This is Vancouver How rapid bus routes could reshape transit in Metro Vancouver
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Jan 22, 2026 Justin McElroy, a CBC municipal affairs reporter, dives into TransLink's ambitious plan for dedicated bus lanes around Metro Vancouver. He discusses the potential success of these Bus Rapid Transit routes, highlighting their speed and reliability with dedicated lanes and priority signals. The conversation explores previous transit project failures and the political dynamics that influenced them. McElroy also weighs in on mayoral perspectives regarding local trade-offs and funding concerns, providing a comprehensive look at Vancouver's transit future.
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West Vancouver Pullback Example
- West Vancouver scaled back its original rapid-bus plan after public pushback in 2019.
- The R2 Marine Drive launched in 2020 but stops at Park Royal instead of continuing into West Vancouver.
BRT As A Middle Ground
- Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) aims to deliver faster, more reliable service with dedicated lanes and transit signal priority.
- TransLink positions BRT as faster than ordinary buses but less costly than SkyTrain, with five-minute frequencies.
History Of Backlash Against Non‑SkyTrain Projects
- Public backlash has repeatedly stalled non-SkyTrain projects in the region, especially when car lanes or parking are threatened.
- Political resistance often surfaces once block-level specifics trigger local protests, undermining smaller transit projects.