METRO Vancouver Transit Police rose to a challenge issued by police agencies on the North Shore, responding to community concerns that led to a coordinated effort by the three police departments to target drivers illegally using bus lanes.

What started out as a good-natured rivalry in a series of posts on the social media platform X between North Vancouver RCMP, West Vancouver Police Department and Transit Police, resulted in a joint project that cracked down on drivers who were attempting to bypass afternoon rush hour traffic using designated bus lanes.

Organized by the Transit Police Targeted Mobile Enforcement Team (TMET), the project saw 55 drivers fined for driving in the bus lane at two separate locations on the Lions Gate Bridge and Iron Workers Memorial Bridge in West Vancouver and North Vancouver on Thursday, July 31.

“While working in municipalities across Metro Vancouver, we have built strong relationships with our local policing partners. This allows for a collaborative approach to address safety and enforcement issues that involve transit, and create a safer community for everyone,” said Constable Amanda Steed.

In addition to 55 bus lane misuse violation tickets issued over the course of three hours, drivers were also issued 68 violation tickets for secondary offences, including distracted driving, driving without a license, speeding and impaired driving.

“The West Vancouver Police Department hears regularly from drivers how infuriating it is for them to be following the rules of the road, only to have other drivers sail past them in the bus lane. Enforcing these and other motor vehicle infractions keeps the streets safer for all users. We value the opportunity to work with our partners in this joint effort and look forward to further collaborations in the future.”