A quick guide to Metro Vancouver's transit system

Public transit systems are complicated. Buses and trains move through cities, but it is not always clear who runs them, who pays for them or how you can share your feedback. This short guide introduces the key organizations running our transit system.

Transit helps everyone

When more people use transit, there are less cars on the road and cleaner air. This supports a more connected, livable region – even for those who don’t ride transit.

Who operates transit in Metro Vancouver?

Many groups work together to keep transit moving in our region.

TransLink

TransLink plans, pays for and manages transit across Metro Vancouver, including physical infrastructure like bus exchanges and SkyTrain stations.

TransLink works with other companies to run services:

• SkyTrain – operated by British Columbia Rapid Transit Company
• Buses and SeaBus – operated by Coast Mountain Bus Company
  (Note: West Vancouver Transit runs bus routes in their municipality and is owned and operated by the District of West Vancouver)
• West Coast Express  – operates trains between Downtown Vancouver and Mission on weekdays
• HandyDart – provides door-to-door service for people with disabilities who cannot use public transit without help

TransLink owns and operates some roads and bridges around Metro Vancouver, including the Golden Ears Bridge, Knight Street Bridge and Pattullo Bridge. TransLink also helps pay for roads, bike lanes and sidewalks in Metro Vancouver.

Municipalities

• Owns and takes care of bus stops, bus shelters, benches and garbage cans on streets
• Ensures bus stops are easy to reach and safe for everyone, with things like ramps, clear sidewalks, street lighting and signals at crosswalks

Mayors’ Council on Regional Transportation

• Approves long-term transit plans, fare changes and how money is spent
• Includes representatives from all the 21 municipalities served by TransLink, as well as Electoral Area 'A' (the area near UBC, Howe Sound and the Fraser River) and the Tsawwassen First Nation

Metro Vancouver

• Gives input to TransLink’s long-term plans
• Makes sure transit supports regional population plans and air quality goals

How is transit funded?

Transit costs money to run every day. Here is where the money comes from:

Even though fare and tax revenues are growing, they are not enough to keep up with the system’s expenses and the growing population. TransLink expects a funding gap starting in 2028.

Share your voice

• Join Movement – sign up for their updates or to volunteer, support their campaigns, donate or follow them on Bluesky, Instagram, Mastodon and LinkedIn
• Contact your elected officials – write to your city councillors, Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA, provincial government), Member of Parliament (MP, federal government) about your transit concerns
• Attend a Mayors’ Council public meeting – you can also apply to speak on a specific topic
• Send feedback to TransLink – Share your thoughts on fares, bus routes, schedules, SkyTrain service, bike parking, park and ride lots, bus stop signs or anything else about transit

Other ways to get involved

• Use TransLink’s TravelSmart toolkits – Learn how to travel safely and easily with carpooling, cycling, walking and using transit
• Check out rider discounts – See deals from TransLink’s partners like car, e-bike and e-scooter share companies
• Explore data on transit ridership – Learn more about how people use the system
• Volunteer – Join TransLink’s Community Transit Volunteer Program
• Talk to your employer – Ask your employer to get the Transit-Friendly Employer Certification