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BC NDP’s non-support could set SkyTrain to Newton back by decades

  • Media Release

At the moment, the incumbent BC NDP have not pledged to match the BC Conservative Party’s election commitment to building a King George Boulevard SkyTrain line to Surrey’s Newton Town Centre.

We are pleased that the BC NDP supports TransLink’s proposal for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) on King George Boulevard from Surrey City Centre to Newton, and onward to White Rock Centre. We have long supported BRT as a low-cost way to build ridership for future SkyTrain.

However, as there has been significant discussion around building rail transit to the North Shore, extending SkyTrain to UBC, and advancing various other transportation infrastructure projects, there is a real chance that future SkyTrain expansion in Surrey could be delayed. These projects will be expensive, and Surrey projects will be competing with them to receive funding.

“Not moving forward with SkyTrain to Newton right away means that we might not see it for decades."
Daryl Dela Cruz
Founder and Director, SkyTrain for Surrey

Time and time again, Surrey and Langley projects have fallen behind other transportation projects that serve North-of-Fraser cities. Although the Surrey Langley SkyTrain (SLS) is starting construction this year, proposals for it had been brought forward as far back as 2010. During the years that followed, the SLS was nearly replaced by a significantly inferior surface light rail system (which we thankfully stopped).

Today, Surrey and Langley residents and families face average annual combined transportation costs over $15,000—more than double what those who live in parts of the region well-served by SkyTrain pay. We cannot afford to wait decades again for more SkyTrain expansion.

We strongly call on the BC NDP to commit to supporting a SkyTrain extension to Newton in the long term, in addition to BRT. Until such a commitment has been made, a BC Conservative government presents the best choice to advance SkyTrain to both Langley and Newton.

King George Boulevard SkyTrain - Timeline

2012
Surrey Rapid Transit Study

SkyTrain to Newton considered in Surrey Rapid Transit Study Alternatives Analysis (options RRT2, RRT3)

2019 July
TransLink explores SkyTrain to Newton

A cost estimate for SkyTrain on King George Boulevard to Newton was prepared as part of a rework in rapid transit planning with the cancellation of the SNG LRT.

New SkyTrain on King George Boulevard to Newton could cost up to $1.4 billion — Daily Hive Vancouver

2022 April
SkyTrain to Newton considered in Transport 2050

"Proposed investments detailed in the 10-Year Priorities include: ... Exploring other potential SkyTrain extensions, including Newton in Surrey and Port Coquitlam"

TransLink unveils first 10 years of Transport 2050 priorities — TransLink

2022 October
Surrey Municipal Election
Mayoral candidates make promises for SkyTrain

In this election, several Mayoral candidates expressed interest in a King George Boulevard SkyTrain extension to Newton and South Surrey.

2024 October
BC Provincial Election
BC Conservatives make election promise for SkyTrain

In this election, one major contender (the BC Conservatives) expressed interest in a King George Boulevard SkyTrain extension to Newton, making it a primary party priority for Surrey.

Concept render of future SkyTrain station at King George Boulevard and 88 Ave in Surrey. Prepared by the SkyTrain for Surrey team.
Concept render of future SkyTrain station at King George Boulevard and 88 Ave in Surrey (by SkyTrain for Surrey)

See also:

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]

BC NDP’s non-support could set SkyTrain to Newton back by decades