The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation has announced it has approved a new bus route around Stanley Park.
In a written statement on Tuesday, the park board says that once implemented, the bus route will use Park Drive.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO 1130 NEWSRADIO VANCOUVER LIVE!The addition of public transit will be the first step in a wider road map that aims to improve transportation in Vancouver’s largest urban park.
“Stage one implementation, which includes initiating planning work on the proposed bus service route, also features further potential pilot projects such as ‘car-free’ days and studies on the feasibility of implementing options within the park,” the statement read.
Following the park board’s decision, which was made during its meeting on Monday evening, staff have been directed to work with TransLink to implement the new bus transit service.
In a statement to CityNews, Translink says the new bus route will be implemented by 2027. “The next steps will be to consult with the public, plan the route with city and Park Board partners, and construct new bus stops in the park,” Translink adds.
Additionally, the park board commissioners are considering installing a permanent separated bike lane on Stanley Park Drive. However, nothing will be decided in this matter until the next planning process for 2027.
The park board’s decision is based on a ‘Stanley Park Mobility Study’ that was presented to the public last summer.
The study, which was conducted through public engagement, highlighted the importance of a reliable transit service in the park, and the park board commissioners say they will use the results in addressing the growing pressure on the park’s road network.
“This study provides a thoughtful and necessary road map to guide future planning decisions and balance the transport needs of all visitors,” said Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation Chair Laura Christensen.
According to the park board, Stanley Park receives about 18 million visitors each year.
The mobility study has taken three years to complete at a cost of almost $1 million.