49th Avenue transit improvements

We’re working with TransLink to improve bus service on 49th Avenue by extending bus lanes and improving bus stop spacing.

On 49th Avenue, more than 35,000 daily trips on bus routes 49 and 430 are affected by traffic delay. Route 49 is the third busiest bus route in the region, and connects neighbourhoods in the south of Vancouver, UBC, Langara College, Metrotown, various commercial areas, and the Canada and Expo SkyTrain Lines.

The project aims to:

Help buses move smoothly through traffic and stay on time
Provide faster travel times and more reliable bus service
Improve transit access to destinations along Route 49 and 49th Avenue
Mitigate and balance impacts to parking and loading, where possible

Public engagement results

In February 2026, we gathered feedback through an online survey on proposed bus lane changes between Cambie St and Fraser St.

Review the engagement report (604 KB)

Overview of project

On many sections of 49th Ave, buses share a single lane with all traffic and are delayed by vehicles that are turning or parking. Together with TransLink, we are improving transit across 49th Ave.

Updates include:

Bus lanes between Cambie St and Fraser St
Bus lanes between Fraser St and Boundary Rd
Bus stop changes on Route 49

Map of existing and proposed bus lane changes on 49th Ave

The existing bus lanes on 49th Avenue are being extended across the corridor and to longer hours.

Download map of existing and proposed bus lane changes along 49th Ave (136 KB)

Bus lanes (Cambie St to Fraser St)
On 49th Ave between Cambie St and Fraser St, bus lanes are planned in both directions from 7am to 7pm, Monday to Saturday.
- Curbside parking and loading/unloading will not be permitted during bus lane hours and at the approaches to intersections.
- Loading zones will be added on side-streets next to 49th Ave. Permit parking zones for residential parking are being considered.
- Vehicles may enter the bus lane to make right-turns when approaching an intersection or driveway.
- Curbside signage and lane markings will be added to the roadway in 2026, in coordination with the utility upgrades and pavement restoration for the West 49th Ave and Alberta Sewer separation project (Phase 1).
- Based on feedback from residents, businesses, and transit riders in early 2026, we’ve revised the bus lane hours, which were proposed from 7am to 10pm, seven days a week on 49th Ave between Cambie St and Fraser St. Review engagement results (604 KB)
Review maps

49th Ave bus lanes between Cambie St and Fraser St

Download the map of 49th Ave transit improvements - Cambie to Fraser 2026 (2 MB)
Bus lanes (Fraser St to Boundary Rd)
Bus lanes are planned in both directions on 49th Avenue
- Fraser St to Tyne Street: 7am to 7pm, Monday to Saturday
- Tyne Street to Boundary Road: 7am to 7pm, 7 days a week
Curbside impacts
- Parking and loading/unloading will not be permitted during bus lane hours and at the approaches to intersections.
- Vehicles may enter the bus lane to make right-turns when approaching an intersection or driveway.
- Curbside signage and lane markings are planned to be installed on the roadway beginning in fall 2026 to spring 2027 in coordination with roadway repaving.
- New loading zones on side-streets next to 49th Ave and potential permit parking zones for residential parking are being considered.
Review maps

49th Ave transit improvements between Fraser St to Boundary Rd

Download the map of 49th Ave transit improvements between Fraser St to Boundary Rd (154 KB)
Bus stop spacing

More than half of the bus stops on Route 49 are closer together than TransLink’s bus stop spacing guidelines.

To help make trips quicker and more reliable while maintaining transit access, TransLink is adjusting bus stop locations on Route 49. This includes removing 19 stops and adding a new eastbound stop at 49th Avenue and Wiltshire Street.

Based on public feedback, TransLink has adjusted the plan and will retain 9 stops that were originally proposed for removal.

The changes will take effect on June 8, 2026, along 49th Avenue between SW Marine Drive and Boundary Road, as well as portions of Dunbar Street and 41st Avenue.

Accessible landing pads will also be added at the new bus stop and 3 existing bus stops.

Learn more about the bus stop changes on Route 49

49th Avenue project timeline

2020

Council approves Climate Emergency Action Plan and accelerates work to prioritize transit
Fall 2020

Bus lanes installed on 49th Ave approaching major intersections between Main St and Boundary Rd
Oct 2023

Council direction to implement bus priority along 5 corridors in Vancouver including 49th Ave
Fall 2024

Bus lanes installed on 49th Ave approaching Cambie St (eastbound) and Oak St (westbound)
Early 2026

Gather feedback on bus lanes between Cambie St and Fraser St

TransLink engagement on bus stop changes
May 2026

Gather feedback on bus lanes between Fraser St and Boundary Rd
We are here
June 2026

Bus stop changes in effect
Fall 2026 to spring 2027

Bus lane installation between Cambie St and Boundary Rd, coordinated with roadway restoration and repaving
2027

Future phases of bus-priority improvements on 49th Ave