It criticized TransLink for such things as raising bus fares and the approval of the construction of the Canada Line rapid transit project, claiming that it would be built at the expense of adequately maintaining the bus system.
The BRU engaged in various protest, advocacy, and educational activities, and had approximately 950 members.
The campaigns waged by the BRU included a fare strike to protest against rising fares and a campaign to restore the "night owl" late night bus service.
The "night owl" bus campaign, launched in 2001, succeeded after TransLink voted to reinstate the service in April, 2004.
The CRRF identified the "night owl" bus campaign victory as one of the factors which influenced the Awards Jury, chaired by Mary-Woo Sims.