After dealing with different serious topics in the previous chapters, let’s take a break and talk about your daily life in Vancouver. In this chapter, you’ll find some tips about different topics from transit, to driver licensing, meeting new people, communications, and grocery stores. Topics that might sound less profound but still very important when settling in a new city.
TRANSIT
Vancouver’s public transportation service is known as “Translink.” Different methods of transportation include public bus routes, Skytrain service, West Coast Express, and the Seabus. Depending on where you are traveling to and from, most places are accessible within a reasonable time through the various routes available.
Watch this video guide here for an in-depth explanation of how to use our public transportation system in Vancouver.
Please note that some of the information is a little outdated, for more up-to-date information on fares, and alternative bus routes, you can find it on Translink’s homepage.
How much does it cost?
For Skytrain and Seabus the fare is divided into three fare zones during the peak periods, which is the start of service until 6:30 pm. After 6:30 pm, all bus rides do not apply to the zone fares. It is highly recommended that if you are going to be using public transportation often, to look into getting a Compass Card. Fares are as follows:
One Zone: 2.55 Compass Card / 4.55 Adults / 3.10 Concession Three Zone: 4.80 Compass Card / 11.25 Adults / $8.85 Concession
With one fare, you can travel on all TransLink services for 90 minutes. You can transfer between buses, SkyTrains, and the SeaBus without having to pay again.
You can buy a Compass card at a vending machine in SkyTrain stations, directly in different stores selling Compass Cards but also by phone or online.
How can I find the right bus route?
Google Maps is a great resource for finding an exact transit route not only for cars or cycling but for the public transportation system as well. They also feature bus schedules, any delays, and each stop that the bus takes.
How accessible is public transit?
Most of the major cities in Vancouver are accessible by public transportation, the Skytrain has routes that go through Richmond, Burnaby, and Vancouver with plenty of bus routes intertwining the other major city districts.
BIKING
Vancouver is also a very cyclist-friendly city, with more bike lanes/shared roads being developed; it is definitely a mode of transportation that is becoming a popular alternative. If you are planning to live closer to the downtown area or any cyclist-friendly neighborhood, we do advise that you invest in the proper safety equipment required by law.
To learn more about the different laws/regulations around cycling, read more on ICBC’s homepage here and you can find the Cyclist Handbook Guide here.
Notes 📝
If you do plan on biking to work, Launch Academy’s office does have a bike room available for our members. We highly advise all cyclists to equip themselves with additional safety gear as visibility (Safety reflective tape, clothing, blinkers, etc.) during the night/winter can be very limited. Vancouver has a lot of bicycle theft, please look into investing in anti-theft gear as well and avoid leaving your bicycle locked in certain areas of the city.
Bike Share Mobi is a public bike-sharing program available in Vancouver. You can borrow a bicycle for short trips in Vancouver. There are Mobi bike stations around the city.
DRIVING
There are a few options for car transportation around Vancouver. Transportation by car is still a popular method to get around in Vancouver as the distance between cities can take anywhere from 20 - 60 minutes on average, including traffic & rush hour. If you are looking to own a vehicle, there are brand dealership hubs within each city, or if you are looking to buy a used car - Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and used-car dealerships are available as well.
Suggested Prompts
How can I maximize my savings when using Vancouver’s public transportation system regularly?
What are some effective safety strategies for cycling in Vancouver, especially during winter months or at night?
In what ways might owning a car influence my ability to explore more remote or less accessible areas around Vancouver?
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