Hydrogen Passenger Rail for the Fraser Valley
The South Fraser Community Rail is a no cost for use proposal to re-activate the 99km Fraser Valley Interurban Rail Corridor with Hydrogen Passenger Rail technology.
The Interurban Rail Corridor has been protected for future passenger rights at NO COST since 1988. Residents of BC own this 99 KM Passenger Right-of-Way, that we are proposing we activate, utilizing state-of-the-art Hydrogen Train Technology.
The Technology
The Alstom Coradia iLint is a new German-engineered CO2-emission-free regional train and alternative to diesel trains in non-electrified rail transport. Powered by Canadian hydrogen fuel cell technology, its only emission is steam and condensed water, while operating with a low level of noise. The first hydrogen trains are currently operating in Germany, and are proposed for the South Fraser Community Rail in British Columbia, which will run along the existing Interurban Corridor.
A Community Rail Solution
The South Fraser Community Rail will solve a regional transit deficit by creating a “Spine and Rib” transportation system in the Fraser Valley. Community Rail will bolster economic growth while serving:
- 1.2 million residents
- 14 University Campuses
- 16 Cities and communities
- Abbotsford Int. Airport
The Community Rail also promotes:
- Tourism
- Agri-Tourism
- Job access throughout the Valley
Cost Effective
Passenger Rail for the existing Interurban Corridor represents less than 8% of the cost per Km and less than 20% of the per capita cost of the Surrey to Langley LRT proposal.
All Municipalities retain the right-of-way for passenger use on this corridor, representing a unique no-cost-for-use opportunity.
Protects the Environment
Using the existing rail corridor eliminates the need to clear cut a large portion of Green Timbers Urban Forest.
1 train can remove up to 177 cars from Highway #1, a significant reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions.
The proposed train design utilizes proven German Hydrogen Train Technology, a high-performance and emissions-free alternative to diesel and electrified trains.
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Supports Economic Growth
Community Rail supports economic growth through the low cost movement of residents and goods in the Fraser Valley. As many as 3 million residents will be able to move between North and West Vancouver, out to Chilliwack, using bus, Seabus, West Coast Express, Skytrain and Light Rail. The region from the Township of Langley out to Chilliwack is becoming the destination of choice for families to grow and settle. Community Rail provides access to jobs and other communities throughout the Fraser Valley, including Industrial Parks currently underserved by public transportation.
Eases Commuter Movement
The South Fraser Community Rail will establish a network of Park n Rides, from the Pattullo Bridge to Chilliwack. This would create a full integrated regional network of Transit Stations and Shelters connected to Park n Rides throughout the valley.
A “Rib and Spine” transit network is built when bus service networks (Ribs, North / South) can feed a rail system (Spine) — similar to Skytrain in Vancouver, or the WestCoast Express, North of the Fraser.
Serves Fraser Valley First Nations
The Fraser Valley is home to 6 + First Nations Communities. This service would open up these First Nations to 16 communities, 14 University Campuses, Airport, Industrial Parks and many special interest venues.
Promotes Fraser Valley Tourism
The Community Rail will open up access to all the Valley’s attractions — Including Wineries, Theme Parks, the Greater Vancouver Zoo, Bike Tours and Agri-tourism.
Access for Post-Secondary Education
The Community Rail will connect the population of the Lower Mainland with 14 Post-Secondary Institutions throughout the Fraser Valley. Increased connectivity will improve access, increase enrollment, and provide affordable transportation for 58,000 students and staff daily.
Revitalizes Communities
The Community Rail provides a unique opportunity to revitalize and grow the communities of Newton, Cloverdale, Langley City, Huntington, Yarrow, Sardis, and more.
The Numbers
Our Governments have made the following Transportation commitments to-date:
Pattullo Bridge — $1.37 Billion
Broadway Corridor — $2.83 Billion
Surrey LRT — $1.65 Billion
Misc. Translink — $2.82 Billion
Grand Total — $8.67 BillionThe WestCoast Express from Vancouver to Mission, costs Translink (the taxpayer) $20 million per year, a cost paid to CP Rail for a lease.
Comparing Price Per Km
Surrey LRT — $157,142,857 PER KM
Broadway Extension / Subway to Arbutus — $487,931,034 PER KM Surrey Center to Langley City (Projected) — $157,142,857 PER KMPrice Per Km — Reactivating the Interurban Corridor
99 Kms Scott Rd. to Chilliwack — $12,500,000. PER KMThe Interurban Rail Corridor has been protected for future passenger rights at NO COST since 1988. South Fraser Community Rail is the best-value solution for Fraser Valley transit.
Please join us in supporting the proposal to reactivate this 99 KM Passenger Right-of-Way for Community Rail. Follow our Facebook Page!
