Strong region-wide support for extending SkyTrain to UBC

A recent independent poll commissioned by UBC shows strong region-wide broad support for extending SkyTrain beyond Arbutus Street all the way to the university’s Vancouver campus.

Benefits beyond the commute

While it is well known that students, faculty, staff and visitors travelling to and from UBC are looking for a solution to address daunting commutes and overcrowded buses, support goes well beyond UBC commuters. The research reveals that the public recognizes the extension as critical transportation infrastructure and as an opportunity to generate new housing and economic opportunities for the region.

76%

of Metro Vancouver residents support extending the Millennium SkyTrain Line all the way to UBC.

Illustration of people waiting for a bus.

65%

of respondents who have no relationship to UBC strongly or somewhat support extending SkyTrain to the Vancouver campus.

Reducing congestion, job creation, new housing are top project benefits

A project like the extension of SkyTrain to UBC delivers a range of benefits for the entire region. Respondents cite the project’s potential to increase housing supply and contribute to long-term economic growth across the region as the most important benefits.

When asked about the potential benefits of extending SkyTrain to UBC, respondents said these benefits are important to them

84%

reducing road congestion in Metro Vancouver

84%

creating thousands of high-paying email-supporting jobs for British Columbians on a major, long-term construction project

81%

increasing the availability of affordable housing in Metro Vancouver through transit oriented development

79%

reducing pollution in Metro Vancouver

Support for other project benefits

Survey respondents indicated strong support for benefits that are unique to UBC and Metro Vancouver’s post-secondary, innovation and research ecosystem, including:

  • Saving commuting time for UBC students and employees and others who work on campus (81%)
  • Improving access to post-secondary education for residents of Metro Vancouver (79%)
  • Connecting major research and innovations hubs across Metro Vancouver (73%)

More housing is another important regional benefit

When asked if the idea of including more housing—including affordable housing—along the route made respondents feel more or less positive about extending the SkyTrain to UBC, 61% said yes.

Strengthening the regional, provincial and national economies

Major public infrastructure projects like the extension of SkyTrain to UBC are seen as drivers of economic growth and resilience.

74%

of those polled said investing in Canadian public infrastructure projects is a good way to grow the Metro Vancouver economy and make it more resilient.

78%

of respondents said despite challenging economic circumstances and competing demands for limited provincial funding, the BC government should continue investing in major transit infrastructure projects in Metro Vancouver.

Interested in Learning More?

You can view the full survey results here.