back home.
TransLink’s Tiffanie Lam and Zachary Strom were on Mitchell Island to educate businesses and workers about the program — a hybrid between a carshare and a carpool — and how it could be used to commute to Mitchell Island.
For a limited time, TransLink is offering up to $100 back in stored value on a Compass Card during the first three months of a Vanpool membership. For more information, go to translinkvanpool.ca.
- With files from Daisy Xiong/Richmond News
