Re: “ ‘Cast-off’ buses geared for Surrey riders,” Letters, The Leader, Aug. 15.
This letter is very insulting to the many Fraser Heights residents who are repaying the recent bus size increases with their patronage.
As a frequent rider of the 337 Fraser Heights (I get on/off at 156 Street), I can say from experience that the full-size buses on the 337 are indeed necessary. Peak-hour trips see standing-room only loads, and off-peak hour trips see more than the 24 people that can be accommodated by a community bus.
TransLink’s response has been justified. The recent bus performance report revealed that the 337 has the fastest-growing ridership of any bus route in Surrey, and the full-size buses are preventing pass-ups and keeping the 337 reliable for the demand.
It’s no secret that Surrey uses more New Flyer buses (which tend to be older, noisier, etc.), and I can answer why this happens. It has to do with maintenance ease. Richmond bus riders also have to deal with many old New Flyer buses, because that’s what the bus depots there are equipped to handle.
The full-size buses may be noisier than community buses, but capacity aside there are other benefits: the full-size buses do provide a smoother, less bumpy ride compared to the previous community buses.
Daryl Dela Cruz