On February 1, 2008, the Province and TransLink released the business case for the rapid transit Evergreen Line, and announced advanced light rapid transit (ALRT or SkyTrain-like technology) as the recommended technology. ALRT technology on the Evergreen Line has higher construction costs than LRT, but significantly lower annual operating costs, significantly shorter travel times for commuters, and two and a half times more ridership by 2021.
The business case also made recommendations on routes. The business case determined that the previously adopted Northwest corridor has slight technical advantages over the Southeast route. The Northwest route travels adjacent to the Canadian Pacific rail line through Port Moody. Both routes start at the Millennium Line Lougheed station and terminate near Douglas College in Coquitlam.
The project meets the criteria and is a strong candidate for public private partnership, and the Province will be reviewing this project to determine if there is any reason not to use this model.
The Province and TransLink have asked area Mayors to provide feedback over the next 45 days. This spring, TransLink and the Ministry of Transportation will make a final decision on routing in order to keep on track for a targeted 2014 completion.
Evergreen Line:
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