TransLink is preparing for a boost in transit users this fall as students go back to school across Metro Vancouver.
"As fall approaches, we know it's an especially busy time of year for students and parents across our region," says TransLink CEO Kevin Quinn. "Due to the pandemic, it may have been a while since some students took transit to school; that's why we want to help prepare them with the tools they need to head back to classrooms, knowing it's a safe, sustainable, and convenient way to travel."
TransLink has boosted bus service on priority routes that serve schools and businesses in Metro Vancouver, including routes 9 (UBC), 116 (Edmonds Station / Metrotown Station), 128 (Braid Station / 22nd Street Station), 323 (Newton Exchange / Surrey Central Station), and 601 (South Delta / Bridgeport Station).
To get students ready for the return to classrooms, TransLink has launched a new Back-to-School, Back-to-Transit campaign which compiles key resources in one place. TransLink will also be hosting student orientation events and has increased service on multiple routes to make taking transit easier for students and parents.
The newly launched Back-to-School webpage provides convenient features to help students plan their commutes around the region, including:
- Routes to all major post-secondary institutions in Metro Vancouver
- Information on how to sign up for customized Transit Alerts
- Tips on linking U-Pass BC to a Compass Card
- Where to find TransLink's outreach team
- Back-to-school tips and tricks when taking transit
The TransLink outreach team will be at several back-to-school orientations and transit stations to provide more information, answer questions, and help customers plan their routes.
TransLink continues to provide transit incentives for students. A U-Pass BC gives post-secondary students access to bus, SeaBus, and SkyTrain services, plus discounts on West Coast Express. TransLink services are also free for children 12 and under, making transit more affordable for families.
Students are encouraged to sign up for Transit Alerts, enabling them to receive email or text updates about relevant service alerts and changes.
Download the Transit app for bus capacity predictions and access to other real-time information before your trip. For detailed information on schedules, plan your route with TransLink Trip Planner or Google Trip Planner.
