More transit options are coming to Metro Vancouver.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier John Horgan announced more than $3 billion in federal and provincial funding for two major rapid transit projects in Metro Vancouver: the Broadway Subway project and the Surrey-Newton-Guildford Light Rail Transit project.
The Broadway Subway project will add 5.7 km and six stations to the line, bringing frequent and reliable SkyTrain access to one of the most congested transit corridors in Metro Vancouver.
The Broadway Subway will be able to move 5,100 more passengers per hour, per direction than the existing B-Line bus service it will replace, increasing capacity by 250 per cent. It will also be built to accommodate additional future capacity increases.
The Surrey-Newton-Guildford Light Rail Transit project (LRT) will create the first light-rail transit system in B.C. With 11 new stations along 10.5 km of street-level track, the LRT will provide much-needed transit services in underserved areas, connect and revitalize communities, and make it easier to travel across the Lower Mainland.
The project will take people from one end of the line to the other in approximately 27 minutes. The line will operate within dedicated train-only lanes on the road, allowing the trains to bypass traffic queues, making it an attractive public transit choice.
“Bringing light rail to Surrey will transform the city, connect communities and make getting around the Lower Mainland faster and easier,” said Trudeau. “The Broadway Subway will also go a long way in reducing commute times and transit overcrowding, and making Vancouver’s SkyTrain even more convenient and accessible. Our government will continue to listen to communities, and make historic investments in the infrastructure they need, today and tomorrow.”
According to the province, these projects will create thousands of good, middle-class jobs during construction. Once completed, they will meet current and future transportation needs, reduce traffic congestion and air pollution, and create more livable, connected communities.
“Rapid transit is key to helping people get where they need to go quickly, so we can meet the needs of a growing region,” added Horgan. “Cutting traffic and getting people and goods moving faster will unlock economic growth, while making our communities more affordable, accessible and clean.”
