Westcoast Express and Public Transportation
Public transportation system is second to none
With over one million vehicles registered in the Lower Mainland, and many of these on the roads during peak hours, TransLink has made it a priority to plan and implement an outstanding public transportation system with the goal of boosting public transit use and reducing the number of cars on the road. Communities like Maple Ridge, where over half of the commuters travel to other municipalities, are reaping the benefits.
TransLink plans and coordinates rail, bus and water public transportation throughout the Lower Mainland, with a service area that covers 1800 square kilometres. Service is provided seven days a week, 18-20 hours per day, on most routes. Fares are fully integrated and based on a three-zone system on weekdays, with a system-wide fare evenings and weekends. Features of the public transit system include the following.
The West Coast Express is a high-speed commuter rail service that links Mission, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam and Port Moody to downtown Vancouver. Maple Ridge is currently served by two stations, Port Haney in downtown and Maple Meadows on the Westside of the community. A third station is planned in Albion once the new bridges are completed. West Coast Express operates Monday to Friday during peak commuter periods. Most stations provide ample parking and automated vending machines for passengers to purchase tickets. In addition, the 47 seat coach TrainBus offers more flexibility for Westcoast Express customers adding one trip westbound in AM and one trip eastbound in PM. Ticket service is integrated with bus, Seabus and SkyTrain and TrainBus systems.
Public Transit
Public Bus Transit in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows serves most local routes, and provides direct access to the rest of the Greater Vancouver Regional District. Fares are valid for boarding any bus, Skytrain, or Seabus for 90 minutes from the time the ticket is purchased. A Dial-a-bus service is available upon request to provide a more flexible service to more rural areas. Two key bus routes are the "701" to Coquitlam Centre and "Braid Street" bus going to the Skytrain Station.
HandyDART provides a door-to-door service throughout the Lower Mainland for people who have difficulty using regular bus transportation. The specially equipped vehicles are designed to carry ambulatory passengers, those using wheelchairs or having other special needs. Regularly scheduled trips and one time bookings can both be accommodated.