No. H023/13
For release - March 1, 2013
VANCOUVER – Construction has begun at Metro Vancouver's Main Street-Science World Station, the first of seven SkyTrain stations to undergo accessibility and safety improvements over the next three years.
Metrotown, Commercial-Broadway, Scott Road, Surrey Central, New Westminster, and Joyce-Collingwood stations will also undergo upgrades. Work is anticipated to be finished by 2016.
The upgrades at the seven stations cost $164 million, with funding provided by the Government of Canada, Government of British Columbia and TransLink.
The Government of Canada is contributing $41 million through the Building Canada Fund.
"Our government has made significant investments to help make public transit safer and more convenient across the Lower Mainland," said the Honourable James Moore, Minister Responsible for British Columbia. "These upgrades will make the SkyTrain system more secure and user-friendly, while creating local jobs and economic growth in the Vancouver region."
The Government of British Columbia is contributing $83 million.
"Over the last 10 years, our government has provided $2 billion to TransLink to help improve the quality of life for families and communities," said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Mary Polak. "These station upgrades will help to ensure the SkyTrain system can continue to serve demand as the population grows and more British Columbians switch from driving to more environmentally friendly choices like taking transit, cycling and walking."
TransLink, Metro Vancouver's transportation authority, will contribute $40 million for the upgrades.
"These upgrades are prioritized based on the greatest need for accessibility and safety considerations," said Ian Jarvis, CEO, TransLink. "These stations will meet the needs of our ridership for years to come, thanks to the help of senior government partners."
Upgrades to Main Street-Science World include new, more accessible station entrances, a new elevator, escalators, enhanced weather protection and lighting, as well as new retail space and bike parking facilities. Work will coincide with the installation of faregates.
Geneviève Sicard
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Ottawa
613-991-0700
Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055
Kate Trotter
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
Government Communications and Public Engagement
250-356-8241
Jennifer Siddon
TransLink Communications
604-803-3199
media@translink.ca
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