Taking transit between the North Shore and Metrotown will soon be much easier and faster.

TransLink announced on Wednesday that the extension of the R2 Marine Drive RapidBus will be completed ahead of schedule.

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Commuters will be able to ride the bus from Park Royal in West Vancouver all the way to Metrotown in Burnaby in September this year.

Originally, the extension was scheduled to open in early 2027.

Currently, the R2 stops at Phibbs Exchange, just north of the Iron Workers Memorial Bridge.

This means transit passengers going to Metrotown must transfer to either the 130 or 222 bus line. After the extension’s completion, the 222 will be discontinued while the 130 will continue.

The extension will route along Hastings Street and Willingdon Avenue, connecting passengers with Burnaby Heights, Brentwood, and BCIT along its path.

The service will run all day, seven days a week.

According to TransLink, the R2 will decrease travel time between Phibbs Exchange and Metrotown by 20 to 30 per cent.

“This project will also increase capacity along the Willingdon corridor and on the North Shore,” TransLink said in a statement.

“While increase at peak periods is expected to be modest, off-peak capacity on Willingdon is expected to rise by at least 50 per cent.”

Investments funded by tax and fare increases

The transportation authority also adds that it will indirectly benefit Capilano University students travelling along the North Shore corridor.

The project was spearheaded by the District of West Vancouver, District of North Vancouver, City of North Vancouver, City of Vancouver, and the City of Burnaby and is part of TransLink’s 2025 Investment Plan.

The additional investments are funded by a 0.5 per cent property tax increase in 2025, generating a $44 million in revenue.

Additionally, a higher parking sales tax and transit fares carry the financial expenses of the extension.