Light Rail Links group does not have case for LRT
- Media Release
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- For immediate release — May 7, 2013
On Tuesday morning, the newly formed Light Rail Links coalition launched its campaign advocating for Light Rail Transit (LRT) in Surrey. The group presented four reasons for “Why LRT,” but each was broad, generalized, and lacked evidence demonstrating why LRT would outperform SkyTrain for future rapid transit expansion in Surrey.
The coalition’s stated reasons were:
- LRT will connect communities south of the Fraser
- LRT will create pedestrian‑friendly neighbourhoods with new developments
- LRT offers accessible vehicles with high passenger capacity
- LRT is a cost‑effective solution that links the most communities
But these points describe aspirations, not a comparative case. None explain why LRT is the superior choice for Surrey, nor do they address the tradeoffs identified in regional planning studies.
By contrast, SkyTrain for Surrey has recently published a detailed evidence‑based case drawing directly from the Surrey Rapid Transit Study. The Key findings from that study include that:
- Even with a full LRT network and aggressive transportation demand management, 65% of commutes would still be by car.
- No LRT‑based option meets the region’s 2041 mode‑shift targets.
- LRT had the weakest business case of all alternatives studied, producing fewer monetary benefits relative to the cost.
- On the same corridor, LRT attracts only about 53% of SkyTrain’s projected ridership.
Performance and Reliability Issues
In addition, at‑grade LRT introduces several challenges that the coalition did not address:
- Slower travel times compared to grade‑separated SkyTrain
- Lower reliability, often comparable to buses, due to traffic interactions
- Reduced ability to shift trips away from cars, because slower systems attract fewer riders
- Major traffic impacts on corridors like 104 Avenue, where lane removal would push vehicles into neighbourhood streets and increase congestion.
These issues matter especially during periods of economic strain, when residents— including youth—need more mobility options, not fewer.
SkyTrain expansion is the stronger longer-term option
SkyTrain for Surrey was established because the city requires a rapid transit solution that matches its long‑term growth trajectory. TransLink’s LRT‑based options do not meet mode‑share reduction targets and fall short of what has already been achieved in Vancouver. While some leaders have endorsed at‑grade LRT, the planning horizon must extend beyond 2041 and consider Surrey’s needs 30 to 50 years into the future.
SkyTrain expansion offers essential qualities for a city expected to grow significantly in population and employment, including:
- Complete grade-separation from traffic
- Higher reliability
- Faster travel times
- Stronger ridership
- Better long‑term scalability
We continue to advocate for a rapid transit plan that aligns with Surrey’s long‑term needs. A petition urging decision‑makers to pursue stronger rapid transit solutions has been launched, accompanied by new videos, online outreach, on‑location canvassing, and media advisories.
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SkyTrain for Surrey is a BC-based community organization that has advocated for the expansion of the Vancouver 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]
