TransLink adds SeaBus sailings as COVID-19 restrictions ease

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – There will be more sailings to help you get between Vancouver and the North Shore starting Tuesday — TransLink is increasing SeaBus service.

SeaBus will leave every 15 minutes between 7:15 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. on weekdays, and from 9:15 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekends.

“This boost in sailings will provide more convenient and allow extra space for customers. Demand is expected to continue increasing as B.C.’s economy reopens and as British Columbians undertake more travel within the province this summer,” TransLink’s website reads.

Attention SeaBus customers! SeaBus sailing frequency will be increasing starting Tuesday, August 4. SeaBus sailings will depart every 15 minutes between 7:15 am and 9:00 pm on weekdays and between 9:15 am and 9:00 pm on weekends.

Read more: https://t.co/eqzsifu7Wl

— News from TransLink (@TransLinkNews) July 31, 2020

The 15-minute sailings had been limited to the weekday rush hours amid the COVID-19 pandemic, as more people stayed home in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

TransLink is limiting seating capacity on SeaBus to 50 per cent as part of its Safe Operating Action Plan for COVID-19.

“We are continuing to review service to ensure it balances the need to help our customers get around the region, with the need to maintain and respect enhanced safety protocols,” TransLink says.

Related stories: 

• SeaBus sailings set to increase as B.C. moves through Phase 3 of COVID-19 recovery

• Why is the SkyTrain crowded when there’s a 50-person gathering cap in B.C.?

• TransLink asking riders to cover faces while on or waiting for transit

The transit authority says vessels will be “spray disinfected” twice each week, in addition to daily cleaning. Passengers are being asked to keep the appropriate distance from others while on the transit system and to wash their hands before boarding.

Other measures, like changes to boarding to help avoid lineups in loading ramps during peak times and encouraging mask wearing on the system, are also in place.

According to TransLink, SeaBus boardings “have more than tripled” since the COVID-19 pandemic pushed ridership numbers to a significant low in April.

Currently, SeaBus boardings are about a quarter of what they were last year.