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TransLink will add or modify a raft of bus routes across Metro Vancouver, with plans for an express bus along Hastings Street, faster trips to the Tsawwassen ferry terminal from Bridegport station in Richmond and new or improved service for Langley, Port Coquitlam and New Westminster.

The changes follow an extensive consultation period in which 12,017 participants approved or vetoed 85 route changes proposed as part of an overall network review, said Tim Savoie, TransLink’s vice-president of planning and policy.

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TransLink said the aim is to provide more “speed and reliability” on some routes as well as connections to the Evergreen Line when it opens in 2017.

“We know there’s an increase in the population and our buses are overcrowded so that’s why we’re adjusting what we have,” Savoie said.

Some service changes, such as those to community shuttle routes in New Westminster and Vancouver, will go ahead on April 11, while other proposals have been deferred for more analysis. Those include plans to discontinue the No. 258 from West Vancouver to the University of B.C., which drew concern from residents, while the city of Coquitlam has asked for further consultation on proposed bus routes, such as those up Burke Mountain linking to the new Evergreen Line

The new routes include an express B-Line for the No. 135 on Hastings Street, faster routes along 49th Avenue in Vancouver and routes for growing neighbourhoods such as Willoughby in Langley and the Dominion Triangle in Port Coquitlam. TransLink has also adjusted the No. 620 bus from Bridgeport station in Richmond to the Tsawwassen ferry so it has fewer stops but it will keep a stop at the Tsawwassen Mall, Savoie said.

ksinoski@postmedia.com