No. H 226/08
For release - November 12, 2008
RICHMOND — Premier Gordon Campbell was joined by the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, the Honourable James Moore, on behalf of Canada's Transport and Infrastructure Minister, John Baird, as well as provincial Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Kevin Falcon and project partners as the first passengers on a trial run of the Canada Line from Bridgeport Station to the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) Station today.
"The Canada Line will be a fast, convenient and inexpensive travel option for commuters and visitors, carrying riders from the airport or Richmond to downtown Vancouver in just 25 minutes - about half the average time it takes to drive the same distance," said Premier Campbell. "The Canada Line will ensure reliable transportation for an estimated 100,000 riders every day by 2010 - and increasing to close to 125,000 per day by 2021."
"Today's trial run celebrates not only a milestone for this essential transit project, but also the important role that the Canada Line will play in easing traffic congestion, cutting commute times, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and clearing the air for residents and visitors to the Greater Vancouver Area," said Minister Moore. "This project reflects our government's commitment to working with our provincial and municipal partners to improve British Columbia's essential transportation infrastructure."
Testing and commissioning of the trains on the Bridgeport Station to YVR-Airport Station section of the Canada Line is almost complete. Testing is now underway on the Richmond and south Vancouver sections of the line. Construction is also progressing on schedule for the 16 stations along the line.
When finished in 2009, the Canada Line will carry people between the centre of Richmond, YVR and Vancouver's Waterfront Centre in 25 minutes or less.
"The Canada Line has been a regional priority for decades, and TransLink is proud to be part of the partnership that is making it a reality," said TransLink CEO Thomas Prendergast. "Some transit services become icons that people around the world associate with the cities they serve, and I have no doubt that the Canada Line will very quickly become one for Metro Vancouver."
"With the beginning of Canada Line operations in 2009, YVR will join the ranks of major international airports with direct rapid transit links to downtown centres, and we know our passengers and Sea Island employees will appreciate this new convenient transportation option," said Larry Berg, President and CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority. "The Canada Line will also help us deliver on our long-term gateway and sustainability strategies by reducing vehicle trips to Sea Island."
The Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia, the South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority (TransLink) and the Vancouver Airport Authority are proud partners in the Canada Line, which is also supported by the cities of Vancouver and Richmond.
The project is overseen by Canada Line Rapid Transit Inc. (CLCO), a subsidiary of TransLink. The Line is being designed, built, operated, maintained and partially financed by InTransitBC.
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