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SeaBus
LocaleMetro Vancouver, British Columbia
WaterwayBurrard Inlet
Transit typePassenger ferry
OwnerTransLink
OperatorCoast Mountain Bus Company
Began operationJune 17, 1977; 48 years ago (1977-06-17)
System length3.24 km (1.75 nmi; 2.01 mi)
No. of lines1
No. of vessels4
No. of terminals2
Daily ridership16,200 (weekdays, Q2 2025)[1]
Yearly ridership5,398,900 (2024)[2]
Route map
Map SeaBus highlighted in brown
Legend
 Lonsdale Quay
Burrard Inlet
 Waterfront
Handicapped/disabled access All stations are accessible
This diagram:

The SeaBus is a passenger-only ferry service in Metro Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It crosses Burrard Inlet to connect the cities of Vancouver (at Waterfront station) and North Vancouver (at Lonsdale Quay). Owned by TransLink and operated by the Coast Mountain Bus Company, the SeaBus forms an important part of the region's integrated public transportation system. In 2024, the SeaBus had a ridership of 5,398,900, or about 16,200 per weekday as of the second quarter of 2025.

Service

[edit]
Waiting hall at the Lonsdale Quay SeaBus terminal
Waterfront Station SeaBus terminal

The SeaBus fleet currently consists of four vessels, with the most recent ship—the MV Burrard Chinook—entering service July 22, 2021.[3] The ferries operate between approximately 6:00 am and 1:00 am from Monday to Saturday, and between 8:00 am and 11:30 pm on Sundays and holidays. During the daytime, two ferries are in service, with the two ferries departing simultaneously from opposite termini and passing each other halfway. The 1.75-nautical-mile (3.24 km) crossing takes 10 to 12 minutes in each direction with a cruising speed of 11.5 knots (21.3 km/h), with a 3 to 5 minute turnaround and, therefore, operates on a 15-minute turn-around schedule.[4] At these times, over 50 crossings are made a day. During the evenings (after 9:00 pm) and early Saturday mornings (until 7:00 am), service is reduced to a 30-minute schedule with only one ferry operating. In 2017, the SeaBus carried over 17,000 riders on average per weekday and transported an estimated 5.84 million people between Vancouver and the North Shore of Burrard Inlet.[5]

The SeaBus is capable of operating on a 12-minute turnaround (down to 10 minutes with simultaneous loading and unloading). However, at the higher speeds, the wake created disturbs other users of the Burrard Inlet.[4] During overloads, it is sometimes operated at the higher speeds.

The ferries operate with four crew members on board[4] (captain and first mate on the bridge and two attendants on the passenger level) and engineers who stay ashore most of the time, but do regular checks of the engines and are available to come aboard at any time. SeaBus crew members are trained and certified to deal with marine emergencies, and will give directions to passengers in the unlikely event of an emergency.

The original emergency procedure involved using the other SeaBus to evacuate passengers from the distressed vessel. Although the viability of this had been demonstrated, Transport Canada became concerned about this approach during times that the other vessel may not be available and has recently[when?] mandated the addition of life rafts.

The turnstiles on the entrance into the SeaBus waiting area are used only for counting the number of passengers boarding. If the maximum number is reached, the turnstiles lock and no more passengers are allowed to board the vessel.[4][6]

Fares

[edit]
See also: TransLink (British Columbia) § Fares

SeaBus is a "Fare Paid Zone", similar to SkyTrain and buses, wherein passengers are required to possess a valid fare. Fare inspections are performed by transit security officers and on occasion by members of the Metro Vancouver Transit Police. SeaBus attendants may check fares but do not conduct enforcement. SeaBus attendants can call transit security to deal with non-compliant passengers. Failure to pay the correct fare or retain a valid fare may result in being removed from the terminal or fined $173.

Terminals

[edit]
Entrance to the Charles A. Spratt SeaBus Terminal at Lonsdale Quay

The SeaBus stops on the Vancouver side at Waterfront Station, near the Vancouver Convention Centre and the cruise ship terminal at Canada Place. A skywalk connects the SeaBus terminal to the main station building, where passengers can transfer to the West Coast Express and two lines of the SkyTrain system (Expo Line and Canada Line). In 2018, a seismic and accessibility upgrade of the Waterfront terminal began, which included escalator replacements and the construction of a new staircase to improve foot traffic flow.[5]

In North Vancouver, the SeaBus stops at the purpose-built Lonsdale Quay, which features an adjacent bus loop; together they form a major transit hub for Vancouver's North Shore municipalities. In addition to serving commuters, Lonsdale Quay has become an important tourist destination, with a hotel and public market. In 1989, the North Vancouver terminal was designated the "Charles A. Spratt SeaBus Terminal", in honour of Charles Spratt, Project Manager of the SeaBus project from conception to launch, and Marine Manager of the system until his retirement in 1988.[7]

Each terminal consists of two docks surrounded by an E-shaped structure: passengers board from the central waiting hall, which is separated into two waiting areas (each serving one dock) by partitions and turnstiles, and disembark onto a side platform (a Spanish solution).

