Those taking transit will soon find the commute along one of Surrey and North Delta's busiest roads a lot quicker.
Part TransLink’s 10-Year Plan and Phase 2 of RapidBus, the R6 express bus route along Scott Road is scheduled to begin in late 2023.
RapidBus service provides residents with service every fifteen minutes or better, from 6 a.m. to midnight, every day of the week.
The new services also delivers an enhanced passenger experience through new high capacity articulated buses, all-door boarding and improved amenities to residents.
Improved signage includes real-time digital information, new branded bus stop poles, wayfinding information and accommodations for visually impaired customers, according to TransLink.
Map showing proposed R6 RapidBus route along the North Delta/Surrey border on Scott Road. Map: TransLinkThe transit authority notes the existing 319 bus service has established itself as one of the key south of Fraser routes with continued growth over the last several years.
In 2019, it ranked as the seventh busiest route in the region with over 7.4 million annual boardings.
Even through COVID-19, TransLink has noted continued strong ridership on the route.
It’s also the second-fastest-growing route in the region.
What needs to happen before RapidBus can launch in Surrey/North Delta?
A number of street changes will be needed to facilitate the new express bus route.
A Delta staff report to council notes project planning for the R6 Scott Road RapidBus is currently proceeding and the proposed project schedule includes a public engagement phase during the concept design stage.
There will also be targeted community and business engagement.
Staff from Delta, Surrey and TransLink have met regularly and finalized the alignment and stop selection for the R6 route.
The R6 alignment along 120th Street and 72nd Avenue includes stops at all of the major crossing points. Council recently endorsed the alignment and stop selection.
The Delta report, however, also notes that while the project would be primarily funded by TransLink, given the uncertainty with the transit authority’s financial outlook, the overall work program is currently under review and funding for the project will be confirmed through an updated investment plan anticipated to be brought forward in early 2021.
Read more from the Delta Optimist
