TransLink is increasing service on 21 routes across Metro Vancouver starting Sept. 7, 2026, including two major changes: the R2 RapidBus extension to Metrotown and a new weekday route serving Langley's Gloucester Industrial Area.
These changes are part of the 2025 Investment Plan. TransLink says approximately 65 per cent of the bus service expansion funded through that plan will be in service after these changes take effect.
R2 RapidBus extends to Metrotown
The R2 Marine–Willingdon RapidBus will extend from Phibbs Exchange all the way to Metrotown Station. TransLink describes this as a new frequent, all-day connection between the North Shore, Vancouver, and Burnaby.
The key details from TransLink:
- Route: Park Royal to Metrotown Station via Lions Gate Bridge and Willingdon Avenue
- Peak frequency: Every six to seven minutes during rush hours on weekdays
- Buses: 60-foot articulated buses with 50 per cent more room on board
- Connections: Links to Capilano University (via Route 245), SFU, and BCIT
The news release says the existing R2 has more than 1.9 million boardings per year. The extension was delivered three months earlier than planned.
222 Willingdon Express discontinued
The 222 Willingdon Express will be discontinued and replaced by the extended R2. TransLink says the R2 will stop at or nearby all bus stops previously served by the 222.
The 222 ends service on Sept. 4, according to the TransLink news release.
New 556 Langley route
TransLink is introducing the 556, a new weekday route connecting Langley Centre and Gloucester Industrial Area during peak hours. This is the first bus route serving the Gloucester Industrial Area.
The route details:
- Service: Every 30 minutes during peak hours
- Stops: 12 new bus stops in Gloucester
- Pickup/dropoff: Bay 1 at Langley Centre
- Morning: Toward Gloucester from 5:15 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.; toward Langley Centre from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.
- Afternoon: Toward Gloucester from 2:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.; toward Langley Centre from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
TransLink says this route is being introduced a full year ahead of schedule and is expected to support more than 7,500 jobs over the next decade.
Other service increases
TransLink is adding year-round service increases on 19 other routes. These include:
- Route 2 MacDonald: Shorter wait times during morning and afternoon rush hours
- Route 20 Victoria: Shorter wait times throughout the week
- Route 84 4th Avenue Express: More weekend and holiday trips, later evening service
- Route 130 Willingdon: Adjusted service with the R2 extension
- Route 257 Horseshoe Bay Express: More evening trips, later service at night
- Route 555 Port Mann Express: Shorter wait times on weekday afternoons
Full details for all routes are on the TransLink service changes page.
Campus routes return
With the return of school, TransLink is reinstating weekday service on five bus routes serving post-secondary institutions:
- Route 9 Broadway: Service between Alma and UBC
- Route 44 UBC Exchange / Downtown Express: Service between UBC and West Vancouver
- Route 143 SFU Exchange / Burquitlam Station
- Route 145 SFU Exchange / Production Station
- Route 245 Capilano University / Phibbs Exchange
This seasonal service continues through spring 2027.
R3 changes to 40-foot buses
With the R2 extension, all trips on the R3 Lougheed Highway RapidBus will operate with 40-foot buses instead of 60-foot buses. All-door boarding will no longer be available on the R3. Customers will board through the front doors only.
TransLink says seating will still be available on approximately 99 per cent of R3 trips.
Seasonal service adjustments
Seasonal service will be rolled back on 18 routes until 2027. Six summer-only routes will be discontinued until 2027, including the 900 Bike Bus (ending Sept. 8).
Labour Day schedule
Labour Day Monday, Sept. 7 will operate on a Sunday/holiday schedule for bus, SkyTrain, and SeaBus. West Coast Express will not operate. Regular weekday schedules resume Tuesday, Sept. 8.
Holiday fares will be in effect on Labour Day. A 1-Zone fare covers travel across all zones.
