North Shore RapidBus reaches Metrotown three months early, offering all-day service
The R2 Marine-Willingdon extension launches September 7, replacing weekday-only express service with frequent seven-day-a-week transit connecting 98,000 jobs.
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The R2 Marine-Willingdon RapidBus extension launches September 7, connecting Park Royal in West Vancouver to Metrotown in Burnaby with all-day service seven days a week. The project arrives three months ahead of its originally planned 2027 date.
The new route replaces the Route 222 express bus, which ran only during weekday rush hours on a similar corridor. The 222's last day of operation is September 6. The R2 will run every six to seven minutes during peak periods, offering significantly more frequent and more predictable service.
The R2 Marine-Willingdon follows the same North Shore route as the old R2 line, continues over the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge to Hastings Street and Willingdon Avenue, with Metrotown as the final stop. Route stops include Park Royal, Capilano Mall, Lower Lonsdale, Lower Lynn Valley, Burnaby Heights, Brentwood Town Centre, BCIT, and Metrotown. The new route provides connections to the Expo and Millennium SkyTrain lines.
More than 14,000 transit trips were made each weekday between Phibbs Exchange and Metrotown before this launch. Previously, that trip required a transfer via the 222 express or Route 130. The new direct connection links commuters to a corridor providing access to roughly 98,000 jobs.
"People rely on transit every day to get to work, school, and where they need to go. Delivering the R2 extension three months early means customers have more direct connection across one of Metro Vancouver's busiest corridors, sooner," said Kevin Quinn, CEO of TransLink.
The existing R2 RapidBus carries more than 1.9 million boardings annually. RapidBus routes, Metro Vancouver's frequent and limited-stop bus network with six routes since 2020, have grown significantly in ridership. Infrastructure upgrades ahead of the launch include 14 bus stops upgraded to accommodate larger buses, with tactile walking surface indicators and accessible loading areas. Nine bus passenger information displays were added with real-time bus time updates. Route 130 continues to run, with most trips ending at Kootenay Loop.
At a glance
When does the R2 Marine-Willingdon extension launch?
The R2 Marine-Willingdon RapidBus extension launches on September 7, 2026, connecting Park Royal in West Vancouver to Metrotown in Burnaby.
What service does it replace?
The R2 replaces Route 222, an express bus that ran only during weekday rush hours on a similar corridor. Route 222's final day is September 6, 2026.
How often will the R2 run?
The R2 will run every six to seven minutes during peak periods and offer all-day service seven days a week, replacing the weekday-only 222 service.
How many jobs does the corridor serve?
The new direct connection links commuters to a corridor providing access to roughly 98,000 jobs.
