Tri-City residents will have several opportunities to weigh in on significant changes coming to the region's bus schedule as part of the Northeast Sector Area Transit Plan.
Several events (see sidebar) will take place between now and July 14 and transit-users are encouraged to provide their feedback on what they think about the proposal
But at least one Coquitlam councillor was not happy about the timing of the consultation process.
Brent Asmundson, a Coast Mountain bus driver, told the city's committee of the whole meeting on Monday that summer is not an ideal season in which to hold a public input opportunity. He was particularly concerned with the elimination of the 143 route to SFU and the fact that there is still no 177 going down United Boulevard.
Asmundson suggested extending the public input process and taking the proposal to the Tri-City Transit Task Force for feedback.
According to the proposed plan, the 143 would be replaced with a new frequent limited-stop connection between a new Burquitlam Station and Simon Fraser University on Burnaby Mountain.
Meanwhile, Coquitlam Mayor Richard Stewart also expressed some concerns about the Northeast Sector Area Transit Plan document. He told council that more bus service is needed for Burke Mountain, where many new developments are being built with single-car garages and families expecting public transit in the area.
Some of the other proposed changes outlined in the document include the discontinuation of the existing 97B line once the Evergreen Line opens in 2016 and the introduction of service along Guildford Way. (Many of the changes outlined in the proposal are being made in anticipation of the Evergreen opening.)
The proposal also looks at redesigning the 151 to travel along Como Lake Avenue between Port Coquitlam Centre and Burquitlam.
After the consultation process ends on July 14, TransLink will look to make changes to the document, which are expected to be completed by September.
178 CHANGE
Changes are coming to the 178 Coquitlam Station to Port Moody bus route. Starting Monday, as part of TransLink's summer service changes, the route between Noons Creek and Johnson Street will run along Panorama Drive. Info: www.translink.ca/servicechanges.
TRANSIT CONSULTATIONS
June 19, 3 to 7 p.m., Port Coquitlam Farmers Market (2252 Leigh Sq., PoCo).
June 21, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., B.C. Highland Games and Scottish Festival (Percy Perry Stadium, Town Centre Park, Coquitlam).
June 22, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Belcarra Day (4084 Bedwell Bay Rd.).
June 22, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Coquitlam Centre Mall.
June 29, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Coquitlam Farmers Market (Dogwood Pavilion Parking lot, 624 Poirier St.).
July 1, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Golden Spike Days Festival (Rocky Point Park, Port Moody).
