NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release 2008TRAN0092-001816 Nov. 27, 2008	Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
PROVINCE MOVES FORWARD WITH FRASER VALLEY TRANSIT STUDY

ABBOTSFORD – One of the province’s fastest-growing regions will benefit from a comprehensive transit study, Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Kevin Falcon announced today.

 

            “We’ve been listening to residents of the Fraser Valley Regional District, and are moving forward with a thorough, thoughtful look at the region’s transit needs,” said Falcon. “This builds on a commitment by Premier Campbell to assess all transit options in the Fraser Valley, including the existing Southern Rail corridor.”

 

            The $14-billion Provincial Transit Plan committed to a 60 per cent increase in buses outside of the Metro Vancouver boundary. The study will examine how best to deploy the new buses and will also examine the viability of using the Southern Rail corridor for commuter rail.

 

            Urban Systems has been awarded a $400,000 contract to identify and assess options for transit within the Fraser Valley and how to best provide transit service between the valley and Metro Vancouver. The study will review existing and projected travel volumes in the region and explore all options available to address future demand. The project will include consultation with a range of stakeholders, including the general public. A final report is expected in late 2009.

 

            The Fraser Valley Transit Study is largely funded by the Province of B.C., with support from Fraser Valley Regional District, BC Transit and TransLink.

 

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Media contact:	Jeff Knight Public Affairs Bureau Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure 250 356-7707
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