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Transportation: Transit

Contents

[ Introduction | Hours of Service ] [SkyTrain | SeaBus | West Coast Express | Blue Bus | False Creek Ferrries ] [Customer Service & Information | Access for Persons with Limited Mobility | Online Trip/Route Planning ]

Introduction

BC Transit, including buses, SeaBus ferries, and SkyTrain light rail transit is run by the Province.
Fares are the same no matter the mode of transport. You can even transfer between the three modes on one fare. The amount you pay depends on the time of day as well as the distance travelled.

There are two fare levels: Adult fares and "Concession," which applies to senior citizens (over 65, with proof of age), children 5 - 13 years, students 14-19 with a valid GoCard.

You must pay bus fares with exact change, since the drivers do not carry change. You can purchase a DayPass in advance at convenience stores, the Vancouver Tourist InfoCentre, or wherever you see the "FareDealer" sign. you can also buy them at SeaBus terminals or SkyTrain stations on the day of travel.

Zones are roughly as follows: City of Vancouver is one zone, Richmond, Burnaby, New Westminster, North Van, and West Van are another Zone, the third zone includes: Lion's Bay and Bowen Island, Delta & Tsawwassen, Surrey & Langley, Pitt Meadows & Maple Ridge. For example, SkyTrain commuters from Surrey to downtown Vancouver travel through 3 zones, those from Burnaby travel through 2. Make sure you have the exact coin fare, a ticket or a pass, since BC Transit drivers do not carry change. The SkyTrain and SeaBus operate on a proof-of-payment basis, which amounts to an honour system with occasional security checks.

Hours of Service

BC Transit offers regular service on busy routes from 5 am to 1 am, with some late night "Owl" service on some downtown and suburban routes until 3 am.

SkyTrain

The city's remotely operated (there’s no driver for each train!) rapid-transit system has two rooutes. The "Expo Line" runs from Vancouver's Waterfront station through Burnaby and New Westminster, then across the Fraser River into Surrey to King George Station. BC Transit recently added the "Millenium Line" to complement the older "Expo Line". The Millenium Line follows teh Expo Line from downtown to New Wetminster, but instead of crossing the Fraser into Surrey loops north and heads back west through central Burnaby, including past Simon Fraser University, and making the SkyTrain more accessible to residents of Coquitlam. The Millenium Line as 12 stations before rejoining ht emain SkyTrain route into downtown at Broadway Station Most of the route, with the exception of the downtown stretch is above ground on elevated tracks. Trains come by every two-and-a-half to five minutes from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m., and run a bit later on weekends.

SeaBus

These catamaran ferries cross Burrard Inlet to move passengers between downtown and North Vancouver. Waterfront station on Cordova Street is both a SeaBus terminal and a SkyTrain station, with a short walk between the two (you can also catch the West Coast Express here). Ferries depart every 15 to 30 minutes daily. At the other end of a 12-minute tip, your arrive at Lonsdale Quay, where you can catch North Shore buses.

West Coast Express

This commuter railway system began in 1995. Trains take rush-hour commuters from Mission to downtown Vancouver in the morning rush hour and return them in the late afternoon, Monday to Friday. A one-way fare is $10.25, with return tickets, weekly and 28-day passes available. Commuter stations are at: Port Moody, Coquitlam Central, Port Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows, Maple Meadows, Port Haney, and Mission City. You can even buy "Home Run" Emergency insurance, which provides you a taxi home for daytime emergencies when the trains aren't running ($30 for 12 months coverage). For more info call the 24-hour schedule-and-fare information line: (604) 683-RAIL (7245).

Blue Bus

Blue Bus routes serve West Vancouver, and leave downtown in front of the Bay store (at the intersection of Granville and Georgia). Fares are the same as those of BC Transit buses, and you can use bus transfers between the two. (604) 985-7777.

False Creek Ferries

These ferries take you from downtown to various stops along False Creek. Beats walking or finding a parking spot! The five-minute trip between Granville Island and the Vancouver Aquatic Centre, downtown is $2.50, while other destinations cost $3.50 or $6. The ferries also dock at the Maritime Museum, Stamps Landing and Science World. Call (604) 684-7781 for info.

AquaBus
Cyclists may opt for this competing False Creek ferry service, whose vessels are specially designed to carry bikes between Granville Island and Hornby Street, Stamps Landing, Yaletown and Science World. Fares range between $1.75 and $3.50. Call (604) 689-5858 for more info.

Customer Service & Information

There are several services to help you use BC Transit safely, effectively and efficiently. For schedules and recommended route information you may call the Transit Customer Information 7 days a week 6:30 am to 11:30 pm. A BC Transit representative will tell (even mail you a map if you ask) the best route to take when you tell them your starting point and destination. Any concerns, suggestions or commendations regarding BC Transit may be voiced by dialing the same number.

Lost and Found
Lost Property Office at the Stadium SkyTrain Station (590 Beatty St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2L7) which can be reached at (604) 682-7887 Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm or emailed at lost_property@translink.bc.ca

Access for Persons with Limited Mobility

BC Transit has taken several steps to make riding the bus and SkyTrain easier for everyone. All SkyTrain stations and platform (except for Granville) and the SeaBus are accessible to people with limited mobility, with elevators.

BC Transit was the first transit system in Canada to incorporate low floor busses (also called "kneeling busses") into its fleet for those who are in wheelchairs and who have difficulty climbing stairs. Unique in design, low floor busses are equipped with retractable ramps.

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