Doug McCallum endorses SkyTrain extension on Fraser Highway

Doug McCallum, a former Surrey Mayor and also a former TransLink chair, has come forward with the position that the proposed at-grade Light Rail Transit system is not the right solution for Surrey and Langley. He has also actively taken the position that SkyTrain on Fraser Highway—in conjunction with fast, rapid bus service on King George Boulevard and 104 Avenue—is the way to go.

We are pleased to note the alignment of his position with the position our campaign has taken for these past several years. It’s an acknowledgement of the issue that we have all taken to heart, which is that a multi-billion rail rapid transit project will have a tremendous impact on Surrey’s future and MUST be designed to meet key objectives such as: improving travel times on transit, significantly increasing transit use, and reducing congestion in our city and region.

The issues of Surrey’s street-level light rail vision are evident: high cost, dismal performance metrics, and minimal improvement over existing transit. The proposed light rail system presents these issues by nature of its street-running design. As a result, it would fall short of delivering on essential rapid transit objectives.

Doug McCallum has also announced his run for Mayor of Surrey during the municipal elections this October, and has said that he would drop plans for light rail transit if elected as Mayor of Surrey. Whatever side of the political spectrum you are on, Doug McCallum’s current position that extending SkyTrain is the appropriate solution here is an acknowledgement that we have urgently needed to hear from someone in this Mayoral race. SkyTrain for Surrey is pleased to acknowledge this new development.