While we’re still a few years away from the Surrey-Langley SkyTrain extension officially being completed, it has a new name, and it’s in honour of a former B.C. premier.
Today, the B.C. Ministry of Transportation announced that the Surrey-Langley SkyTrain extension, which is set to open sometime in 2029, will be named after former B.C. premier Dave Barrett, officially named the Dave Barrett Extension.
Barrett served as premier in the early ’70s.
“Dave Barrett spent his life fighting for ordinary people. He believed everyone deserved a fair chance to get ahead and access the services that help working families thrive,” said B.C. Premier David Eby in a release.
“More than 50 years later, British Columbians still benefit from the vision Dave championed and his belief that government can be a force for good in people’s lives. This transit line will help people get where they need to go for generations, making it a fitting tribute to a leader whose legacy continues to be felt across our province.”
B.C. Minister of Transportation Mike Farnworth said that the extension will connect people with jobs, housing, and education.
Everyone who spoke of the new name said that Barrett was a key figure in expanding transit in the region, with the ministry adding that the former premier’s government took a more active role in public transit planning and coordination.
“Between 1974 and 1975, the Province expanded transit services in Surrey, Delta, White Rock and Langley, replacing limited existing services and bringing transit to rapidly growing communities south of the Fraser River. These investments improved mobility for residents and helped lay the foundation for the regional transit network that serves the region today,” the ministry said.
B.C. touts that once the extension is complete, folks will be able to travel from Langley City Centre to King George Station in just over 20 minutes. It expects average weekday ridership to reach 80,000 by 2050.
In May, the Province announced that the extension had reached a major milestone and in July, some members of the public were invited to sign a time capsule.
You can find more info on the Surrey-Langley SkyTrain website.