Ferries

[edit]

The current SeaBus fleet consists of the following vessels:

Vessel Year of construction (location) Capacity Status Exterior Interior
MV Burrard Otter 1976 (Vancouver) 385 Retired – December 2016
MV Burrard Beaver 1976 (Victoria) 385 In use Similar to Burrard Otter
MV Burrard Pacific Breeze 2009 (Victoria) 385[8] In use
MV Burrard Otter II 2014 (Singapore) 385[9] In use (similar to Burrard Pacific Breeze) (similar to Burrard Chinook)
MV Burrard Chinook 2019 (Netherlands) 385 In use

The ferries are catamarans constructed out of aluminium,[4] which was quite rare when the initial two crafts were constructed in the 1970s. The ferries are double-ended so that they can travel in either direction without turning around. There are four diesel engines in each vessel, one for each propeller.[4] The propulsion system uses a marine version of the same diesel engine used to power many of the diesel buses on the transit system. The ferries can operate with only three engines if required.[4] The ferries are equipped with radar, allowing them to operate in dense fog.

The third vessel, the Burrard Pacific Breeze,[10] began service in December 2009, and TransLink operated all three ferries during the 2010 Winter Olympics. TransLink originally planned to provide regular three-vessel service by 2011 by overhauling and refitting both the Burrard Otter and the Burrard Beaver following the games to extend their service life for an additional twenty years.[11] However, citing the lack of funding, the agency announced in 2009 it planned to upgrade only one of the original vessels and retire the other one; another new ferry will be commissioned instead if funding becomes available in the future.[12]

TransLink resumed two-vessel service in March 2010, mostly using the Burrard Beaver and the Burrard Pacific Breeze, with the Burrard Otter being used as a substitute. At that point the agency announced its intention to keep all three vessels in the expectation that funding becomes available for three-vessel service in the future.[13]

In late 2012, TransLink announced it had selected Damen Group of the Netherlands to build the fourth SeaBus vessel, the MV Burrard Chinook; the project was expected to cost approximately $25 million.[14][15] The new vessel was expected to enter service in the fourth quarter of 2014, at which point the Burrard Beaver would become a spare vessel and the Burrard Otter would be retired.[14][15] Construction on the fourth SeaBus was delayed until November 2017,[16] at which point the project cost had grown to $32.2 million.[17] In September 2019, TransLink announced the Chinook would not enter service until mid-2020.[18] It ultimately entered service on July 22, 2021.[3]

Before the Chinook entered service, there used to be no spare ferries, and all refits and upgrades were done during a long weekend when the half-hour service could be maintained with one vessel. Engine replacements and minor refits can be done during the system downtime overnight. Despite running for over 35 years, the two original ships were rarely taken out of service for maintenance, boasting a service reliability of over 99.9%.[4][19]

Fuel efficiency

[edit]

The Vancouver SeaBus uses 83 kilowatt-hours per vehicle-kilometre, at a speed of 13.5 kilometres per hour. When full (i.e. when seating 400 people), the energy used is 0.21 kilowatt-hours per passenger-kilometre.[20]

Livery

[edit]

The colour scheme of SeaBus has changed at least three times since opening in 1977. From launch until 1985, both the Burrard Otter and the Burrard Beaver were painted a bright orange colour in order to make them highly visible to other ships and tugs using the harbour, since the SeaBus route crosses the path of other traffic. To accommodate Vancouver's Expo 86, the city's then-transit authority BC Transit changed the design scheme to white with one red and one blue stripe as well as a BC flag label, matching SeaBus with the then newly built SkyTrain system and newly ordered bus fleet. This remained until the 1999/2000 handover of BC Transit to Metro Vancouver's present transportation administration, TransLink. The paint scheme has since been white (or grey) with blue and golden yellow strips across the sides of the ferries.

