TransLink is looking at making changes to its fare system that could make a trip on the SeaBus much cheaper but taking a bus downtown from the outer reaches of the North Shore more pricey.
The transit authority is seeking public feedback on two rough options currently on the table.
Under the first option, trips on rapid transit including the SeaBus and SkyTrain would start at $2.20 for the first five kilometres and then add up incrementally to a maximum of $4.30, while the adult bus fares would still work on a flat rate of $2.20 across the whole system. Because the SeaBus route is a three-kilometre straight shot to downtown, that would make a Lonsdale Quay to Waterfront Station trip $2.20 compared to the current $4.10.
The second option would put a per-kilometre cost on both buses and rapid transit, starting at $2.10 for the first five km and adding up incrementally.
Under that system, riding 17.5 kilometres on the 211 or the 212 bus from Deep Cove to downtown would cost $3.55 to $4.05. Riding the 250 from Horseshoe Bay to Granville Street is roughly 23.8 kilometres and would likely top out at the maximum fare of $4.30.
The goal of the changes is to make the system more equitable for transit riders while still keeping prices attractive enough to woo people out of their cars.
“We want to ensure that we’re pricing the longest trips in a way that’s going to keep them affordable and keep transit a reasonable option for people travelling long distances,” said Andrew Devlin, TransLink’s manager of policy development.
The numbers are subject to change based on the feedback received.
TransLink is also asking for feedback on what discounts could be made available beyond the current lower rates for children and seniors.
Both of North Vancouver’s MLAs welcomed the thought of a cheaper SeaBus ride.
“That’s one of the major disadvantages with the current system. If you’re just taking the SeaBus with a two-zone fare, which I think is unfair,” said Jane Thornthwaite, Liberal MLA for North Vancouver Seymour.
North Vancouver-Lonsdale’s NDP MLA Bowinn Ma agreed, but added it’s important for her constituents to make that known to TransLink.
“I really, really hope a lot of folks who use transit on the North Shore are able to fill out the survey and put in their two cents,” she said.
The survey is at TransLink's website.
