After two delays, crews say the transit line will open in time for the holidays

COQUITLAM (NEWS 1130) – Builders of the Evergreen Line now say Metro Vancouver’s newest SkyTrain route connecting the Tri-Cities will be operational before Christmas, though a specific date has yet to be released.

Coquitlam’s Mayor says the city is excited about this “Christmas present”. pic.twitter.com/LBBt4sTIKd — Kenny Mason (@krmason7) September 8, 2016

Today, project leaders also announced a $5 million park and ride at the Lafarge Lake-Douglas Station in Coquitlam, which will bring the total number of parking spots along the transit route to 650.

The original opening was supposed to be in the fall of this year, but was delayed late last year to spring 2017.

The province expects the Evergreen Line will eventually carry 70,000 people every day. pic.twitter.com/R4s7NS0VQb — Kenny Mason (@krmason7) September 8, 2016

The line’s project manager says stations have been built with longer platforms in case future upgrades include longer trains.

TransLink touting opening as a way for more options for transit users. pic.twitter.com/GdMgIFG9UV — Kenny Mason (@krmason7) September 8, 2016

The project’s budget is $1.43 billion and despite those delays, the provincial government has always maintained that taxpayers wouldn’t be on the hook for any additional costs.