At long last, the Big Bend area has finally received some much-needed bus service, thanks to advocacy by the Burnaby Board of Trade and Alpha Technologies.
In January, the BBOT paired with the power solutions company to co-host a transit forum, inviting Burnaby businesses to express their concerns and ideas with TransLink. Those comments and the high demand for transit prompted city council to approve a service increase in South Burnaby in September.
“As the voice of business in Burnaby, the BBOT has a mandate to advocate on issues that are important to our membership and the entire business community,” stated BBOT president and CEO Paul Holden on Monday. “We’re particularly pleased with this initiative because of its direct positive impact for companies in the Big Bend neighbourhood and their more than 2,500 employees.”
To accommodate the increased service, TransLink’s route 116 bus now travels along North Fraser Way, east of Byrne Road, to Marine Way. With 10 new stops on the route, the 116 bus drops off and picks up passengers within walking distance of most businesses in the Big Bend area.
“TransLink wants to find ways to better connect people, ease congestion and provide convenient travel choices across the region,” said Tim Savoie, TransLink’s vice-president of transportation strategy. “We heard from customers in this area, and by working with business organizations like the Burnaby Board of Trade, we were able to better understand the needs of the community and identify this solution.”
Along with Holden and Savoie, Alpa Technologies CMO David Boroevich was on hand for the announcement.
“Alpha is thrilled to finally have convenient transit service for our 500-plus employees and visitors,” said Boroevich. “The new route will make commuting easier, safer and more comfortable, especially during the winter months when in the past we have been faced with a hike of over one kilometre, much of it unlit and without a sidewalk.”
