Stimulus funding for Hwy 99 rapid bus

In perhaps one of the oddest stimulus projects announced, Surrey will receive a combined $13 million from the federal and provincial governments to build a northbound rapid bus lane along Hwy 99, between King George and Hwy 91. Stimulus projects have short term, fixed completion dates attached their funding, meaning the rapid bus lane will likely be completed in the near future.

This particular project is a questionable investment considering the lack of need or current demand for a designated bus lane on the route, especially as funding recently collapsed for the King George B-Line, putting that more essential transit link on hiatus.

There are currently a couple of TransLink highway coaches running up and down Hwy 99, connecting White Rock and South Surrey to the Canada Line at Bridgeport station. The route’s primary rush hour congestion occurs at the choke point of the Massey Tunnel. Strategic bus-only lanes have been built in the past few years near the river crossing, allowing transit to pass the lineups and merge near the tunnel’s entrance, reducing delays for bus riders.

The Hwy 99 is one of several “Rapid Bus” links included in the 2008 Provincial Transit Plan. According to the Plan, “Rapid Bus” can include:

• modern, efficient, high capacity vehicles, which are easy to board, quiet, clean and comfortable to ride
• contemporary, conveniently located bus stations with nearby amenities
• seamless integration with other transit options and coordination with cycling and walking infrastructure
• separate lanes on all or some parts of routes
• use of high occupancy vehicle lanes
• signal priority and queue jumping provisions
• effective security measures