Surrey LRT

The proposed Surrey Light Rail system, also known as the L Line,[1] is a 27-kilometre (17 mi) network in Surrey, British Columbia containing two light rail lines radiating from the Surrey Central Skytrain station and transit hub. First proposed in 2012 by Surrey mayor Dianne Watts,[2] the first construction is expected to start in 2018.[3]

There are two proposed lines:[4][5]

Timeline

This project—among others, including a new subway line in Vancouver—was included as one of the initiatives in need of funding that was proposed to be raised by the imposition of a regional sales tax which was put forward for voter approval in a 2015 plebiscite. The electorate voted against the tax increase;[6] however, then-mayor of Surrey Linda Hepner said, after the sales tax was voted down, that the city still planned to build the light rail project as it was the main component in her election campaign.[7]

The Surrey–Newton–Guildford Line would be built by 2025 while the Surrey–Langley Line on the Fraser Highway would be finished in 2030.[4] A report outlining the economic benefits of the project was produced by a consulting firm in May 2015.[8]

In 2017, the federal government budget included funding contributions to this project.[9] Prior to the provincial election in 2017, the BC Liberals confirmed they would match the federal contribution if they were re-elected.[10]

Proposed Network

Surrey–Newton–Guildford Line

The Surrey–Newton–Guildford Line will replace existing 96 B-Line express bus service once completed.

Surrey–Newton–Guildford Line will connect Surrey City Centre with Newton Town Centre via King George Boulevard and Guildford Town Centre via 104 Avenue. Travel time from Newton Town Centre to Surrey Central will be 15 minutes and will take additional 10 minutes to Guildford Town Centre.

Proposed Stops

Surrey–Langley Line

The Surrey–Langley Line is proposed as a future phase after the completion of the Surrey–Newton–Guildford Line. The line will travel on the Fraser Highway and will connect Surrey City Centre, Fleetwood Town Centre and Langley. Travel time will be 24.5 minutes.

Criticism

The project has been criticized by local residents and advocacy groups for issues such as a lack of travel time improvement, large annual operating deficits, vulnerability to accidents and a negative business case suggested by the original TransLink joint analysis.[11][12][13] Kevin Desmond, CEO of TransLink, has said it is still a possibility that the planned rapid transit connection to Langley could be built using SkyTrain technology instead of LRT.[14]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Kupchuk, Rick (November 16, 2016). "'L' Line coming to Surrey". Surrey Leader. Retrieved March 5, 2017.
  2. ↑ "Surrey's mayor renews call for light rail, regional tolling strategy". www.vancouversun.com. Retrieved September 5, 2015.
  3. ↑ Wong, Rachel (February 6, 2017). "Light rail transit gets the green light in Surrey". The Peak. Retrieved May 16, 2017.
  4. 1 2 "Light Rail Transit". City of Surrey. 2015. Retrieved June 15, 2015.
  5. ↑ "City of Surrey's Vision for Rapid Transit — LRT". video. City of Surrey. August 23, 2011. Retrieved June 15, 2015.
  6. ↑ Francis Bula (July 2, 2015). "Vancouver-region tax hike transit referendum voted down by 62 per cent". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved July 2, 2015.
  7. ↑ "No means Yes in Surrey: Mayor Hepner says LRT still on track despite transit tax rejection". www.theprovince.com. Retrieved September 5, 2015.
  8. ↑ Shirocca Consulting (2015). "Economic Benefits of Surrey LRT" (PDF). City of Surrey. Retrieved June 15, 2015.
  9. ↑ Saltman, Jennifer (March 22, 2017). "Federal budget 2017: Ottawa promises to pay 40% of Broadway subway, Surrey light rail". Vancouver Sun. Retrieved May 16, 2017.
  10. ↑ Smith, Charlie (March 31, 2017). "Broadway subway and Surrey light rail more feasible as province matches feds' $2.2-billion contribution". The Georgia Straight.
  11. ↑ "New campaign pushes for rapid transit from Surrey to Langley". www.news1130.com. Retrieved September 5, 2015.
  12. ↑ "Light Rail Reality Campaign Video". www.skytrainforsurrey.org. Retrieved September 5, 2015.
  13. ↑ "Surrey deserves better ・ Light Rail Doesn’t Work". www.skytrainforsurrey.org. Retrieved September 5, 2015.
  14. ↑ Nagel, Jeff (June 7, 2016). "Line to Langley may still be SkyTrain: TransLink CEO". Surrey Now-Leader. Retrieved May 21, 2017.
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