Image: Trans-Canada Highway 1 through the Fraser Valley. / Edgar Bullon / Dreamstime

By Fraser Valley Today Staff

Rapid Transit

UFV students to examine the possibility of a rail line connecting the Fraser Valley to Metro Vancouver

Jul 13, 2024 | 5:45 AM

ABBOTSFORD — It doesn’t take many commutes from Chilliwack or Abbotsford to Vancouver to realize the challenges represented by the growth of traffic congestion along Highway 1. Even with the promise of widened highways through the Fraser Valley, the problem doesn’t seem like it will be going away anytime soon.

Mountain Valley Express (MVX), a non-profit society, believes it sees a solution. The group is dedicated to connecting the Fraser Valley, Metro Vancouver, and the Sea-to-Sky corridor with a fast, reliable, world-class regional rail network.

This summer, MVX)is partnering with the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) to engage businesses and community members in a student-led transportation study. The initiative aims to understand the public transportation needs of residents and share MVX’s vision for regional rail in the Fraser Valley.

In collaboration with UFV, four urban planning students will explore the challenges and complexities of sustainable transportation in the Fraser Valley. Their work will include a community survey and a Charrette Style workshop, offering an open forum for community members to discuss and support sustainable transportation initiatives.

“We’re excited to work with UFV in understanding transportation challenges better and seeing how regional rail could serve as a solution,” said Lee Haber, MVX’s Director of Strategy and Partnerships. “Our analysis shows that regional rail would be viable if led by the Provincial Government or the private sector. We are engaging with funders and builders to make this project a reality. The findings from this study will bring us one step closer.”

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Alex Gaio, MVX’s Director of Planning and Policy, added, “Regions around the world of our size and stature have regional rail. Expanding highways alone deprives our residents and economy of a non-polluting, traffic-free transportation option that would outcompete driving.”

Jayden Hovey, president of the UFV Student Union Society, underscored the importance of the study for students. “A major missing piece for our students has been a transit connection between the Fraser Valley and Metro Vancouver.” Hovey add, “A regional rail line connecting UFV, the Fraser Valley, and Metro Vancouver would eliminate barriers to education and reduce transportation pressures on our students.”

At the project’s conclusion, the students are expected to produce a qualitative research report, including recommended policies for transit and land-use planning principles.