It’s been a few months since the July update to regional mayors on the proposed Surrey Langley SkyTrain, and now new details on the next phase of public engagement have been revealed.
Communities south of the Fraser are ready for more transit. Last year, ridership across the region increased by over 7%. South of the Fraser, that number rose to almost 14%. The previous round of public engagement received record-level response, confirmed strong support for improved transit in Surrey and Langley and showed strong support for the proposed Surrey Langley SkyTrain project.
Surrey Langley SkyTrain project details
With a SkyTrain running every 6 to 8 minutes and travel times between Langley City and King George Station an estimated 22 minutes — or 9.5 minutes between Fleetwood and King George Station — this project will provide a much-needed alternative for many commuters who would like to leave their cars at home and avoid congestion along the busy Fraser Highway. The project will:
- increases transit capacity, frequency, reliability and convenience;
- improves access to jobs, housing, schools and services;
- supports healthy communities and a healthy environment; and
- supports economic development.
That is why regional mayors directed TransLink in July 2019 to continue developing the project, including additional rounds of public engagement, drafting a business case for approval and funding by senior levels of government.
While $1.6 billion in available funding would enable an extension to 166 Street in Fleetwood, subject to business case approval, TransLink has been tasked with planning the full $3.12 billion 16-kilometre line to 203 Street in Langley.
After much study and planning, new details about the proposed SkyTrain guideway alignment (north, south or centre running above the street) and station locations were released, including the need to minimize:
- footprint impacts to environmentally sensitive areas;
- property impacts;
- project costs while maximizing ease of construction;
- the number of times the guideway crosses over Fraser Highway; and
- traffic impacts.
Surrey Langley SkyTrain public engagement ends on November 17th!
This round of public engagement is looking for your thoughts on access to the future SkyTrain. How important are connections to SkyTrain for those who take the bus, walk, bike or drive? How important are bike parkades and bike racks to cyclists? How do you feel about park-and-ride spaces? This will help provide direction on how to build stations the facilities and amenities that will work for customers.
TransLink will conduct an environmental review of the Fraser Highway corridor and have developed an extensive list of studies to complete. The engagement is also asking if any studies have been missed, as it’s important that this project has as little impact on the natural environment as possible.
Your feedback will help to inform the design process and future decision-making for the proposed Surrey Langley SkyTrain. Until November 17, you can attend one of five open houses and complete a survey in-person or online.
Details are available at surreylangleyskytrain.ca/community
