The Runner Debates: The Road More Travelled

LRT is the future of transit in Surrey

by Kyrsten Downton

Surrey is one of the largest municipalities in B.C. and it is steadily rising. Many people are moving there because of its affordability, but it’s difficult to get around. To help build a stronger city, Surrey is looking into expanding the public transit system. One option that is heavily being considered is the use of a light rail transit system, or LRT. LRT trains travel on ground in designated lanes, separate from the regular traffic, typically run at a high speed, and can carry passengers at a higher volume.

The proposed plan is to have three LRT lines, all connecting to Surrey Centre. There will be a line on 104 Ave to Guildford, a line on Fraser Highway to Langley, and a line on King George Highway to Newton. The Newton line is also being considered for a possible expansion to South Surrey.

Many people argue that continuing to build a SkyTrain along Fraser Highway is the best option for Surrey. Supporters argue that SkyTrain is more cost-effective, travel efficient, and safer to use, but there are some things they’re not considering.

Greenhouse gas emissions will lower with LRT. With the use of the three proposed lines, bus routes on these lines will be fewer. This will cut down on gas emissions and will help promote a more environmentally friendly Surrey.

LRT will promote job and economic growth within the city as well. Both sides of the LRT and SkyTrain debate argue that the other is more expensive to build. However, regardless of cost, building a LRT system in Surrey will create thousands of new jobs and help build a stronger economy.

SkyTrain supporters argue that LRT will be a less reliable source of transportation. However, the SkyTrain itself has been criticized in the past couple of years for its unreliability and system shut downs. With the higher speeds and easy accessibility that LRT will bring, travel times on routes will be shortened. The City of Surrey’s plan also proposes wait times to be as short as five minutes in peak hours.

LRT’s biggest problem is its safety issues. Since the LRT travels on the ground, accidents with other vehicles are a likely risk. In the event of an accident, a vehicle could flip over and cut into the LRT lane.

However, these accidents will most likely be very few and far between. The best prevention for this risk is for both LRT and vehicle users to be aware of the road and who they share it with. Moreover, if the plan goes through, do not be surprised if a driving awareness campaign with the LRT is created.

Most importantly, LRT will help build a better and stronger city of Surrey. With promoting economic and population growth, the LRT will help connect the large city and create a sense of unity. It will help with the development of the city of Surrey and make it a better place for its current and future residents.

SkyTrain is the better option for Surrey

by Kyle Prince

SkyTrains have been a staple of fast travel stations in Vancouver for decades, but LRT has been trying to get in on the action in Surrey for years now. The only thing is, there’s absolutely no reason to make the change.

SkyTrains cost less, they’re safer, and they get you where you want to go faster.

It’s often cited in favour of Light Rail Transit that they’re cheaper to build, and that’s true. When we look at the cost of laying rail versus putting up a SkyTrain transport system, it’s 100 per cent true. If that was all we had to look at I’d stop here. But it isn’t.

LRT systems need to purchase land in order to install the rails, they need to repave roads to make way for the larger trolleys, and there’s the necessary ground work that needs to be done before you can even think of laying rail down. Then of course there’s the upkeep costs—it’s almost twice as much to operate an LRT system as it is to operate SkyTrain.

One of the most important elements of this debate is safety. There’s no doubt that SkyTrains are safe. They don’t cross paths with vehicles, or anything else. They’re up above pedestrians and roadways, allowing for safe travels for all types of commuters. LRTs cut into roadways, meaning there’s risk of accidents, and pedestrians can walk onto railways which raises the risk from zero per cent to, well, not zero per cent.

Not only that, but it means the trolleys are one more thing people need to watch out for while on the roads. There’s enough distracting drivers as it is these days, we don’t need anyone else claiming, “It came out of nowhere!” Houston, Texas is by far the worst of the worst in terms of LRT, there have been 62 accidents involving the trolleys in one year.

The SkyTrain is also much faster. Trolleys would be regulated by municipal speed laws, which usually limits them to 50 kilometres per hour. Considering the proposed plan is out to Langley, it may get up to 70 kilometres per hour, but the various residential areas would slow it down frequently.

Meanwhile, the SkyTrain can cruise along anywhere from 80 to 90 kilometres because it doesn’t have to worry about being on the road. With the SkyTrain, you can make it from downtown Vancouver out to Langley in 60 minutes. Or head out from Surrey Central and make it to Langley in about 20 minutes. According to Google Maps, it would take longer to drive there.

I don’t know about you, but I’d rather take the high road.