VANCOUVER -- The B.C. government is calling for the use of SkyTrain-style technology for the long-planned Evergreen Line to the northeast sector of the Metro Vancouver region, the Transportation Minister says.
Kevin Falcon yesterday announced a shift in priorities from a planned light rapid transit system, like a streetcar, to the more sophisticated SkyTrain type that runs on its own route underground, at street level or on elevated pylons.
The automated train through Port Moody and Coquitlam would link up with the rest of the region's SkyTrain system.
While the new 11-kilometre system will cost more to build, it is expected to have lower annual operating costs, shorter travel times and allow more riders.
The Evergreen Line has been in the works since the early 1990s, but the urgency around the project has increased with rapid growth in the region's communities, including Coquitlam, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, Anmore and Belcarra. In 2004, the decision was made to proceed with a light rapid transit system.
The province and TransLink, the regional transit authority, are giving area mayors 45 days to provide feedback before final routing decisions this spring.
The line, running from the current Millennium Line's Lougheed Station to Coquitlam, is to be opened in 2014.
But the province is still looking for Ottawa to match its $400-million contribution to the project, and area MP James Moore, speaking on behalf of the federal government, was unable to commit to the funds at this point.
"I am hopeful, going forward, we will have some positive outcomes on this, and finally, the northeast sector will be joined into all the Lower Mainland with SkyTrain technology," he told a news conference.
Later, in an interview, he said the federal government had had the province's latest proposal for only three days and required time to review it. He said there is no timeline for a decision.
But Mr. Moore, also parliamentary secretary for the ministers of Public Works and the Pacific Gateway, said he is a fan of SkyTrain and transit to the region.
"SkyTrain is the existing and known technology," said Mr. Moore, MP for Port Moody-Westwood-Port Coquitlam.
"This is SkyTrain and everybody knows what SkyTrain is. It's a known, proven technology and, for Tri-City residents, it will connect us into the existing network so you wouldn't have to go from one train to another train and buy a different fare and get a transfer and have all the hassle."
Pressed on his backup plan if Ottawa does not come up with the necessary money, Mr. Falcon said Victoria would find some way to advance.
"If, God forbid, [there was no federal money] we would figure out how we're going to fix that gap, but I can tell you this: This is a project that is going to get built. The Premier has been very clear about that. It's going to get done."