Friday, April 10, 2026
TransLink announced it is accelerating the launch of the R2 RapidBus extension to Metrotown, bringing faster, more frequent service between the North Shore, Vancouver, and Burnaby.
Funded through the 2025 Investment Plan, the new R2 Marine–Willingdon RapidBus is expected to begin service in September — more than three months ahead of schedule.
The extension of the existing R2 from Phibbs Exchange to Metrotown Station, via Hastings Street and Willingdon Avenue, will create a new direct connection across one of the region’s busiest transit corridors.
“This is an important upgrade for a corridor that connects people to jobs, services, and destinations across the region. Extending the R2 to Metrotown will give customers a more direct trip, more service throughout the day, and more room on board where it’s needed,” said Kevin Quinn, TransLink CEO.
Demand through this corridor remains strong, with more than 14,000 daily transit trips between Phibbs Exchange and Metrotown. The upgraded R2 will serve key destinations, including Park Royal, Lonsdale Quay, Phibbs Exchange, Burnaby Heights, Hastings Park and the PNE, BCIT’s Burnaby Campus, Brentwood Town Centre, and Metrotown.
“This RapidBus extension is about making life easier for people by reducing congestion in one of Metro Vancouver’s busiest travel corridors. By delivering the extended R2 Marine–Willingdon RapidBus more than three months ahead of schedule, we’re giving people a faster and more reliable way to travel, and strengthening connections between communities throughout the region,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Transportation and Transit, Government of British Columbia.
The R2 RapidBus currently has more than 1.9 million boardings per year; this route extension will:
- Create a new direct connection between Park Royal and Metrotown, eliminating the need to transfer at Phibbs Exchange.
- Reduce wait times, with service every 6-7 minutes during peak periods.
- Use larger 60-foot buses to add capacity and improve comfort.
- Strengthen connections to the Expo and Millennium SkyTrain lines.
Construction will begin at the end of April 2026 and continue throughout the summer. A total of 14 existing bus stops will be modified, with two additional bus shelters being built; three new bus stops will be added in Burnaby to improve accessibility.
(TransLink)
With this new route, the #222 Willingdon Express between Phibbs Exchange and Metrotown, which currently operates during weekday peak hours only, will be discontinued in September. The R2 extension will replace the #222, with all-day service seven days a week and more capacity to relieve overcrowding. Route 130 will continue providing local service, with most trips terminating at Kootenay Loop. The R2 extension will not include changes to bus priority or HOV lanes in Burnaby.
“This upgrade to the R2 RapidBus route is a critical link for many Burnaby residents — connecting major economic hubs across both sides of the Burrard Inlet with faster, more comfortable service. Whether you’re commuting to work, planning a day trip to shop at the Heights, Metrotown, or Park Royal, this upgrade will make your trip significantly shorter and more enjoyable,” said Mike Hurley, Mayor of Burnaby.
This project was made possible with support and collaboration from the Mayors’ Council on Regional Transportation, the District of West Vancouver, the City of North Vancouver, the District of North Vancouver, the City of Vancouver, the City of Burnaby, xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation), and the Government of British Columbia.
Featured image: (TransLink)
