IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Jan. 18, 2015 – Surrey, BC
As part of the 2016 federal pre-budget consultations, we have urged the Minister of Finance to reject a Surrey LRT project and refuse to provide federal funding.
Our submission included a list of 14 major shortfalls/issues that have been identified with the proposed light rail system, including: high operating costs, increased congestion, construction impacts that haven’t been discussed with residents, and an expected net increase in greenhouse gas emissions. We noted in our letter to the Finance Minister that the Surrey Rapid Transit Study, commissioned by TransLink and the province, concluded that the Light Rail alternative was the worst business case alternative.
Daryl Dela Cruz, campaign chair, said:
“A slow street-level LRT with more stops will not attract high ridership. It would fall short in every aspect where SkyTrain has found success – with fewer customers, slower growth around transit, more suburban sprawl and more congestion.”
Finally, we noted that the SkyTrain system has made Metro Vancouver a leader on the world stage, with one of the best transit ridership records on this continent and visible benefits throughout the Lower Mainland. We are continuing to advance local advocacy to extend the existing SkyTrain system instead of building LRT, to offer more travel time savings and the highest economic returns for Surrey residents.
ATTACHED LETTER – sent 17th January, 2016
Read our letter to the Minister of Finance now on our website at [OPEN HERE]
Or use the display below:
About SkyTrain for Surrey
SkyTrain for Surrey is a local grassroots organization calling for an extension of existing SkyTrain and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) instead of the currently-proposed on-street Light Rail system in Surrey.
Our campaign directors: Daryl Dela Cruz (Surrey, chair), Benedic Dasalla (Surrey), Jacky Au (Surrey), Spencer Whitney (Langley)
For further information
Daryl Dela Cruz, Campaign Chair, Phone: +1 604 329 3529, E-mail: [email protected]
Surrey deserves better
Help us make SkyTrain and BRT a reality in Surrey
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