City’s LRT proposal does not extend to South Surrey

In the wake of the recent funding commitment by the federal Conservatives to support Surrey’s LRT vision, it’s important to remember that the proposed LRT line on King George Blvd. will not be extended to South Surrey and will instead terminate in Newton.

Importantly, this means that although the announcement was delivered by Conservative candidate (and former Surrey Mayor) Dianne Watts, the future Surrey LRT will not actually run through her riding.

SkyTrain for Surrey has also pointed out that the $700 million capital commitment to Light Rail means little, as there remains no plan to fund $22 million in annual, ongoing operating cost deficits for the proposed LRT. Without a plan to pay for LRT’s increased ongoing operating costs, bus service will likely need to be taken away from places like South Surrey in order to pay for the LRT.

SkyTrain for Surrey is advocating for an extension of the 96 B-Line to South Surrey and its enhancement into a full Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line, requiring no transfer in Newton (unlike an LRT) and potentially providing a seamless through service as far as Coquitlam City Centre.