Fatal light rail accidents in Calgary are a wake-up call for Surrey voters
- Media Release
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- For immediate release — October 16, 2018
A string of fatal accidents on Calgary’s light rail transit system should serve as a wake-up call for Surrey residents on the safety and reliability implications of the proposed ground-running light rail system.
On the same day, two separate incidents on Calgary’s C-Train LRT system caused the deaths of a ‘panicked’ six-year-old girl and another man. In both of the incidents, C-Train service was shut down in both directions for several hours while police investigated. Hundreds of commuters were left scrambled, confused and frustrated as they faced delays and had to find shuttle buses or alternate means of transporation.
The recent incidents caught the attention of numerous concerned citizens who have been trying to draw attention to the issue of LRT safety for decades. The Calgary Herald newspaper recently published some comments in an article on the “chronic danger of level crossings”.
“I thought it was a mistake. It seems the city has seen pedestrian fatalities just about everywhere the LRT crosses a major road.”
– Dave Fryett, engineer who wanted grade-separation of the LRT at Somerset-Bridlewood
“We all understand that if you put it underground, or raise the station, it costs more money. But what is the value of all these lives?”
– Allan Hunter, two-time Mayoral candidate and LRT safety advocate
Throughout our years of advocacy, we have emphasized that a rapid transit backbone built on street-running, ground-level trains would pose serious implications for both safety and reliability. The proposed on-street alignment introduces the possibility of collisions and accidents, which could affect perceptions of safety and reliability, as well as ridership, on a Surrey LRT system.
In the event of an accident, light rail trains cannot maneuver around another stopped train or vehicle. Buses can often get around incidents, and a SkyTrain extension avoids this issue altogether as there is no chance of collisions: the elevated tracks pass safely over roads and sidewalks.
British Columbia's second largest city deserves better
With only a few days to go until a major election, it is critical that citizens use this chance to act. Many parties and candidates have offered to pause or cancel the Surrey-Newton-Guildford LRT, and SkyTrain supporters should vote for these candidates.
A fully grade-separated extension of SkyTrain will not only bring higher time savings and attract more riders, but it will also not be prone to fatal collisions that can cost people’s lives and stop commuters in their tracks. Today, we are urging residents, decision-makers and other stakeholders to recognize that street-running, ground-level trains in Surrey will be an enormously expensive mistake.
October 20th is our chance to ensure that Surrey receives the best rapid transit system that will adequately and safely serve our city for generations. Vote for candidates that support SKYTRAIN!
Voters’ guide: skytrainforsurrey.org/vote2018
Authorized by SkyTrain for Surrey, registered sponsor under LECFA, [email protected]
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]