Burnaby Council Approves Modified 3-Km Bus Lane Plan for Hastings Street

Burnaby, B.C., city council has approved a plan to create a three-kilometre dedicated bus lane along Hastings Street, spanning from Delta Avenue to Duthie Avenue. The bus lane will operate seven days a week and aims to reduce delays for transit users on one of the region’s most congested corridors.

The motion, passed unanimously on Monday, was amended from an earlier proposal that included an additional five blocks between Willingdon and Duthie avenues. In response to concerns from local businesses, the revised plan preserves curbside parking on those five blocks by incorporating "bus bulbs." These extended sidewalk areas will allow buses to stop without disrupting traffic while retaining parking spaces for customers.

According to TransLink, delays on Hastings Street currently impact several bus routes, including the R5, 160, and 134, due to the high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane only operating during weekday rush hours.

Denis Agar, executive director of the transit advocacy group Movement, praised the council’s decision as a step forward for transit reliability. "This will significantly improve transit times for thousands of riders daily," he said. However, Agar expressed concerns about the compromise, saying bus bulbs may not offer the same benefits as a full curbside bus lane.

Businesses in the Burnaby Heights area were relieved by the changes. Isabel Kolic, representing the Heights Merchants Association, emphasized the importance of preserving parking. "Removing all parking would negatively affect seniors, families with children, and those with mobility challenges," she said.

Some councillors echoed these concerns, noting that many businesses depend on neighborhood customers who rely on parking. "This decision balances the need for improved transit while supporting the livelihood of our local businesses," said Coun. Sav Dhaliwal.

Broader Transit Plans

The modified bus lane proposal aligns with TransLink’s broader goals to improve transit between Metro Vancouver’s North Shore and Metrotown. Hastings Street, a critical part of this route, has been identified for improvements through regional funding aimed at enhancing bus speed and reliability.

Staff have been directed to begin designing the bus lane and bus bulbs, with further community consultation planned. Implementation is expected by 2026.