The UBC Board of Governors announced that they are endorsing a strategy to accelerate the completion of a SkyTrain line to the university’s Point Grey campus.
They describe how the university is BC’s third-largest employment centre after downtown Vancouver and Central Broadway.
Consequently, it experiences some of the busiest transit in the country.
Now, the university says it is considering funding a portion of the extension in order to expedite its construction.
“Extending rail rapid transit to UBC is a key component of a regional approach to transit improvement, and directly supports UBC’s Strategic Plan. Enhanced transit connectivity between UBC and the rest of the region will benefit individuals, businesses and organizations across Metro Vancouver,” said UBC president Prof. Santa Ono in a release.
“Today’s Board approval of the advocacy strategy enables UBC to advance conversations with senior levels of government, regional partners, and with the UBC community about expediting the project.”
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UBC Skytrain
Once complete, it would result in Canada’s longest rapid transit line, stretching 43 km from the campus to Coquitlam. As such, it would reduce congestion and also reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
In addition, commuter travel times would drop up to 20 to 25 minutes each way.
As a result, the extension would allow greater access for students who require affordable housing further from campus.
And, UBC isn’t the only campus looking to improve its transit. SFU is working with Translink and may be close to getting a gondola service.
The amount and nature of university’s contribution will depend on the outcomes of technical work to understand project scope and costs, consultation with the external community, and discussions with other partners.