Rather than using the standard livery, the Burrard Chinook is wrapped in art illustrating the lifecycle of the Chinook salmon, designed by Indigenous artists from the Musqueam Indian Band, the Squamish Nation, and the Tsleil-Waututh First Nation.[3]

Ridership

[edit]
TransLink SeaBus ridership by year
Year 2016[21] 2017[22] 2018[23] 2019[24] 2020[25] 2021[26] 2022[27]
Trips (millions) 5.4 5.8 6.2 6.3 2.3[a] 2.6 4.2
01,000,0002,000,0003,000,0004,000,0005,000,0006,000,0007,000,0002016201820202022TripsTransLink SeaBus ridership by year
View chart definition.
TransLink ridership by mode, 2024[28]
Mode Trips % of total
050,000,000100,000,000150,000,000200,000,000250,000,0002024SkyTrainWest Coast ExpressSeaBusBusTransLink (British Columbia) ridership by mode, 2024
View chart definition.

SkyTrain		 149,066,500 37.00

West Coast Express		 1,559,100 0.39

SeaBus		 5,398,900 1.34

Bus		 246,877,500 61.30
Total 402,902,000[b] 100.00

History

[edit]
Passengers boarding a North Vancouver Ferry at the Vancouver dock
North Vancouver Ferry No. 2
North Vancouver Ferry No. 3

The first regular service between the City of North Vancouver and Vancouver began in 1900 with the craft North Vancouver. Three years later, the North Vancouver Ferry and Power Company was created, took over the existing service, and built a new craft called St. George. These two ferries were later renamed North Vancouver Ferry No. 1 and North Vancouver Ferry No. 2. The City of North Vancouver took over the service in 1908 to provide a more reliable ferry connection with Downtown Vancouver. Soon after, another craft, North Vancouver Ferry No. 3, was built. In 1936, the No. 2 was retired and used as a logging camp on the west coast of Vancouver Island until it was destroyed by fire.

In 1938, the Lions Gate Bridge was completed, which significantly reduced demand for ferry service. However, there was an increase in demand with the onset of World War II because of the shipbuilding boom in North Vancouver.[how?] This growth in business spurred the creation of a new ferry, the North Vancouver Ferry No. 5, in 1941. The MV Crosline was also leased from Washington to meet demand. According to James Barr, 1943 was the busiest year that North Vancouver Ferries had, ferrying over 7 million passengers across the Burrard Inlet.

North Vancouver No. 5 was built in Coal Harbour by Boeing Shipyards in 1941. It ran faithfully with its Union Diesel until 1958 when it was tied up at the foot of Lonsdale Ave along with North Vancouver Ferry No. 4. Jesse Oliver Kinnie, a North Vancouver Ferry employee, looked into the possibility of purchasing North Vancouver Ferry No. 4 and running it on the same route as it had run all its life. It had a higher height clearance on the car deck than Ferry No. 5 and was faster. The numbers did not add up and the plan was abandoned. Ferry No. 4 also ran on a Union Diesel.

The ferries were in major decline by the 1950s. In 1948, the No. 3 was taken off of regular service and was sold in 1953. The cost of operating the ferries was high, and the last sailing by the No. 4 ferry took place on August 30, 1958. The No. 4 was later sold to be used in Prince Rupert. Later, No. 4 returned to Vancouver and was tied up on the Vancouver side of Burrard Inlet. It was in desperate need of a refit and had to be kept afloat with pumps to keep the water out of its hull. When the power failed and the pumps stopped it went to the bottom of the inlet. The No. 5 was converted into the Seven Seas Restaurant at the foot of Lonsdale in North Vancouver. It remained there until 2002 when the City of North Vancouver and the federal courts had it demolished after a long-standing dispute over who would be responsible if it sank and concern that the hull was in danger of imminent collapse. In dry dock it proved to be quite sound, but at that point the decision had already been made to scrap it.

There were plans in the 1960s to build a tunnel under Burrard Inlet which would have connected to the proposed freeways on the Vancouver side. After the freeway plans in Vancouver were cancelled, the tunnel proposal was also abandoned, and the money originally slated for that project was instead redirected to re-establishing a passenger ferry service between Vancouver and the North Shore.[29] The ferry proposal was included in a 1975 report by the Greater Vancouver Regional District,[30] and the current SeaBus ferries began operating the Waterfront Station–Lonsdale Quay route on June 17, 1977,[19][31] initially as part of the Transportation Division of BC Hydro. For the first few years of service, the automated fare machines (the first in Vancouver's transit system) at the two SeaBus terminals printed an impression of the rider's coins onto a cash register-style receipt, which could become very long if fares were paid in small-denomination coins such as pennies.

