Burnaby, BC, May, 23, 2019- Investing in public transit infrastructure supports efficient, affordable and sustainable transportation options that help Canadians and their families get to work, school and essential services on time and back home safely at the end of the day.
Today, the Honourable Harjit Singh Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and Claire Trevena, B.C. Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure provided details on what the $1.47 billion investment in the Expo Millennium upgrade program will mean for people.
The $1.47 billion investment will increase the capacity of the SkyTrain fleet and support much needed operational and system upgrades along the Expo and Millennium Lines to serve a rapidly growing ridership.
The Government of Canada is contributing $493,320,000 under the Public Transit Infrastructure stream (PTIS) of the Investing in Canada Plan and the Government of British Columbia is contributing $579,000,000 as part of the Province's $2.54 billion capital investment in Phase Two of the Mayors' Council Ten-Year Vision. TransLink is investing $397,680,000 to fund the balance of the Expo Millennium upgrade program.
The funds will be used to purchase approximately 200 new SkyTrain cars to replace 150 original cars, which are near the end of their life cycle, and to expand the fleet. This will increase SkyTrain capacity by over 5,000 passengers at peak times. Additionally, a new vehicle storage facility will be built, upgrades to the vehicle operations and maintenance centre will be undertaken and mainline power, train control, and operating systems will be improved along the Expo and Millennium Lines to support longer and more frequent trains.
"With today's announcement, we are investing in the very backbone of the Lower Mainland's public transit system. These upgrades will allow it to better absorb the growth in ridership, and help residents get to where they are going quicker and more comfortably. By investing in public transportation, we are reducing the number of vehicles on the road and helping to build a more sustainable future for Vancouver, the Lower Mainland and Canada."
The Honourable Harjit Singh Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
"Investing in public transit infrastructure helps build sustainable communities, encourage economic growth and strengthen the middle class. Together, we are making positive changes like this one to reduce traffic congestion while keeping pace with the city's growing ridership."
Terry Beech, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport
"The B.C. government is working with all levels of government to deliver on transit projects that will get people out of traffic and make cleaner transportation options more convenient, available and affordable."
Claire Trevena, British Columbia Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
Quick facts
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Through the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, the Government of Canada is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities.
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$28.7 billion of this funding is supporting public transit projects, including $5 billion available for investment through the Canada Infrastructure Bank.
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The Province of British Columbia is committed to funding 40% of the capital costs of the Mayors' Council Ten-Year Vision.
