The group says there's no finalized plan suggesting the Surrey Light Rail project is the best option

SURREY (NEWS 1130) — Members of Skytrain for Surrey will be listening closely when the federal finance minister delivers the budget today.

They’re hoping the budget will include a chance at a rapid transit system south of the Fraser River.

“Everyone seems to be optimistic that this budget announcement is going to be the forward step for getting transit projects in the region moving,” said Skytrain for Surrey founder Daryl Dela Cruz.

He says there are concerns about whether proposals to extend the current Expo Line will get funding, how much that may be, and how that decision may be affected by the current technology choice being pushed by the mayor’s council.

Skytrain for Surrey wants to see a 16-kilometer extension of the Expo Line that would add a stretch from King George station to Langley Centre.

The group has been opposing the current Surrey Light Rail Transit proposal and claims the plan is not the right way to go.

“One of the big concerns we have is that there has not been a finalized cost figure or business case. Both are still up in the air for changing and one of the first analysis that was done in 2012 by Translink suggested that the business case would not be positive for the Light Rail project.”

Dela Cruze says he’s waiting on newer numbers to show an updated benefit-cost ratio.

Members of the organization are hopeful a funding commitment will come to the area but they’ll be keeping an eye on whether that will be affected by the choice for Light Rail.

Dela Cruz says the choice to go with Light Rail would be an “incredibly expensive mistake”.

The organization will be reaching out to local stakeholders to hear their thoughts on rapid transit plans in Surrey.