VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – UBC and the City of Vancouver are making yet another push for SkyTrain along the Broadway corridor. The rapid transit line is being described as a key factor to unleashing the area’s economic potential.

In particular, Vancouver is targeting the fast-growing tech sector. The city argues it has the research centres, businesses and the talent, but transit is lacking along what’s being called the “busiest bus corridor in North America.”

“The health care, technology and life science sectors, combined with UBC’s research enterprise, set the stage for significant growth. We need a subway rapid transit system that will allow us to compete with tech hubs like Toronto and New York City and unleash the additional economic and investment potential along the corridor,” says Mayor Gregor Robertson.

UBC President Stephen Toope says without rapid transit, the city and the province will be missing out. “This is a story about opportunity. But it’s a challenge to us to make the decisions we need to make to grab the opportunity.”

It’s estimated SkyTrain along Broadway to UBC would cost $2.8 billion, but where that money would come from has been the source of frustration for months.

Vancouver is also competing for transit dollars with Surrey which has been seeking service expansion for years. Robertson thinks both can be done at the same time. “Both are urgent for the whole region to succeed.”