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

SeaBus

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from Grokipedia
The SeaBus is a passenger-only ferry service operated by TransLink in Metro Vancouver, British Columbia, , providing a vital link across between Waterfront Station in and Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver. The 12-minute crossing integrates seamlessly with the region's SkyTrain, bus, and pedestrian networks, offering frequent sailings as part of the public transit system and serving both commuters and tourists with scenic views of the city skyline and coastal waters. In 2024, the service recorded approximately 5.9 million boardings, reflecting a 5% increase from the previous year and underscoring its role in sustainable urban mobility. Launched on June 17, 1977, the SeaBus marked Metro Vancouver's first dedicated passenger ferry transit, initially operated by before transitioning to TransLink's predecessor agencies and fully under TransLink since 1999. It was conceived to alleviate growing road congestion across the inlet, with the inaugural vessels—Burrard Otter and Burrard Beaver—each accommodating up to 400 passengers and painted in a distinctive orange livery. Over the decades, the service has evolved into a cornerstone of the Frequent Transit Network, with peak-hour frequencies of every 10 minutes since and all-day 15-minute intervals, operating from early morning until late night seven days a week. By 2007, it had carried over 94 million passengers, contributing to reduced reliance on private vehicles in a region prone to traffic bottlenecks. The current fleet comprises four vessels, each designed for high-volume service with a capacity of up to 395 seated passengers plus standing room, ensuring reliability during rush hours and events. These include the veteran Burrard Beaver (built 1976, refitted multiple times), Burrard Pacific Breeze (2009), Burrard II (2014), and the newest Burrard Chinook (2021), which features an Indigenous-inspired art wrap honoring Pacific and connections. Terminals at both ends are equipped with upgrades, including elevators, escalators, and seismic reinforcements completed between 2018 and 2023, alongside Indigenous art installations that reflect local . Onboard amenities like free (since 2016) and fare payment via contactless Cards enhance user experience, while the service requires a 1- or 2-zone fare depending on time and direction. Looking ahead, TransLink is investigating of the fleet to cut by over 85% and save more than 500,000 liters of diesel annually, aligning with broader sustainability goals under the Transport 2050 plan. The SeaBus not only facilitates daily commutes but also boosts , occasionally offering sightings of like orcas, and remains a symbol of innovative, eco-friendly transit in one of Canada's densest urban corridors.

Route and Operations

Route Description

The SeaBus operates as a ferry service traversing , connecting Waterfront Station in to Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver over a of 3.24 km (1.75 nautical miles). The route provides a direct aquatic link between these urban centers, facilitating efficient cross-inlet travel without reliance on road infrastructure. At both terminals, the SeaBus integrates seamlessly with Metro Vancouver's broader public transit network operated by TransLink. Waterfront Station serves as a major hub, offering transfers to the Expo and Lines of the SkyTrain rapid transit system, the [West Coast Express](/page/West Coast Express) commuter rail, and numerous bus routes. Similarly, Lonsdale Quay connects to extensive bus services in North Vancouver, enhancing regional connectivity for commuters and visitors alike. As a dedicated passenger-only service launched on June 17, 1977, the SeaBus fulfills a vital urban crossing function by circumventing the congestion of road and bridge traffic across Burrard Inlet. This ferry link has remained a cornerstone of the region's transit system, emphasizing reliable water-based mobility.

Schedule and Frequency

The SeaBus operates daily, with service commencing in the early morning and extending into the late night on weekdays and weekends. On Mondays through Fridays, the first departure from Lonsdale Quay is at 5:47 a.m., with the first from Waterfront Station at 6:01 a.m.; the last sailing from Lonsdale Quay departs at 1:00 a.m., and from Waterfront at 1:22 a.m. Saturdays follow a similar pattern, starting at 6:02 a.m. from Lonsdale Quay and 6:16 a.m. from Waterfront, ending at 1:00 a.m. and 1:22 a.m., respectively. Sundays and holidays have reduced hours, with the first departures at 8:02 a.m. from Lonsdale Quay and 8:16 a.m. from Waterfront, and the last at 11:02 p.m. and 11:16 p.m. Service frequency varies by time of day and day of the week to accommodate peak demands. On weekdays, sailings occur every 10 minutes during morning peak (7:15–9:45 a.m.) and evening peak (3:15–6:45 p.m.), every 15 minutes during most off-peak daytime hours (6:01–7:15 a.m., 9:45 a.m.–3:15 p.m., and 6:45–9:16 p.m.), and every 30 minutes late evenings (9:16 p.m.–1:22 a.m.). Saturdays feature 30-minute intervals in the early morning (6:16–7:16 a.m.) and late evening (9:16 p.m.–1:22 a.m.), with 15-minute service during the day (7:16 a.m.–9:16 p.m.). On Sundays and holidays, frequencies are every 15 minutes from 8:16 a.m. to 9:16 p.m., shifting to 30 minutes thereafter until 11:16 p.m. At each terminal, vessels typically undergo a 12-minute turnaround to allow for passenger loading and unloading, enabling efficient scheduling. Service reliability is high, but schedules may be adjusted in response to severe weather conditions, such as high winds or flooding, or for special events and maintenance, with real-time updates provided via TransLink alerts.

