Langley, British Columbia, November 16, 2012 – Langley Member of Parliament Mark Warawa, and Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Mary Polak celebrated the completion of the Carvolth Transit Exchange and Park and Ride, and announcement of TransLink's ExpressBus schedule, the first reliable transit over the Port Mann Bridge in over 25 years. Langley City Mayor and vice-chair of Mayors' Council on Regional Transportation Peter Fassbender confirmed the transit service will start December 1, the official opening date for the Port Mann Bridge.
The new Carvolth Transit Exchange and Park and Ride on 86 Avenue in Langley will be the Fraser Valley's connection point to the new ExpressBus service and the regional transit network. It will open on December 1 with over 670 parking stalls.
Through the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, the Government of Canada contributed over $15.1 million toward the Carvolth Transit Exchange and Park and Ride. The Government of British Columbia contributed $49.7 million and TransLink contributed $2.75 million. As well, fees for new developments in the area will provide $2.9 million towards this $70.5-million project. Together, these partners are supporting improved transit and transportation for local communities, transit users and the travelling public.
In addition to increased parking capacity, and a new, expanded transit exchange, the project includes High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV)/transit-only on- and off-ramps to and from Highway 1 at 202 Street, improved connections and access to the transit exchange, and environmental enhancements.
TransLink's ExpressBus service, route 555, will begin when the new Port Mann Bridge opens on December 1. The new route will provide service between the Carvolth Transit Exchange and Braid SkyTrain Station, in about 20 minutes. Buses will run every 10 minutes during peak commuting periods, and every 30 minutes in off peak hours until 11 p.m.
Transit improvements, like the new transit improvements in Langley, are an integral component of the PMH1 Project and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure's comprehensive plan to address the transportation needs of the region's growing population, providing a healthy environment and high quality of life for all British Columbians.
As part of Canada's Economic Action Plan, the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund supported more than 4,000 infrastructure projects across the country, including over 440 key infrastructure projects in British Columbia.
For additional information about federal investments in infrastructure and to stay up-to-date with Web feeds, visit www.infrastructure.gc.ca.
For further information about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
Connect with the Province of British Columbia at www.gov.bc.ca/connect
Langley Member of Parliament Mark Warawa
"Modern and efficient public transit is a cornerstone of a strong, competitive economy. Our government is proud to invest in this project that will allow buses to cross the Port Mann Bridge for the first time in more than 25 years. This means safer and shorter commutes for Langley residents."
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Mary Polak
"On December 1, commuters south of the Fraser will have choices when it comes to crossing the Port Mann Bridge, thanks to the completion of the new Carvolth Transit Exchange and park and Ride and the new ExpressBus service. For the first time in more than 25 years, there will be reliable transit service over the Port Mann Bridge. The brand new ExpressBus will be a valuable addition to the region's growing transit network, and a dramatic improvement to our quality of life in the Fraser Valley."
Vice-chair of the Mayors' Council on Regional Transportation and Langley City Mayor Peter Fassbender
"For the first time since 1986, Langley and all south of Fraser residents will be able to take a bus over the Port Mann Bridge. The new facilities connect us to the region's transit network and provide us with reliable, fast, and sustainable transportation options. I'm excited to introduce this service and transit exchange to the community of Langley, and I'm proud to say I'll be one of its very first riders."
Township of Langley Mayor Jack Froese
"ExpressBus and the new transit facilities will be well used and appreciated by our residents, who need more convenient and cost-effective ways to travel throughout the region. Langley Township is thrilled to see this service come on board and we know it will be beneficial to those who live, work, and visit here."
Media Contact:
Geneviève Sicard
Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
613-991-0700
Greg Johnson
Communications Manager
Transportation Investment Corporation
778-783-1220
Kate Trotter
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250-356-8241
Derek Zabel
TransLink Communications
604-512-0701
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
