Understanding the network

Our transit network is a spine and feeder system.

It has two main components:

  • Primary routes
  • Feeder routes

Primary routes

Primary lines are mostly straight and with spaced out bus stops. Simple, straight lines with fewer stops mean transit can run faster and more frequently, so people wait less and reach their destination faster.

The primary network includes four levels of service:

  • Rapid Transit Lines
  • Frequent Express Lines
  • Frequent Lines
  • Direct Lines

Feeder routes

Feeder routes include community and connector routes and On-Request service. These routes connect riders to the primary routes.

Feeder routes avoid congested areas, which helps them stay on time more often.

Putting it together: how the network works together

What does it do? Frequent service. Transit-only right of way where needed to bypass congestion and move more quickly across the city

Wait times between buses (core frequencies, longer wait times on branches):

  • Peak: 4-10 minutes
  • Off-peak: 5-10 minutes
  • Nights/weekends: 10-30 minutes

How far apart are the stops? 700-1000 metres outside of downtown

What does it do? These lines will be upgraded to Rapid Transit in the future

Wait time between buses:

  • Peak: 5-15 minutes
  • Off-peak: 10-15 minutes
  • Nights/weekends: 10-30 minutes

How far apart are the stops? 700-1000 metres in express sections, otherwise 350-500 metres

What does it do? Buses run along major streets to help people travel across the city

Wait times between buses:

  • Peak: 10-15 minutes
  • Off-peak: 10-15 minutes
  • Nights/weekends: 10-30 minutes

How far apart are the stops? 350-500 metres

What do they do? Buses run along main streets to help people travel between neighbourhoods

Wait times between buses:

  • Peak: 10-15 minutes
  • Off-peak: 10-20 minutes
  • Nights/weekends: 15-30 minutes

How far apart are the stops? 200-500 metres

What do they do? Connect people to the Primary network and help them move around the city

Wait times between buses:

  • Peak: 15-30 minutes
  • Off-peak: 15-30 minutes
  • Nights/weekends: 20-60 minutes

How far apart are the stops? 200-500 metres

What do they do? Help people travel within their neighbourhoods, to nearby services, to connector routes and the Primary Network

Wait times between buses:

  • Peak: 30-60 minutes
  • Off-peak: 30-60 minutes
  • Nights/weekends: 30-60 minutes

How far apart are the stops? 200-500 metres

What does it do? Serves new and developing areas and other areas with low demand. Connects people to nearby destinations and other transit services

Wait times between buses: Varies. Generally, 5-20 minutes after booking a trip.

How far apart are the stops? Varies

What do they do? Limited span routes operate only at certain times of the day, typically rush-hour. This can include express routes.

Wait times between buses: Varies. Limited-span routes operate only at certain times of day.

How far apart are the stops? Varies

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