Terminals and Infrastructure

Waterfront Station

Waterfront Station, located at 601 West Cordova Street in , , functions as the primary southern terminal for the SeaBus, serving as the endpoint for the route connecting to Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver. As a key intermodal transportation hub, it integrates seamlessly with the Expo Line and SkyTrain networks, the commuter rail service, and dedicated SeaBus platforms, facilitating efficient transfers for passengers across multiple transit modes. The terminal provides essential amenities for commuters, including sheltered waiting areas with seating, automated ticketing machines for Compass Cards and fares, and accessibility features such as elevators, escalators, and ramps to accommodate diverse mobility needs. These facilities support high passenger volumes, with the station handling nearly 20,000 weekday SeaBus riders as of , emphasizing its role as a vital gateway to . In 2023, Indigenous art installations and signage in local First Nations languages were added to the terminal, featuring works by Squamish, Musqueam, and Tsleil-Waututh artists to promote and . Significant upgrades to enhance seismic resilience and commenced in spring 2018 as part of TransLink's maintenance program, involving a $17 million to retrofit the 42-year-old structure against earthquakes and improve passenger flow. Key improvements included installing a new and replacing an existing one to double capacity, adding four new escalators, constructing a new staircase, and upgrading ramps and the east parking lot entrance for better access; these works were completed in spring 2020. As of November 2025, ongoing enhancements include the replacement of the original 40-year-old Expo Line with a higher-capacity model, expected to finish in spring 2026, further bolstering .

Lonsdale Quay

Lonsdale Quay serves as the northern endpoint of the SeaBus route, connecting North Vancouver to across . Located at 151 in the City of North Vancouver, the terminal functions as a key transit hub with an adjacent off-street bus loop spanning 40,048 square feet. This loop supports multiple North Vancouver routes, including R2 to Marine Drive, 228 to Lynn Valley, 229 to Lynn Valley, 230 to Upper Lonsdale, 231 to Harbourside, 236 to , 249 to Delbrook, and N24 to Lynn Valley during late-night hours when SeaBus service is unavailable. The terminal is situated next to the Lonsdale Quay public market at 123 Carrie Cates Court, providing seamless access to shops, restaurants, and vendors for arriving passengers. Surrounded by commercial, residential, and professional office developments—including the ICBC head office above—the site emphasizes community integration on the North Shore. The floating SeaBus terminal features two docking berths, enabling simultaneous arrivals and departures of vessels to maintain efficient service frequencies. In 2018, the terminal underwent renovations as part of a $12.5 million project, including a new roof, metal cladding, new windows, and renovated public washrooms—the only dedicated facilities on Metro Vancouver's transit network. The adjacent bus exchange received further upgrades in 2020 to improve customer experience and support service growth. In 2023, Indigenous art installations and signage in local First Nations languages were added, featuring works by Squamish, Musqueam, and Tsleil-Waututh artists. Key amenities include a covered canopy over the walkway to the bus loop, expanded seating areas, improved illumination, new site furnishings, a security kiosk, and enhanced wayfinding signage. Pedestrian paths connect the terminal to the exchange, though access is somewhat constrained by guard rails and a faded painted crosswalk. Bike storage options consist of three uncovered racks within the facility and one additional rack near the quay, with ongoing explorations for expanded secure storage to support multimodal travel. The terminal's design facilitates integration with local events, such as the public market's weekend operations, allowing passengers to easily combine transit with shopping and cultural activities. As of 2025, the site is slated for announced in 2024, including of the bus exchange and ICBC building to create hundreds of new homes near transit, with planning ongoing to preserve SeaBus access.

