Bus Bulbs are Coming to the Neighbourhood

Photo courtesy of City of Vancouver

South Granville is about to get a major public space upgrade, and it’s not just about better transit service - it’s about creating a more inviting, walkable, and bustling neighbourhood. With bus bulbs set to arrive by 2025, in anticipation of FIFA, the streetscape is getting a modern refresh that aims to drive foot traffic and encourage longer visits.

What Are Bus Bulbs? 

Bus bulbs extend sidewalks at transit stops, allowing passengers to board and exit without buses having to pull in and out of traffic. But beyond transit efficiency, this means wider pedestrian areas, more social spaces, and a livelier street atmosphere, all of which benefit local businesses.

How They Boost Business

• More Foot Traffic, More Shopping
  With expanded sidewalks and streamlined transit flow, South Granville becomes more walkable. That means more people lingering, exploring, and discovering the neighbourhood’s boutiques, galleries, and restaurants.

• More Public Space
  Bus bulbs transform transit stops into mini-plazas, making them more than just waiting areas. These expanded sidewalks create new opportunities for placemaking, from public seating to art installations, making the neighbourhood an even more inviting place to spend time. More people sticking around means more spontaneous shopping and dining.

• Vibrant Restaurant Patios

  With traffic slowed and sidewalks extended, restaurants along Granville will finally have the opportunity to introduce safe, comfortable patios. This means more chances for diners to enjoy al fresco meals in a lively, pedestrian-friendly setting. A more welcoming streetscape makes outdoor dining a core part of the experience, further strengthening the neighbourhood’s reputation as a vibrant lifestyle destination.

With bus bulbs on the way, South Granville isn’t just getting a public transport upgrade, it’s getting a street-level transformation. Expect a people-focused public space where visitors feel welcome to linger, explore, and shop, creating an even stronger foundation for local businesses to thrive.