The pilot project is the first of its kind in North American, according to TransLink. 

Eighty-five per cent of survey respondents told TransLink they were "supportive" or "very supportive" of the concept.

"Fortunately, at least from what we've seen, there wasn't any kind of physical assault ... but it could have turned into something so much more," said a transit police spokesperson.

Desmond, who previously served as general manager of King County Metro Transit in Washington state before joining TransLink in 2016, will return to the U.S.

Bikes had previously been banned on the Expo and Millennium lines between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

"When the victim stood up to confront the suspect about not wearing a mask, the suspect allegedly punched the victim in the head, which led to a fight on the bus," said police."

The female suspect allegedly "ridiculed and mocked the teen's ethnicity" and became increasingly aggressive, telling her, "Your smile is making me want to punch you in the face."

Renderings were released for the proposed 140th Street, 152nd Street, 160th Street and 166th Street stations. Current funding will only take the project four stops to Fleetwood.

One of the stops will feature the name of famous B.C. artist Emily Carr, known for her west coast landscapes and depictions of Indigenous culture.

The B.C. government is now considering five options for a potential rapid transit crossing from Vancouver to the North Shore.