Improved transit in Big Bend a huge success for BBOT and local businesses
On Monday, Dec 15th Burnaby Board of Trade (BBOT) President & CEO Paul Holden was on location at the Corner of North Fraser Way and Tillicum Street, along with Alpha Technologies CMO David Boroevich and TransLink’s VP of Transportation Strategy, Tim Savoie, to celebrate the first day of improved transit in the Big Bend industrial area, following board of trade advocacy efforts and years of petitioning from local businesses.
“As the voice of business in Burnaby, the BBOT has a mandate to advocate on issues that are important to our membership and the entire business community,” commented Holden. “We’re particularly pleased with this initiative because of its direct positive impact for companies in the Big Bend neighbourhood and their more than 2,500 employees. I would like to congratulate the City of Burnaby, TransLink, and local businesses who all came together to work out a solution that makes great sense for everyone involved.”
The improved service means changes to TransLink’s route no. 116 to include North Fraser Way, east of Byrne Road, to Marine Way. The changes will add 10 new stops to the route in the area where there is a high demand for service. Importantly, the bus will now stop within walking distance of most business in the Big Bend area.
Said Savoie: “TransLink wants to find ways to better connect people, ease congestion and provide convenient travel choices across the region, so we are excited to now provide service via the 116 into the Big Bend area. We heard from customers in this area, and by working with business organizations like the Burnaby Board of Trade, we were able to better understand the needs of the community and identify this solution.”
The initiative began to gain momentum last January when the Burnaby Board of Trade and Alpha Technologies co-hosted a Transit Solutions Forum, where businesses were invited to express their concerns and ideas with TransLink representatives in attendance. In mid-September, Burnaby City Council approved the plan to increase service.
“Alpha is thrilled to finally have convenient transit service for our 500+ employees and visitors,” said Boroevich. “The new route will make commuting easier, safer and more comfortable, especially during the winter months when in the past we have been faced with a hike of over one kilometre, much of it unlit and without a sidewalk. Having this improved service will also make it easier for us to attract and retain staff. Our thanks to the BBOT for their efforts lobbying with The City and Translink to make it happen.”
For a list of other recent Burnaby Board of Trade initiatives, visit bbot.ca/advocacy.
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