TransLink served record number of riders in 2017

In 2017, TransLink logged a record 407 million boardings, marking a 5.7 percent increase over 2016.

Ridership grew across all modes of transit except the West Coast Express commuter-rail line, which experienced a 5.5 percent drop. That decline occurred because some riders moved to the new Evergreen SkyTrain extension, agency officials said in a press release.

Ridership on the Expo/Millennium SkyTrain lines soared 12 percent to 105 million boardings. The Canada Line SkyTrain's ridership grew 6.3 percent to 46 million boardings.

The agency surpassed 400 million total boardings in late December 2017.

The overall ridership boost was driven in part by metro Vancouver's economy, which was Canada's fastest-growing metropolitan economy in 2017, TransLink officials said.

The region is experiencing its lowest unemployment rates since the 2007-2008 economic downturn, they added.

"Past investments in transit infrastructure are paying dividends as we see the record-breaking ridership and the rapid growth in transit as the preferred option for commuters," said TransLink Chief Executive Officer Kevin Desmond. "With demand for transit still running high, it's imperative that we continue investing and adding service, so we can deliver service that is reliable, convenient and reduces crowding for our customers."

TransLink's plans for future service include another Millennium Line extension, along with construction of the 17-mile Surrey light-rail system.