Independent candidate supports SkyTrain in upcoming Surrey election
- Reality Check
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- October 21, 2011
As Surrey heads into the 2011 municipal election, one issue continues to dominate the city’s future: whether Surrey will pursue a proven, grade‑separated SkyTrain system or commit itself to an at‑grade light rail network. For years, public debate has been clouded by conflicting claims, selective information, and a lack of clear, fact‑based discussion about what kind of transit system Surrey truly needs.
That’s why the candidacy of Paul Griffin, running as an independent for Surrey City Council, stands out. Griffin has been one of the few voices openly challenging the push toward surface LRT and advocating instead for expanding SkyTrain rapid transit—a position he has stated publicly on his campaign website.
Griffin argues that it is premature and irresponsible for the Mayor and Council to lock Surrey into what he describes as a second‑rate transit system—one that would create traffic bottlenecks in North Surrey and make commuting even harder for residents in South Surrey. His message is simple: Surrey deserves a transit system that is fast, reliable, safe, and built for long‑term growth.
With transportation consistently ranking among Surrey’s top public concerns, Griffin’s independent voice adds something the city has sorely needed: a candidate willing to question the assumptions behind the LRT proposal and advocate for a system that connects us to the region.
Join us at the upcoming Surrey CiTI transporation debates
Surrey CiTI (Citizens Transportation Initiative) is hosting public debates on the future of Surrey’s transportation network, with council candidates invited to participate. These events—held at the Newton Library and Fleetwood Library on November 5th and 13th—offer residents a chance to hear directly from candidates, including Griffin, about their vision for Surrey’s transit future.
If you care about the direction of Surrey’s transportation system—SkyTrain expansion, rapid transit planning, or the broader future of mobility—these forums are an opportunity to make your voice heard.
MUNICIPAL ELECTION CANDIDATES’ DEBATES on TRANSPORTATION
If you feel transportation is an important subject for Surrey come to our transportation candidates’ debates during the municipal election campaign. Here are some topics up for debate:
88 Ave. congestion – Container levy to help fund TransLink – Park & Rides – Light rail/Street car vs SkyTrain – Bike lanes and bike routes – Legal and illegal paving of Surrey – Transportation with “Town Centres” – TransLink governance
NOVEMBER 5, SATURDAY – 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Newton Library, 13795 70 Ave.
NOVEMBER 13, SUNDAY – 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Fleetwood Library, 15996 84 Ave.
(from the Fraser Heights Community Association’s post)
Pictured in header: Concept image of future SkyTrain station in Surrey
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]
