SkyTrain advocates urge for SkyTrain extension over light rail in Surrey
- Media Release
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- For immediate release — December 16, 2015
SkyTrain for Surrey is appealing to TransLink and the provincial government, calling for the cancellation of Surrey’s light rail transit (LRT) in favour of SkyTrain expansion on Fraser Highway, and calling for an immediate switch from the proposed LRT to SkyTrain.
A new video outlining our organization’s vision for SkyTrain has been released on our social media platforms.
Our founder Daryl Dela Cruz recently presented to the TransLink Board of Directors, which included the Mayor of the City of Surrey, at the public meeting on December 9th—highlighting major LRT issues that were not addressed by the City of Surrey and the reasons to proceed with a SkyTrain switch. In addition, we have sent a letter to TransLink Minister Peter Fassbender.
The previous Surrey Rapid Transit Study (SRTS) analysis concluded that a SkyTrain + Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) combination option would bring the most ridership and the most quantifiable benefits, at the same cost as the currently proposed Light Rail in Surrey and with lower operating debt over the long term[1]. This proposal is part of our organization’s vision for Surrey, which calls for a SkyTrain extension on Fraser Highway and BRT instead of LRT on the “L-Line corridor” (King George Boulevard and 104 Avenue).
This alternative would benefit Surrey and Langley residents by offering faster and more reliable service, more capacity for future growth, higher ridership, and lower operating costs.
The SRTS noted that extending SkyTrain would create the most travel time benefits, with a travel time of 22 minutes from Langley to the existing terminus at King George Station, and less than 60 minutes to Waterfront Station in Downtown Vancouver, with no transfers to existing SkyTrain[1]. Meanwhile, building the L-Line corridor rapid transit as BRT instead of LRT would enable through service to other corridors, fewer transfers, flexible routing, and an ability to detour in case of road closures and accidents.
There would be less property acquisition, less construction inconvenience on the L-Line corridor, no loss of existing traffic lanes, no interruptions from road accidents and vehicle-train collisions, and less impact on Green Timbers Urban Forest.
This SkyTrain + BRT vision would cost the same to build (approximately $2.2 billion) as the current LRT proposal, and cost less to operate ($6 million vs. $22 million, adjusted for fare revenues) over the long term. SRTS estimated that the new SkyTrain line would see 86,000 riders on opening day—72% higher than a surface-running LRT. The total opening day ridership, including the L-Line BRT, would be 128,000 riders.[1]
Footnotes
- Surrey Rapid Transit Study Alternatives Analysis Phase 2 Evaluation — TransLink 2012[↩][↩][↩]
The text of our campaign chair’s presentation to TransLink (left) as well as our letter to Minister Peter Fassbender (right) are attached below:
Pictured in header: TransLink original concept for elevated SkyTrain in Surrey (SRTS 2012)
SkyTrain for Surrey is a BC-based community organization that has advocated for expanding the Vancouver SkyTrain system, including our successful advocacy for the under-construction Surrey-Langley SkyTrain extension and the proposed SkyTrain expansion to Newton.
Media Contact: Daryl Dela Cruz – Founder, SkyTrain for Surrey ・ Phone: +1 604 329 3529, [email protected]
