We have drafted a bus stop proposal to the city of Pitt Meadows and Translink imploring these parties to re-evaluate ridership needs at the intersection of Meadow Gardens Way and Lougheed Highway. We are seeking two bus stops. One traveling (Eastbound) to Haney Place and another traveling (Westbound) to Coquitlam Central Station/Skytrain. Adding your name and email address to the list would immensely help strengthen our case to the city by demonstratively proving that there is enough demand for a bus stop. Currently, the closest stop for the major bus routes (the 701 & R3) is 1.3 km away from Meadow Gardens Way. There is an underutilized merging lane on the Westbound side of the highway in front of the Nissan Dealership. There is also ample space off the Eastbound shoulder. Simple & minor road work could help pave the way for a more accessible future. 

Please take a moment to consider the impact of signing this petition even if you are not a transit user. We cannot inspire a positive change for this community without your support! We have actively witnessed young mothers walking in the rain, pushing strollers down Lougheed Highway. Inevitably they end up walking in a ditch because the sidewalk ends at Harris Park. This is what they have been reduced to if they want to go shopping at Save On Foods or visit the shops at Harris. This is what they have been reduced to if they want to venture beyond Pitt Meadows to explore the rest of the GVRD. Take a moment to consider the teenagers residing down Park Road who do not drive or own vehicles yet. Take a moment to consider the senior citizens who have chosen not to drive anymore. Many of these citizens are forced to rely solely on Handy Dart because it is not feasible for them to make it to the closest bus stop. Please take a moment to consider the residents of the Dorado Gated community. The many young families who only share one vehicle amongst their entire family. Transit has responded to this request by indicating that their hands are tied without the involvement of the City of Pitt Meadows. Indicating that extensive civil work would be the only way to bring this proposal to fruition. The city has responded as follows: 

“This location was discussed as part of the rollout for the R3 rapid bus launch in January 2020 but did not proceed given the low activity in the area.”

The nature of our proposal was to suggest that Translink & the City evaluate current ridership needs in this area. Considering that the metric forecasting ridership was generated three years ago during the onslaught of COVID-19 forcing people into lockdown. With reduced users taking transit in 2020. During this time Meadowtown Outlet saw the closure of numerous stores, liquidation closeout sales, and fewer people shopping publicly. Since then, we now have various new businesses to take into consideration. Spec Saver, Mary Browns Chicken, Dollarama, Swan Pizza, Supplement King & the newly renovated Signature BC Liquor Store. Not to mention the pre-existing Cineplex, JSYK, Home Sense, Winners, and Superstore. Statistically, transit users living in this area have always been forced to make other arrangements to get home from Harris Road. How can we possibly prospect ridership levels and overlook a large community of people when there has never been an alternative? 

It goes without saying that life has shifted for all of us since 2020. We cannot rely solely on old data when forecasting a new future. Please let me know if you would like to get involved. If you would like to view the bus stop proposals, or if you would like to review the full response from Translink and the City of Pitt Meadows. I sincerely appreciate your time in reading this letter and your continued support. 

Mahatma Gandhi said it best. "Be the change you wish to see in the world."

Matthew Wheaton & Dana. V

19673 Meadow Gardens Way, Pitt Meadows, BC V3Y 0A1 meadow.gardens.bus@gmail.com