Extension of Fraser Valley Express: improving connections with Metro Vancouver

The FVX will now extend to Lougheed Station in Metro Vancouver
Left to Right: Jeff Shields (Chilliwack Councilor), Jason Lum (FVRD Board Chair), Henry Braun (Abbotsford Mayor), Rob Ringma (BC Transit)

BC Transit and its local government partners are excited to announce the extension of the Fraser Valley Express (FVX) to Lougheed Town Centre SkyTrain Station and Bus Exchange, which will expand the reach of this important inter-community connector to Burnaby and beyond into Metro Vancouver.

The Route 66 FVX currently extends from downtown Chilliwack through Abbotsford to the Carvolth Exchange in Langley via Highway 1. Beginning March 27, this limited stop express route will extend to the Lougheed SkyTrain Station in Burnaby.

This location offers two TransLink SkyTrain lines – Millennium and Expo – and one of the best-served and busiest bus exchanges in the region. Easy access to nearby pedestrian and cycling routes also provides easy integration between public transit and other forms of active transportation.

Fraser Valley riders can either access the Route 66 FVX from local transit, or can take advantage of Park & Ride locations at Lickman Road, McCallum Road and Highstreet Shopping Centre.

BC Transit, the Fraser Valley Regional District, City of Abbotsford and City of Chilliwack have worked in close collaboration with TransLink on the FVX extension. The integrated signage and marketing materials that have been developed will provide easily accessible information and a seamless transition for customers wishing to travel between the Fraser Valley and Metro Vancouver using both BC Transit and TransLink services.

In addition to the launch of the FVX extension, two additional weekday and two additional Saturday trips will be added to the existing schedule. Trip times will be adjusted to optimize service for our customers, and a detailed preview schedule is now available for the Central Fraser Valley and Chilliwack, so customers can begin trip planning.

For route and schedule information in Metro Vancouver, please visit translink.ca.

QUOTES:

Dan Coulter, MLA for Chilliwack
“Extending the Fraser Valley Express to connect with the Lougheed SkyTrain is great news for the environment and for people here in Chilliwack and the rest of the valley who are trying to get to Metro Vancouver. Whether it’s for work or play, the choice to take transit just got easier.”

Erinn Pinkerton, President, Chief Executive Officer, BC Transit
“Public transit is about providing people with a safe, reliable and affordable connection to their communities. Working with our local government partners and TransLink to provide transit riders with an integrated transit solution between the Fraser Valley and Metro Vancouver is an important step in making it easier for people to choose transit in the Lower Mainland.”

Kevin Quinn, Chief Executive Officer, TransLink
“Better linking Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley through transit was prioritized in our Transport 2050 Strategy to better connect our communities and to make transit a more attractive option for commuters traveling in this corridor. The Fraser Valley Express is a major step forward for transit users, the economy, and tourism by creating a more convenient connection between downtown Vancouver and Chilliwack.”

Jason Lum, Chair, Fraser Valley Regional District
“Extending Route 66 FVX from the Fraser Valley to the SkyTrain in Metro Vancouver expands the possibilities for residents and visitors travelling to and from our region. Public transit provides a vital link from our rural and urban communities to health care, business, and educational opportunities.”

Henry Braun, Mayor, City of Abbotsford
“This extension the Fraser Valley Express bus service to connect directly to the Lougheed Town Centre SkyTrain Station better meets the need of Abbotsford passengers looking to connect to Metro Vancouver. This valued expansion shows what can be done when communities and government agencies work together to improve transit options for Fraser Valley residents.”

Ken Popove, Mayor, City of Chilliwack
“Extending the Fraser Valley Express to Lougheed station will provide an important link between Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. As Chilliwack continues to grow rapidly, this valuable connection will provide our residents with a range of transportation options to move around the Lower Mainland.”

Media contact
BC Transit Communications
250-880-1303 | Media@bctransit.com