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- calendar_today October 21, 2026
B.C. NDP and Conservatives Make Competing SkyTrain Extension Promises
In the days leading up to the October 24 provincial election, both the B.C. NDP and the B.C. Conservatives have pledged to extend the SkyTrain transit line to Surrey's Newton neighbourhood. These campaign promises come as both parties seek to win over voters in the populous city of Surrey.
SkyTrain Extension to Newton Emerges as Key Election Issue
The two parties made their announcements in rapid succession on Tuesday, both committing to develop a SkyTrain extension along King George Boulevard. For the NDP, this commitment follows earlier pledges to improve surrey transit infrastructure, while the Conservatives position their promise as a solution to long-standing transit needs in the Newton area.
NDP Earmarks $250 Million for Surrey Transit Expansion
NDP Leader David Eby stated that his party has set aside $250 million in their costed platform specifically for expanding transit to Surrey's Newton neighbourhood. The NDP's previous plan allocated funds for bus rapid transit stretching from Surrey to White Rock, but Eby emphasized a shift toward a SkyTrain extension after consulting with Surrey mayor-elect Doug McCallum, who prioritized this mode of transit over light rail options.
"There's actually a massive factory that's producing the giant concrete components for these things. It's already up and running," said Eby, noting that the existing infrastructure would help reduce costs for the SkyTrain extension to Newton compared to building from scratch.
Conservatives Also Advocate for Newton SkyTrain Extension
The B.C. Conservatives issued their own statement, pledging to work with federal partners to fund and construct rapid transit along the King George Boulevard corridor. Party leader Lorne Doerkson noted that plans for light rail to Newton had been abandoned in 2018, leaving residents waiting for improved public transit. The Conservatives argue that the Newton area has been overlooked for years and deserves to be prioritized for transit expansion.
The Conservative platform, however, does not include specific costing for the SkyTrain extension. Instead, it supports transit expansion in communities that demonstrate need and proposes funding new projects through a combination of federal, municipal, and private partnerships.
NDP Criticizes Conservatives on Plan Costing
NDP Leader David Eby criticized the Conservative plans for lacking clear financial details, particularly for major promises like the SkyTrain extension. While the NDP platform lists specific amounts and projects, the Conservative approach indicates costs will be set on a project-by-project basis through business cases.
Advance Voting Turnout Lower Than Previous Election
Meanwhile, Elections B.C. reported that advance polling turnout was slightly down compared to the previous election. Approximately 571,000 ballots were cast during the first four days of advance voting, representing about 15 per cent of registered voters, which is four per cent lower than during the comparable period in 2024. Early voting at locations across the province will continue until 8 p.m. Wednesday, ahead of final voting on Saturday.
Broader Political Context
The SkyTrain extension promises come at a time when transit expansion is a major talking point for parties vying for support in metro Vancouver. While the NDP points to concrete funding commitments, the Conservatives emphasize the need for improved public transit and collaboration across government levels but offer fewer specifics on budget details. Both parties' stances on the SkyTrain extension are set to play a significant role in their appeal to Surrey voters as the provincial election approaches.
Source: cbc.ca.
