TransLink is launching a new feature in collaboration with Transit app, which allows customers to see the estimated number of seats remaining on board buses when planning their transit journey. As part of TransLink’s Reconnect Campaign, the new feature will help customers feel confident knowing if there will be room on their vehicle before leaving home.
Transit App Update with Empty Seat Prediction
“As our customers continue returning to transit, this new feature will help them confidently know if they’ll get a seat before leaving home,” says TransLink CEO Kevin Quinn. “This is one more initiative we are offering to help enhance the customer experience and make transit an even more attractive option.”
When customers plan their journey through the Transit app or check the real-time location of their bus, they will now notice a symbol indicating how many seats are likely to be available on board. Rating categories will let you know if there are usually many seats on board, some seats, or standing room only on that bus at that time. These estimations are based on historical ridership data to provide the best possible prediction of how full the bus will be.
“Our new capacity predictions with TransLink help riders feel confident when they get onboard. This type of information also makes a huge difference if you use a wheelchair, you’re carrying luggage, or you just want to feel more comfortable,” says David Block-Schachter, Chief Business Officer at Transit. “The key to this partnership between TransLink and Transit is that both teams are focused on figuring out how technology can improve the everyday rider experience.”
This initiative is a result of the 2020 Open Call for Innovation. The team behind the Transit app were the successful applicant of the Open Call to make transit safer and more comfortable for customers. The Transit app can be downloaded on iPhone and Android smartphones.
More Connectivity
TransLink is also working with Shaw on developing a system-wide WiFi design for SkyTrains and buses, with deployment that started in 2020. They expect the entire network to be completed by 2025. Shaw Open WiFi is now available to all riders at both SeaBus terminals and on all three SeaBuses. Use Shaw Go (Shaw customers only) or sign into the Shaw Guest network for free WiFi.
As we travel about the province this summer, what better way to eat and shop local than to visit a market? Now it’s easier than ever to plan your next shopping trip with the new BC Farmers Market Trailapp and website tool from the BC Association of Farmers Markets (“BCAFM”). This is the definitive guide to farmers markets across the province, giving you access to the freshest, local, healthy foods and handmade artisan goods.
BC Farmers Market Trail
This free, mobile-friendly website featuring a farmers market finder quickly directs shoppers to fresh local food and goods available in both big city and small town BC. It’s the most convenient way for locals and travellers to enhance their travel experience, reconnect with communities around the province, and support local businesses across 145+ farmers markets within BC.
BC farmers markets are the perfect venues to support and connect with local growers, makers, and bakers, while celebrating the specialties of each community.
This year, the Trail will be enhanced with 5 additional featured regions that host diverse vendors across the province including MJ’s Caribbean Cuisine in Vancouver City, Takhar Berry Farms in Fraser Valley, A Sweet Romance Bakery in Thompson Okanagan, Nunachi from Metro Vancouver and Whistler Harvest in Sea to Sky. On top of the in-person farmers markets on the Trail, some online market stores are also included – it’s never been easier to find hidden gems in BC’s food scene while supporting local communities.
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by Rebecca BollwittDisclosure: Sponsored Post — Sponsored by the Robson Street Business Association Please review the Policy & Disclosure section for further information.
The Robson Street Business Association has teamed up with Fall for Local Markets to bring the finest local makers, artisans and entrepreneurs with an Outdoor Summer Market #onRobson this summer. Shop a curated selection of local brands, organic products and goodies, as well as handcrafted items every Saturday in August.
Outdoor Summer Market #onRobson
Where: 700 Bute St (between Robson Street and Eihu Lane) in the West End When: Every Saturday in August from 11:30am to 4:30pm
Vendor Lineup
Saturday, August 7, 2021
Bella & Beau | Lam Beverages | The Burnt Apron | Milklady Soap | Liola Luxuries | Hello Sunday | Shine Gallery | Koji Fine Foods | Shop R Denim | Kaju Creations | So You Apparel | Ladurée | Whatafood
Saturday, August 14, 2021
Tink by Jenny | Heterei Latin Foods | Hygge Life | Lolita’s Candle Co | Mainland Collective | Liola Luxuries | MÉRV Skin | Essentials Eco | Hart and Stone | Nacre Collective | The Good Chocolatier | Lilo Collective | Acai Dude | The Frying Pan
Saturday, August 21, 2021
Lam Beverages | The Burnt Apron | Milklady Soap | Mainland Collective | Yvonne Hoelzel | A Healthy Beginning | Oddity Kombucha | Loa Skin | NuR the Label | The Woods Spirit Co. | Lovit Studio | The Good Chocolatier | Arizel Studio | Acai Dude | Tacofino | The Frying Pan
Saturday, August 28, 2021
Liv Homewares | Wildbirds | MÉRV Skin | Kinder & Kodomo | Hemsworth Mercantile | Hello Sunday | Hygge Life | Rose Ores | Kaju Creations | The Woods Spirit Co. | So You Apparel | Arizel Studio | Shameless Buns | Ladurée | Whatafood | Aloha Poke
It’s easy to get to the Outdoor Summer Market on foot or via transit but if you’re driving, Bentall Centre is offering a special weekend rate of $5 while parking in the Pender or Thurlow Parkades located at 1040 W Pender and 540 Thurlow. Both lots are just a few blocks away from Robson.
Stay a While
The Blue Horizon Hotel and Robson Street have teamed up for a great summer deal. Shop, dine, unwind, and unlock perks from local restaurants and retailers when you #StayRobson with this offer, valid for stays before August 31, 2021. This initiative also supports the BC Hospitality Foundation (“BCHF”). Every #StayRobson booking, the Blue Horizon Hotel will donate $10 per stay to the BCHF.
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by Guest AuthorDisclosure: Sponsored Post — Sponsored by Visit Coquitlam Please review the Policy & Disclosure section for further information.
The following has been contributed by the Visit Coquitlam team
Cool Down in Coquitlam to Beat the Summer Heat
With heat warnings returning this weekend, and summer still in full swing, cooling off is a top priority! Whether you want to keep the kids entertained, have a social visit, or simply beat the summer heat, there are a variety of indoor and outdoor options available in Coquitlam.
Image courtesy of Visit Coquitlam
Note: Facilities may have COVID-19 protocols that may require pre-booking.
Outdoor Pools
Coquitlam is home to three outdoor pools! Visit the City’s Outdoor Pools page for admission information and hours of operation.
Eagle Ridge Outdoor Pool: As seen on Diary of a Wimpy Kid. This 25-metre pool offers eight lanes, located in City Centre. This year Eagle Ridge Pool is even more accessible than ever with the addition of a 10-metre long ramp to help those who need entry into the pool via a more gradual slope.
Spani Outdoor Pool: This eight-lane, 25-metre pool is at Mundy Park, which is also an idyllic location for a tree-covered scenic walk after cooling off.
Blue Mountain Wading Pool: This knee-deep wading pool is ideal for younger kids, free to use, and located at Blue Mountain Park.
The August long weekend is already here and it just doesn’t feel the same without John and I prepping our sun hats and chairs to park along Robson and watch the Pride Parade. However, the Vancouver Pride Society – along with many other organizations – have pivoted this year and are still able to provide some awesome programming. Check out the Decentralized Pride Parade and more fun things to do in Vancouver this weekend listed below:
Things to do in Vancouver This Weekend
There is currently a heat warning in effect for our region. Check with your local city website or social media to find out where they have setup cooling centres, water fountains, and misting stations. If you’re in Vancouver, you can find that information here.