Fleet

Current Vessels

The SeaBus fleet consists of four active passenger ferries, each designed to transport commuters across between Waterfront Station in and Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver. These vessels are owned by TransLink and operated by its subsidiary, , ensuring reliable service with built-in redundancy to handle peak demand and maintenance schedules. The current vessels include the MV Burrard Beaver, which entered service in 1977 after being constructed in 1976 by Yarrows Shipbuilders Limited in , as one of the original pair that launched the SeaBus operation. The MV Burrard Pacific Breeze, built in 2009 by Washington Marine Group in , , joined the fleet to replace aging infrastructure and enhance capacity. The MV Burrard Otter II, constructed in 2013 and entering service in 2014 by Damen Shipyards Group in , succeeded the original MV Burrard Otter to modernize the fleet while maintaining operational continuity. Most recently, the MV Burrard Chinook, built by Damen Shipyards in the and entering service on July 22, 2021, completed the quartet, allowing for the retirement of the original MV Burrard Otter in prior years to sustain a consistent fleet of four vessels.
Vessel NameBuild YearBuilderEntry into ServiceNotes
MV Burrard Beaver1976Yarrows Shipbuilders Limited1977Original vessel; aluminum hull.
MV Burrard Pacific Breeze2009Washington Marine Group2009Replacement for early fleet; aluminum hull.
MV Burrard Otter II2013Damen Shipyards Group ()2014Modernized design; aluminum hull.
MV Burrard Chinook2019Damen Shipyards ()July 22, 2021Newest addition; aluminum hull, includes Indigenous art installation.
All vessels feature aluminum hulls for durability and efficiency in the short crossing, each with a capacity of 395 seated passengers plus standing room to support daily ridership. TransLink is planning to replace retiring vessels with zero-emissions models as part of the Transport 2050 strategy.

Technical Specifications

The SeaBus vessels are ferries designed for high-frequency passenger service across , each accommodating up to 395 seated passengers plus standing room, including space for two wheelchairs. These vessels measure approximately 34 meters in length and achieve a maximum speed of 14.5 knots, though they typically operate at a service speed of 11.5 knots to optimize efficiency and safety during the 1.75-nautical-mile crossing. Propulsion is provided by four diesel engines—typically MTU/Detroit Diesel Series 60 models, each delivering around 400 horsepower—for a total output of 1,600 horsepower, with each engine driving an independent for enhanced maneuverability in shallow waters and confined terminal areas. This configuration supports 360-degree operation, allowing precise docking without the need for additional tug assistance. Safety features include the inherent stability of the hull design, which minimizes rolling and provides a steady platform even in choppy conditions, in full compliance with marine safety standards. Each vessel is equipped with life rafts for , with crew regularly conducting deployment exercises to ensure readiness. The current fleet largely shares these specifications following refits to maintain consistent operational performance.

Fares and Accessibility

Fare Structure

The SeaBus operates within TransLink's integrated zonal fare system, which divides Metro Vancouver into three zones, with fares determined by the number of zone boundaries crossed on SkyTrain or SeaBus routes. As a service connecting Waterfront Station in Zone 1 () to Lonsdale Quay in Zone 2 (North Vancouver), a standard SeaBus trip requires a two-zone fare, with no additional surcharge applied specifically for the ferry service. As of July 1, 2025, adult cash fares for a two-zone trip, including , stand at $4.85, while stored-value fares on a Compass Card are $4.00, offering a discount for prepaid users. Day passes providing unlimited travel across all zones for one day cost $11.95 for adults and $9.40 for concession holders, making them a cost-effective option for multiple trips involving . Concession fares apply to seniors aged 65 and older, youth aged 13 to 18, and HandyCard holders, reducing the two-zone cash fare to $3.30 and stored-value to the same amount; children 12 and under travel free when accompanied by a fare-paying adult. Transfers are free within a 90-minute window across TransLink's bus, SkyTrain, and SeaBus services, allowing seamless connections without additional payment, provided the initial fare covers the zones traveled. Fare adjustments occur annually and are tied to regional rates, with the 2025 increases of approximately 4%—the first since 2019—reflecting recovery from pandemic-related pauses in hikes that began in 2020.

