Both BC parties promise SkyTrain to Newton, aligning with Surrey's new mayor's vision
The Conservatives and NDP both committed Tuesday to extending SkyTrain along King George Boulevard to Newton Town Centre, reversing years of transit divergence.
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With four days until the provincial election, both the BC Conservatives and BC NDP announced support for extending SkyTrain to Newton Town Centre in Surrey along King George Boulevard.
Conservative interim leader Lorne Doerkson said his party would work with the federal government to fund and build the extension. "Families in Newton shouldn't have to keep waiting on promises that never get delivered. This community has been patient for far too long. I'm committing to this project now, and a Conservative government will build it on time and on budget," Doerkson said in a press release issued at 8:45 a.m. Tuesday.
NDP leader David Eby announced his party, if re-elected, would support the SkyTrain extension. "Surrey voters have spoken clearly: They want us to get results for them, which includes reliable transit for the rapidly growing Newton community. The mayor-elect and I worked together to get the SkyTrain to Langley under way, and I'm committed to partnering again to achieve his vision for improved public transportation in this city," Eby said in a release.
The proposed route would most likely extend the existing Expo Line south from Surrey City Centre, adding a spur line along King George Boulevard to Newton Town Centre. The commitment aligns with Surrey's newly elected mayor Doug McCallum's civic campaign promise to extend SkyTrain south along the same corridor.
Surrey cancelled a previous Newton-Guildford light rail transit (LRT) project in late 2018 during McCallum's earlier administration. At that time, council pursued a SkyTrain extension to Langley City Centre along Fraser Highway instead, a project now under construction for completion in 2029. The BC NDP had included $250 million in its platform to fund a bus rapid transit line on King George Boulevard.
If the Conservatives win, the Newton SkyTrain project would almost certainly cancel TransLink's planned King George Boulevard Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line, which costs approximately $700 million. McCallum leaned toward the Conservative commitment. "A commitment to build is not the same as a willingness to talk," he said regarding the NDP promise, adding that "Newton has been in meetings for years. It needs" action.
At a glance
When did both major BC parties announce support for the SkyTrain extension to Newton?
Both the BC Conservatives and BC NDP announced their support on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, four days before the provincial election.
What route would the proposed SkyTrain extension to Newton take?
The extension would most likely extend the existing Expo Line south from Surrey City Centre, adding a spur line along King George Boulevard to Newton Town Centre.
What transit project did Surrey cancel in 2018?
Surrey cancelled a Newton-Guildford light rail transit project in late 2018 during mayor Doug McCallum's earlier administration.
How much does TransLink's planned King George Boulevard Bus Rapid Transit line cost?
The planned King George Boulevard Bus Rapid Transit line costs approximately $700 million.
