Evergreen extension opens in Metro Vancouver

Written by Mischa Wanek-Libman, editor
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British Columbia Ministry of Transportation

Metro Vancouver, B.C., gained more than 6.5 miles of rail rapid transit Dec. 2 with the opening of the Evergreen extension.

The extension will provide service between Coquitlam, Port Moody, Burnaby and Vancouver and carry an estimated 70,000 people per day by 2021.

The Government of Canada, the Government of British Columbia and TransLink funded the US$1.06-billion project. Now that construction is complete, TransLink will be responsible for operating the extension.

The province said round-the-clock efforts by people involved in the many aspects of the project allowed for the Evergreen extension to open approximately US$52 million and US$69.3 million under budget.

The 6.83-mile Evergreen extension runs fully separated from traffic. With seven stations that include bus connections, parking (Moody Centre, Coquitlam Central and Lafarge Lake-Douglas stations) and bicycle facilities. Evergreen will provide frequent and convenient SkyTrain service, connecting Coquitlam City Centre through Port Moody to Lougheed Town Centre in about 15 minutes. With the Evergreen extension now open to the public, Metro Vancouver’s SkyTrain system, at nearly 60 miles, is the longest fully automated and driverless rapid transit system in the world.

“The faster and more frequent service we can now offer provides more transportation choices and will help reduce road congestion and foster economic growth in the Northeast Sector. To ensure a smooth transition for customers, our outreach teams will continue to be out on the system today and for the next week,” said Kevin Desmond, CEO of TransLink.

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