New UBC service aims to break September bus jam

TransLink has reported its largest service increase ever, saying it will add 80,000 hours of bus service over a three-month period, beginning Sept. 2.

The Metro Vancouver regional transit authority hopes the increased service levels will make the commuter crunch a little easier when thousands of students head back to school this September.

Last September, hundreds of people spent hours waiting in lineups at the Broadway Skytrain station to transfer to the 99 B-line express bus to the University of British Columbia, and with this year's high gas prices, even bigger crowds are expected.

TransLink spokesman Drew Snider said eight new buses will be put on the new No. 33 route, running from the 29th Avenue SkyTrain Station along 33rd Ave., Cambie St., and 16th Ave. to UBC.

Meanwhile, UBC-bound buses from Brentwood Station and Metrotown Station will increase in frequency,and other services will be added throughout the bus system.

"We're getting 23 more buses on the roads, many of those being in areas of Surrey and North Vancouver, where they are needing more service," said Snider.

Critics say move won't help

Despite the increases in service, a massive commuter crunch is still expected this fall, and critics say TransLink is not doing enough.

Vancouver's Bus Riders Union spokesperson Beth Grayar says the increases are negligible.

"I think what's really missing from TransLink plans in September is a massive expansion of bus service. The Bus Riders Union has been advocating for TransLink to add 500 new buses to alleviate the system and that's a lowball figure," said Grayar.