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The Government of Canada has approved funds totalling C$1.37bn ($1.04bn) for two major rapid transit projects of Metro Vancouver in British Columbia.
The Broadway Subway project and Surrey-Newton-Guildford Light Rail Transit project are expected to reduce traffic congestion and improve passenger transportation.
Alongside federal funding, the Government of British Columbia has committed to contributing C$1.82bn ($1.38bn) for the two projects.
Additionally, Translink, the City of Vancouver and City of Surrey will contribute a combined C$1.23bn ($930m).
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said: “Bringing light rail to Surrey will transform the city, connect communities and make getting around the Lower Mainland faster and easier.
“The Broadway Subway will also go a long way in reducing commute times and transit overcrowding, and making Vancouver’s SkyTrain even more convenient and accessible.”
The Broadway Subway project will add 5.7km and six stations to the SkyTrain Line, expanding it to one of the most congested transit corridors in Metro Vancouver.
The 10.5km-long Surrey-Newton-Guildford Light Rail Transit project will feature 11 stations. It will provide services for under-served areas in the region by improving connectivity across the Lower Mainland.
British Columbia Premier John Horgan said: “Rapid transit is key to helping people get where they need to go quickly, so we can meet the needs of a growing region.
“Cutting traffic and getting people and goods moving faster will unlock economic growth, while making our communities more affordable, accessible and clean.”
Both projects are expected to create thousands of jobs during the construction period.
Once complete, the Broadway Subway will serve around 5,100 passengers an hour, while the Light Rail Transit project will provide end-to-end connectivity in nearly 27 minutes.