Payment and Enforcement

Passengers on SeaBus are required to pay fares using the Compass Card system, which involves tapping in at the originating terminal—such as Waterfront Station in or Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver—and tapping out at the destination terminal to ensure accurate zone-based charging. Alternatively, single-use Compass Tickets can be purchased with cash, debit, or credit at vending machines located at both SeaBus terminals, providing valid for the journey and transfers within 90 minutes. Since 2018, contactless payments via credit/debit cards or mobile wallets like and have been integrated, allowing riders to tap directly on readers without a physical Compass Card. SeaBus operates under a proof-of-payment system within the Fare Paid Zone, which encompasses the terminals and the entire vessel, where passengers must carry valid proof such as a tapped Compass Card, ticket, or contactless payment confirmation at all times. Enforcement is conducted by Transit Security officers and Metro Vancouver Transit Police, who perform random checks to verify compliance; failure to provide proof of payment results in a $173 fine, which escalates if unpaid. In late 2024 and into 2025, TransLink intensified fare inspections, conducting over 1.4 million checks in the second half of 2024 alone to improve compliance across its network, including SeaBus. To enhance accessibility, TransLink offers subsidized options for low-income and student riders, such as the U-Pass BC program, which provides unlimited SeaBus access as part of a discounted monthly pass for eligible post-secondary students. Additionally, the BC Bus Pass Program delivers reduced fares on SeaBus for low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities, administered through a dedicated Card loaded with subsidized value. As of November 2025, TransLink has initiated procurement for a major system upgrade, including digital card options and deeper integration with mobile wallets to streamline payments and support broader .

Performance

SeaBus ridership reached a pre-pandemic peak of approximately 6.3 million annual boardings in 2019, reflecting strong demand as a key commuter link across . This volume underscored the service's role in supporting daily travel between and the North Shore, with consistent weekday usage driven by employment and educational connections. The onset of the caused a sharp decline, with annual boardings dropping 63% to 2.3 million in 2020 as lockdowns and reduced transit dependency. Recovery began gradually, influenced by easing restrictions and returning commuter patterns, though overall volumes remained below 2019 levels through the early . By 2024, ridership rebounded to approximately 5.9 million annual boardings, marking a 5% increase from 2023—higher than the system-wide growth of 3%—and approaching pre-pandemic highs amid sustained regional growth. Key factors shaping these trends include heavy reliance on SeaBus for North Shore commuters, who account for a significant portion of weekday boardings, alongside seasonal boosts from events like concerts that temporarily elevate volumes. For example, boardings increased by 64% during the weekends in December 2024 compared to prior weekends. Post-pandemic shifts toward hybrid work models have moderated peak-hour demand, contributing to more stable but slightly lower daily averages compared to 2019. Quarterly tracking by TransLink and the (APTA) highlights this ongoing stabilization, with an average of 16,200 daily boardings recorded in 2024. Vessel capacity limits, typically around 400 passengers per sailing, have occasionally constrained growth during recovery peaks without major disruptions.

Capacity and Efficiency

The SeaBus fleet comprises four vessels, each capable of carrying up to 395 passengers, which collectively provide the necessary to sustain reliable operations and minimize delays during peak periods. This configuration supports a peak-hour frequency of every 10 minutes on weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., yielding a directional capacity exceeding 2,300 passengers per hour while keeping typical load factors around 80% to balance and passenger comfort. Operational efficiency is evidenced by strong on-time performance, with 87% of riders rating the service as highly reliable in mid-2024 customer surveys, contributing to overall transit on-time delivery of 91% across TransLink modes for the year. To adapt to variable demand, the SeaBus increases frequency and extends hours during major events, such as concerts or festivals at nearby venues, ensuring seamless integration with elevated ridership. Each vessel accommodates up to six bicycles at all times, with provisions for secure storage to promote multimodal access during both routine and high-demand scenarios.

Sustainability

Environmental Impact

The SeaBus fleet's diesel-powered operations produce significant greenhouse gas emissions, with the entire fleet estimated to emit approximately 3,700 tonnes of CO2 annually based on 2018 data, a figure that underscores its contribution to regional air pollution. These emissions, primarily from vessel propulsion, add to the cumulative atmospheric load of pollutants. The Burrard Inlet faces ongoing concerns about water quality degradation in an area burdened by industrial activities. SeaBus vessels, with their relatively shallow draft, cause minimal physical disturbance to the marine , including local populations of seals and , as they navigate the shallow waters of without or major disruption. However, underwater noise generated by the fleet's propellers and engines has drawn attention in from the , which highlight potential behavioral impacts on marine mammals and in the inlet, such as altered patterns and communication interference amid increasing vessel traffic. To address these environmental impacts, TransLink has committed to carbon reduction targets aligned with British Columbia's CleanBC plan, aiming for net-zero across its operations by 2050 and a 45% reduction from 2010 levels by 2030. As part of these efforts, TransLink completed a for zero-emission SeaBus charging infrastructure in 2022 and continues to explore hybrid-electric propulsion options for next-generation vessels in its 2025 investment strategy. TransLink has also indicated potential future inclusion of renewable diesel for SeaBus operations to further reduce emissions.

