TransLink reports biggest jump in ridership since start of pandemic

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – TransLink is optimistic ridership will continue to grow after seeing its highest jump in riders since start of the pandemic.

The transit authority says it saw 17 per cent more riders during the four weekdays after Labour Day, compared to weekdays throughout August. It says it’s the highest boost in ridership in 18 months.

It’s attributing the increase to more people returning to the office and kids going back to school.

TransLink says routes serving universities (such as Route 49 Metrotown Stn/Dunbar Loop and Route 145 SFU/Production Stn), as well as those serving industrial areas (such as Route 418 Kingswood/22nd St. Station and Route 175 Coquitlam Central/Meridian) saw some of the biggest gains.

“I’m optimistic about ridership growth as we move into the fall,” said TransLink CEO Kevin Quinn. “We are seeing people eager to get back into routines of work and school and we hope people make transit their first choice in getting to and from their daily activities.”

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System-wide ridership is still at about 55 per cent of pre-COVID levels.

However, the transit authority says bus ridership in the southeast part of the region is at 66 per cent of pre-pandemic levels, attributed to a higher percentage of frontline workers.