Advocates believe there is a middle ground that would keep buses on Granville Street as part of its 20-year revitalization.
Denis Agar, executive director of Movement: Metro Vancouver Transit Riders, tells V.I.A. removing transit from the busy thoroughfare could put vulnerable riders' safety at risk, especially those who need to walk or roll a longer distance to SkyTrain and other buses.
Agar also claims the proposed design could create more traffic for the adjacent Howe and Seymour streets.
"Those are streets with narrow sidewalks, poor lighting, and no bus lanes," he said. "And they are further from the retail businesses on Granville that many are travelling to.
"Right now, transfers between buses and trains at Granville and Georgia are very simple. The stop you get off at is generally beside the stop you'll want to board at. All the stops and stations are easy to see," Agar added.
"Moving that transfer point a block away will make things more difficult to understand for occasional riders and tourists. It will add at least 150 metres of walking or rolling, which will be especially hard for people using wheelchairs or strollers."
Transit ridership 'going up quickly'
Vancouver has been working on a draft plan for the Granville entertainment district since 2023 in hopes of pedestrianizing the street, including gathering zones, transit waiting areas, and public plazas.
Agar is in favour of creating more space for visitors, events and businesses, but said keeping buses in the area and adding more at night would keep up with demand.
Granville Street "does enormous heavy lifting" for Vancouver transit, added Agar, claiming it serves almost 80,000 trips per day with two bus-only lanes — 16,000 of which board passengers in the downtown core.
"Transit ridership is going up quickly. It's going up faster than was expected during this recovery period. Car traffic feels like it's going up rapidly too," he explained.
"Fast, reliable buses and trains free up our streets so that trucks and tradespeople can move efficiently. I'm worried that if the City takes steps to slow down buses through the downtown core, people will shift into cars."
George Street in Sydney, Australia (see video below), shifted its infrastructure and bus lanes over to create more space, a concept Agar believes Vancouver should consider in its draft plan.
As well, Agar said Vancouver could ensure buses get more green lights and extend bus-only lanes from downtown to as far south as 16th Avenue.
A RapidBus stopping pattern should also be in the plan, Agar noted.
'Let's have some big picture thinking'
In its latest version, Vancouver's Granville Street Plan would be divided into three sub-areas: City Centre, Entertainment Core and Bridgehead.
Key developments listed are large video screens, public art, a central plaza for gatherings, better access to nearby SkyTrain stations (Vancouver City Centre and Granville) and mixed-use residential developments, including "some of Vancouver's tallest towers."
The city stated elements of the entertainment district, like the Orpheum, Commodore Ballroom and Vogue Theatre, would be preserved throughout the 20-year upgrade.
"This dynamic hub is designed for socializing, cultural experiences, and celebrations, making it a go-to destination for locals and visitors," the Granville Street draft plan explained.
"New development will support arts and entertainment activity, and blend indoor and outdoor activities with a pedestrian zone that supports cultural events and performance."
The lower side of Granville would be prioritized as a "quieter" area, focusing on implementing cultural spaces and local shops with residential and commercial buildings.
The first phase, done over five years after city approval, would involve pedestrian-zone pilot programs, public safety improvements and seasonal transit measures for How and Seymour streets.
Agar hopes when the time comes to finalize the draft the City of Vancouver will consider all Granville Street commuter needs.
"Let's have some big picture thinking from council on how we can not only get more space to play but also make transit faster and less crowded."
The city is also seeking public feedback online until Feb. 23 on the current plan. A final draft is anticipated to go to council in June.
Here's what Vancouver's entertainment district could look like in 20 years https://t.co/ffWUk7JxkL
— Vancouver Is Awesome (@VIAwesome) February 5, 2025
