TransLink announced Saturday that it is reducing service on bus, SeaBus, and West Coast Express beginning Monday due to “low ridership and financial pressures.”
TransLink also said in a news release that it is deferring a fare increase that was set for July 1.
These are the service changes:
- As of Monday, SeaBus will move to a 30-minute sailing schedule all-day.
- As of Monday, Coast Mountain Bus Company will reduce bus service with a focus on routes with very low ridership. Priority will be given to maintaining service on routes where pass-ups occur.
- As of Wednesday, West Coast Express train 4, leaving Mission at 6:55 a.m. and Waterfront at 5:30 p.m. will be cancelled.
According to TransLink, since mid-March:
- SeaBus ridership is down 90%
- West Coast Express ridership is down 95%
- Bus boardings are down 82%
- Total Boardings on the entire transit system are down 83%
“As a result of the sudden and significant drop in ridership, the temporary suspension of fare collection on buses to allow for rear-door boarding, and a 60% drop in fuel tax revenue due to fewer people driving, TransLink revenues have dropped dramatically,” the transit authority said.
Transit fares were scheduled to increase on July 1 by 20 to 25 cents for single-use fares, 25 cents for DayPasses, and $3 to $5 for monthly passes.
