Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and B.C. Premier John Horgan, have confirmed more than $3 billion in federal and provincial funding for two major rapid transit projects in Metro Vancouver.
The Broadway Subway project will add 5.7 kilometres and six stations to the line, bringing frequent and reliable SkyTrain access to one of the most congested transit corridors in Metro Vancouver.
The Surrey-Newton-Guildford Light Rail Transit project (LRT) will create the first light-rail transit system in British Columbia. With 11 new stations along 10.5 kilometres 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.
“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.”
The Government of Canada will contribute $1.37 billion to the two projects, the Government of British Columbia will contribute $1.82 billion, and Translink, the City of Vancouver, and the City of Surrey will contribute $1.23 billion. The funding was announced earlier this year.
“Rapid transit is key to helping people get where they need to go quickly, so we can meet the needs of a growing region. Cutting traffic and getting people and goods moving faster will unlock economic growth, while making our communities more affordable, accessible and clean,’ said Horgan.
Construction of the new project is expected to begin within the next two years.
The Broadway subway project will add 5.7 kilometres of track and six stations to the existing SkyTrain Millennium Line.
Construction is expected to begin in 2020 and the Broadway extension is scheduled to open by 2025.
