TransLink increasing rush hour SeaBus sailings

July 29, 2019



Burrard Chinook to enter next round of sea trials

New Westminster, BC SeaBus passengers will soon benefit from increased service during peak periods, with sailings between Waterfront and Lonsdale Quay set to occur every 10 minutes. Starting September 3, customers will see 10-minute sailings:

7:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m., Monday to Friday*

3:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Monday to Friday*

“The SeaBus is an increasingly popular way to commute between downtown Vancouver and the North Shore, with approximately 20,000 boardings each weekday,” says TransLink CEO Kevin Desmond. “With SeaBus ridership growth of around 6% each year, these extra sailings will help to meet customer demand.”

SeaBus sailings currently occur every 15 minutes during peak periods. Increasing sailings to every 10 minutes during rush hour periods is an objective set out in the Mayors’ 10-Year Vision. TransLink has now also added up to 20 extra sailings on Friday evenings to accommodate demand relating to North Vancouver’s Shipyards Night Market.

“This is wonderful news for the region and particularly those commuting to and from the North Shore,” says City of North Vancouver Mayor Linda Buchanan. “Additional sailings and 10-minute service will not only increase SeaBus capacity, this provides opportunity and convenience for even more people to use public transportation.”

To meet the new timetable, the Burrard Beaver will be rotated into regular service. It is currently used as a spare when other SeaBus vessels undergo maintenance. This means if extended maintenance is required on TransLink vessels, rush hour schedules could revert to 15-minute sailings. Every effort will be made to minimize this impact and ensure reliability consistent with SeaBus’ exceptional on-time performance record.

Update on Burrard Chinook:

People may spot the newest SeaBus out on local waters over the next few weeks as it undergoes sea trials. Sea trials ensure TransLink’s performance expectations are met. Once this process is complete, an update will be provided on the Burrard Chinook’s readiness for service.

Media contact:

media@translink.ca