Newton Bus Ridership Soars with R6 RapidBus Launch

Bus ridership in Newton, a district in Surrey, has more than doubled since the introduction of the R6 RapidBus service in January 2024, according to TransLink CEO Kevin Quinn. During a luncheon on October 2, hosted by the Newton Business Improvement Association (BIA) at Bombay Banquet Hall, Quinn will discuss the future of transit services and the significant increase in ridership that has arisen from improved connectivity.

Quinn highlighted that the R6 RapidBus, which connects Scott Road SkyTrain Station to Newton Exchange, has played a crucial role in this growth. Ridership figures have surged from approximately 16,000 to around 35,000 passengers per day within just one year. He noted, “It’s the fastest growing area for transit demand that we’re seeing. In particular, we’ve seen Newton’s ridership more than double in just one year, which is pretty incredible.”

Impact of Enhanced Transit Connectivity

The introduction of the R6 RapidBus has not only increased the number of passengers but also improved the overall transit experience for residents. “The addition of the two RapidBus lines has made a meaningful and impactful contribution to the Newton community,” said Philip Aguirre, executive director of the Newton BIA. He emphasized that enhanced transit connectivity supports both people and business movement in the area.

With over 160,000 residents, Newton is the most populated district in Surrey, housing three of the ten most overcrowded routes in the region. Aguirre underlined the urgency for continued investment in transit infrastructure, stating, “These numbers highlight the urgency — and the opportunity — to continue investing in transit infrastructure that meets the needs of our growing community.”

In response to the increasing demand, TransLink has committed to a substantial expansion of bus services across Metro Vancouver this fall. This includes adjustments to bus routes 321, 335, and 393, which service Newton. “We’re putting more buses on more than two dozen routes across Surrey, including several in Newton, as well as some brand-new bus routes that will roll out over the next 12 to 18 months,” Quinn explained.

Future Developments in Transit Infrastructure

Improvements at Newton Exchange have been made alongside the launch of RapidBus, featuring larger buses and fewer stops. Looking ahead, TransLink plans to develop Bus Rapid Transit on King George Boulevard and two other key corridors, Langley–Haney Place and Metrotown–North Shore, over the next decade. Quinn highlighted that these developments are expected to make transit travel about 40 percent faster than current services, combined with higher frequencies and dedicated lanes.

Quinn also noted that increasing service frequency is a top priority. Buses that previously operated every 10 minutes will now arrive every 6 minutes, and those on a 15-minute schedule will now come every 12 minutes. This is aimed at alleviating overcrowding concerns. Additionally, service hours will be extended; routes that previously ended at 10 p.m. will now extend to midnight.

Since assuming the role of CEO in May 2021, Quinn has been focused on enhancing transit services, cycling and walking infrastructure, and addressing the needs of the rapidly growing population in Surrey. His keynote address at the State of Newton event is scheduled for 1:25 p.m. on October 2 at the Bombay Banquet Hall. For tickets and further information, individuals can visit newtonbia.com/program-listings/state-of-newton.