Richmond residents wanted grade-separated SkyTrain in referendum
- Reality Check
-
- May 3, 2012
Stephen Rees has argued that Richmond “wanted what Surrey now wants”—a surface light‑rail line converted from the former rapid bus corridor—and that the city’s preferences were “overruled”. But the record from Richmond’s own public consultation tells a very different story.
When residents were actually asked as part of a referendum initiated by Richmond City Council in 2004, the results were decisive: a clear majority of respondents preferred an elevated, grade‑separated system over at‑grade LRT. The data breaks down as follows:
- 53% of residents who lived and worked in Richmond preferred an elevated line, compared to 39% for at‑grade LRT.
- 62% of people who worked in Richmond (but didn’t necessarily live there) preferred elevation, versus 33% for LRT.
- Even among respondents who neither lived nor worked in Richmond—many likely Vancouver residents—60% preferred an elevated line, compared to 34% for LRT.
Residents understood SkyTrain benefits
Residents also provided clear reasons for favouring grade separation, citing safety, reliability, urban design, and transit performance:
- “More room for people. Better access and more room for pedestrians.”
- “…there is already too much traffic congestion at the at-grade level”
- “Elevated system wouldn’t be delayed by accidnets on the road”
- “Pedestrians, especially seniors and young children, will be in less danger”
- “SkyTrain downtown makes Vancouver look more sophisticated and world class”
- “At-grade is easier for people to get on without paying.”
- “No wires, cleaner, big city look”
- “It makes better use of the space.”
- “Better views for riders”
- “Better and more efficient transportation would definitely mean better chance for business, not just for Richmond. It will be a benefit for the whole of Greater Vancouver.”
The referendum results show that Richmond residents didn't want an at-grade LRT at all.
The evidence is clear: Richmond residents did not prefer surface LRT. When given the choice, they chose the speed, safety, and reliability of a grade‑separated SkyTrain‑type system. The Canada Line reflects the public’s stated preference—not an override of it by anyone else.
Pictured in header: A Canada Line train on an elevated guideway
Reality Check
Reality Check is the online blog run by the founder of SkyTrain for Surrey, a BC-based community organization that has advocated for the expansion of the Vancouer SkyTrain system, including our successful advocacy for the under-construction Surrey Langley SkyTrain extension.
Media Contact: Daryl Dela Cruz – Founder, SkyTrain for Surrey ・ Phone: +1 604 329 3529, [email protected]
