In April 2023, TransLink announced the permanent suspension of the express bus from Richmond to UBC, which was originally suspended as a cost-saving measure during the Covid-19 pandemic. The #480 UBC/Bridgeport Station provided UBC students from Richmond and the Ladner, Delta, Tsawwassen, South Surrey & White Rock connector routes with a fast, reliable connection to campus. Without it, students now have to conduct multiple transfers onto overcrowded alternative services, adding an hour or more of time spent on transit each day. The loss of the 480 has taken time away from students' academic and personal lives, adding stress to their commutes. TransLink is under the belief that the Canada Line and R4 provide a comparable alternative; this is false, as the two services experience severe delays due to overcrowding from the multiple additional destinations these routes serve; not only does this increase travel times, but also wait times for these services.

Restoring the 480 would bring back the time students have lost to transit, and provide additional benefits to Canada Line and R4 passengers who would no longer be delayed by Richmond and South of Fraser commuters. Moreover, it would allow Richmond to become a more viable place to live for UBC students, benefiting the Richmond economy as students would be able to access local dining and rental options. Please consider signing this petition to help restore Richmond-UBC express bus service!

TransLink also announced that the West Vancouver express bus to UBC will be restored this September 2023. This service serves a significantly smaller population; the 480 receives more than ten times the ridership, and serves significantly more communities across the region. If TransLink has the funding to restore one of the least used services in the Lower Mainland, why are they unable to restore the wider-serving 480?

The new West Vancouver service will be implemented by extending the existing 44 from Downtown Vancouver to Dundarave. If they can do it for the smaller population of West Vancouver, why can't they do it for us?

West Vancouver's mayor was successfully able to advocate for the return of the West Vancouver service. We can make restored service to our communities a reality as well. Send your letters to:

Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie: mayorea@richmond.ca

Richmond Mayor and Councillors Office: mayorandcouncillors@richmond.ca

TransLink Customer Relations: custrel@translink.ca

TransLink feedback form: https://www.translink.ca/about-us/customer-service/feedback

UBC President's Office: presidents.office@ubc.ca

UBC AMS President: President@ams.ubc.ca

You can also contact Richmond city councillors directly, as well as municipal leaders in south of Fraser communities, and other relevant offices at UBC and the UBC AMS.

Thank you for supporting our efforts!