Monday, August 11, 2008

South Fraser OnTrax LRT Expert in The Province Newspaper

Today's Province newspaper editorial quotes South Fraser OnTrax Light Rail expert Brent Graham, and recounts some highlights of our discussion with Township of Langley Council and his interview with Langley Advance reporter Matthew Claxton. In a strongly-worded opinion The Province says,

"It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that, with a fast-growing population, higher fuel costs, increased gridlock and rising air-quality concerns, the future of public transportation in Greater Vancouver is clouded indeed. Why then does the B.C. government appear to be dragging its heels when it comes to such options as using the old Interurban line for a state-of-the-art, light-rail transportation system? Despite rapidly increasing public support for light rail in the Fraser Valley in recent years, Victoria has shown little interest in the idea."

Graham, a former Langley resident, specifically mentioned the rapidly densifying Willoughby area. "It's ready for a tram system, if I've ever seen one,"
he said.


"In our view, this is another textbook case of how the public's thinking has advanced far beyond that of the politicians they elect."

South Fraser OnTrax thanks The Langley Advance, reporter Matthew Claxton, and The Province newspaper group for their vision, deep understanding of this critical issue, and their strong support for the Interurban and trams in the South Fraser region. We also thank Langley Township Mayor Kurt Alberts, Cllrs. Ward, Vickberg, Richter, Long, Kositsky, Fox, Ferguson and Bateman for allowing Brent Graham to speak. We know that each and every one of these community leaders supports some form of Light Rail Transit in our region. Please continue to show your leadership and vision to make these LRT solutions a reality sooner, rather than later.

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