Fuel Efficiency Measures

Newer SeaBus vessels, such as the Burrard Otter II introduced in 2014, are equipped with four MTU/Detroit Diesel Series 60 engines, each delivering 400 horsepower, providing improved fuel efficiency compared to the original 1970s fleet. These engines contribute to a 20% reduction in fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions relative to older models, aligning with broader sustainability objectives for the service. Operational practices emphasize speed optimization to minimize fuel use, with vessels maintaining an average cruising speed of 11.5 knots across the 3.24-kilometer route. This approach supports efficient passenger transport while reducing demands. Fleet upgrades continued with the addition of the Burrard Chinook in 2021, a new-build vessel designed for enhanced reliability and efficiency, replacing older units and further lowering the service's fuel footprint through modern propulsion systems. The vessel's distinctive , featuring Indigenous artwork, raises public awareness of in transit operations.

History

Early Development

The ferry service across , essential for connecting to the North Shore communities, began with irregular crossings in the late but established regular operations in 1900. The North Vancouver Ferry and Power Company introduced steam-powered vessels, such as the North Vancouver and later the Norvan, to provide reliable passenger transport from the foot of Lonsdale Avenue to 's waterfront. These early steamers facilitated the rapid development of North Vancouver by enabling daily commutes and freight movement, marking the inception of a vital link in the region's transportation network. Service expanded significantly during the , reaching its peak amid population growth and economic expansion on the North Shore. By this period, the company operated up to five ferries, including the North Vancouver No. 5, offering frequent schedules with crossings every 20 to 30 minutes during peak hours and as many as 16 round trips daily. This high frequency supported thousands of commuters, underscoring the ferries' role in fostering residential and commercial development before the dominance of road infrastructure. The opening of the in 1938 initiated a sharp decline in ferry usage, as automobiles became the preferred mode of travel, diverting ridership and rendering the service financially unsustainable. Post-World War II suburban expansion and increased car ownership accelerated this trend, leading to the suspension of operations on August 30, 1958, with the final sailing by the North Vancouver No. 4. The closure left a transportation gap, reliant solely on bridges prone to congestion. In the 1970s, surging urban growth in Metro Vancouver, coupled with worsening traffic on the , prompted provincial authorities to revive passenger ferry service as a cost-effective alternative to a proposed parallel tunnel. Planning by emphasized integration with the region's emerging initiatives, including early concepts for what would become SkyTrain, to create a seamless multimodal network. This effort resulted in the inaugural SeaBus voyage on June 17, 1977, reestablishing the water crossing with modern vessels designed for quick loading and high capacity.

Modern Operations and Upgrades

The SeaBus service launched on June 17, 1977, initially operating with two vessels, the MV Burrard Otter and MV Burrard Beaver, to provide passenger ferry connectivity across between and North Vancouver. Over the decades, the fleet expanded to meet growing demand, with the addition of the MV Burrard Pacific Breeze in 2009, followed by the MV Burrard Otter II in 2014, which replaced the original Otter, reaching four vessels, and the MV Burrard Chinook in 2021, enabling more frequent sailings during peak periods. Significant upgrades to and operations have addressed aging facilities and enhanced and . Seismic and accessibility improvements at the Waterfront Station terminal began in spring 2018, including the installation of four new escalators, replacement of one with two higher-capacity units, a new staircase, and structural reinforcements to improve seismic resilience, with major work completed by spring 2020. Ongoing maintenance from 2021 to 2023 at both Waterfront and Lonsdale Quay terminals replaced electrical substations, systems, automatic doors, and ventilation equipment, while incorporating Indigenous art installations to support cultural revitalization. In July 2021, the MV Burrard Chinook entered service as the newest vessel, featuring an exterior art wrap designed by artists Kelly Cannell, Siobhan Joseph, and Angela George from local First Nations, honoring the lifecycle of and cultural connections, with a capacity of 395 seated passengers plus standing room, similar to other modern vessels. Following service reductions during the , including 30-minute headways and capacity limits, TransLink resumed near-normal operations by mid-2020, restoring regular hours and gradually increasing frequencies to 10 minutes during rush hours by September 2021 as restrictions eased. Looking ahead, TransLink's Climate Action Plan targets net-zero emissions by 2050, including a feasibility study for battery-electric SeaBus vessels to potentially reduce by 80% and save approximately 430,000 litres of diesel annually, with assessments underway and hybrid pilot explorations planned toward 2030.

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