Coquitlam shows SkyTrain can integrate with community

An atmosphere of doubt has surrounded the viability of SkyTrain in Surrey under a false perception that at-grade Light Rail Transit (LRT) will help shape and build communities, whilst SkyTrain expansion will not.

Yet, the community-friendly integration and community-building abilities of SkyTrain do actually exist and have been overlooked.

The City of Coquitlam has just released a concept for street enhancements that outlines the very high level of community integration that will accompany the Evergreen Line SkyTrain. The concepts are a critical element of the Coquitlam city-wide Official Community Plan (OCP) and detail the City’s opportunity to shape the functionality and livability of the three primary corridors impacted by the facility.

The street-scaping work will mean that pedestrian crossing distances are reduced, while at the same time traffic mobility is improved; ensure that space under the guideway and near stations is used effectively; and respond to the new levels of demand for multi-modal access to station areas and linkages along the corridor and into the community, which the Evergreen Line will create.

For example, a multi-use pedestrian and bike pathway will complement the majority of the Evergreen Line guideway on the side of the street.