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Transportation

Vancouver has an extensive public transportation system which will be further enhanced during the Games. Using the Olympic Bus Network or other public transport will be the most convenient way to access venues and assist our collective effort to ensure the Games are environmentally sustainable. Spectators are encouraged to go car-free as there will be no spectator parking or drop-off area at any of the venues.

During the Games, visit www.travelsmart2010.ca for the most up-to-date information.

Wondering the distance between available accommodation and the big event? Select "All Cities and Towns" on the map menu below. Next, simply click the map's blue icon of where you are considering staying. Distances to Host Destinations are displayed.

Within Metro Vancouver

Olympic and Paralympic event ticket holders have unlimited access to transit services on the event day until the end of services the following morning. Vancouver’s transit network consists of public buses, SkyTrain (light rail), SeaBus (passenger ferry) and the West Coast Express (rail service)

The Olympic Bus Network is linked to park-and-ride locations throughout Metro Vancouver and will provide transport to venues in Whistler and Cypress Mountain in West Vancouver. Ticket holders for mountain venues should book their Olympic Bus ticket in advance starting November 24, 2009 at the Olympic Bus Network site or visit Vancouver2010.com for more information.

During the Games, The City of Vancouver, in partnership with Bombardier Transportation, will showcase a modern streetcar called the Olympic Line . This free service will run between Granville Island and 2nd Avenue at Cambie Street between January 21 to March 21, 2010.

The Canada Line is a new rapid rail service providing connections between downtown Vancouver and the Venue City of Richmond. The route includes Vancouver International Airport, which is a 25-minute ride from downtown.

Passengers with mobility limitations will find that 100% of the BC Transit fleet, Canada Line and the SkyTrain, the SeaBus and the West Coast Express are fully accessible. All buses on the Olympic Bus Network have either low-floor access or are lift-equipped.

Vancouver has an excellent network of bicycle paths and on-road bike lanes . Spectators intending to reach venues by a combination of public transport and bicycle should check www.translink.ca or www.travelsmart2010.ca.

Outside Vancouver – Lower Mainland

Vancouver's public transit buses and the SkyTrain system extend throughout the Lower Mainland. Bus routes reach as far south as White Rock, just minutes from the United States border, and east to Maple Ridge and Aldergrove. The SkyTrain system continues to Surrey, in the Fraser Valley, and is usually the fastest way of reaching destinations along its routes.

The West Coast Express is a rail service traveling between downtown Vancouver and Mission in the Fraser Valley in approximately 73 minutes. The service runs will be increased significantly during the Games period. Tickets can be purchased at one of the ticket vending machines located at all stations. These allow transfer to any of Vancouver's public transit buses, the SeaBus or SkyTrain.

The TrainBus follows the route of the West Coast Express and stops at all stations. The TrainBus runs seven days a week.

Numerous coach companies operate between regional cities and major centres with Greyhound providing the most comprehensive coverage.

Locations on the Sunshine Coast are connected to Vancouver by car and passenger ferries arriving at Horseshoe Bay, in West Vancouver. These services run frequently, however, reservations are highly recommended for vehicles

Abbotsford, in the central Fraser Valley, has local transit which runs to most major destinations in the City of Abbotsford and the District of Mission, and connects to the SkyTrain and the West Coast Express. Those arriving at the Abbotsford International Airport will find a shuttle service available for transfers within the Fraser Valley.

Regional bus services operate throughout communities in British Columbia. They may be helpful for reaching coach services or other connections to Host Venue Cities.

WHISTLER, HOST MOUNTAIN RESORT

The Olympic Bus Network will transport spectators from Vancouver to venues in Whistler.

The Whistler and Valley Express (WAVE) public transit system provides bus service to the Olympic and Paralympic Village of Whistler from neighboring communities.The WAVE fleet includes low-floor buses to assist passengers with mobility limitations.

Whistler is accessible via the Sea-to-Sky Highway (Hwy 99) but note that venues do not have public parking and driving restrictions will be in place on the highway during peak Games time. Ridebooker provides frequent & convenient ground transportation to Whistler from downtown Vancouver, North Vancouver, and Squamish.  Other private coach companies offer direct coach service to Whistler from downtown Vancouver and Vancouver International Airport (YVR).

Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island and the Southern Gulf Islands are connected to the Host Venue Cities on the British Columbia mainland by BC Ferries car and passenger ferries . Several departure points on the island connect with either Horseshoe Bay, which provides easy access to the Host Venue Cities of Vancouver and West Vancouver, or Tsawwassen, which is convenient for access to the Host Venue City of Richmond.
Pacific Coach Lines provides convenient coach service between Vancouver (downtown and Airport) and Victoria.

Float planes also provide transport between locations on Vancouver Island and the Southern Gulf Islands, and Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. See Harbour Air , West Coast Air and Seair Seaplanes for details.

Frequent plane flights are scheduled between Victoria International Airport and Nanaimo Airport on Vancouver Island, and Vancouver International Airport .

Regional bus services operate through communities on Vancouver Island. They may be helpful for reaching ferry terminals or airports to connect to Host Venue Cities.

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