Surrey, BC – John Rustad, Leader of the Conservative Party of British Columbia, announced a bold new infrastructure and transportation initiative titled “Get BC Moving.” The plan aims to address long-standing issues of congestion, inadequate public transit, and delayed infrastructure projects across the province, which Rustad blamed on years of inaction by the NDP government.
Rustad strongly criticized the NDP, citing a lack of attention to critical infrastructure that has resulted in worsened bottlenecks and inefficiencies, affecting both the economy and the quality of life for British Columbians.
“After 7 years of the NDP, aging infrastructure and inadequate public transit are dragging down daily life and our economy,” said Rustad during his announcement.
A key focus of Rustad’s plan is the public transit system, which he described as being in a “crisis,” with unreliable routes, safety concerns, and service gaps leaving commuters stranded. He emphasized the need for a growing transit network to match the province’s increasing population.
“A growing population needs a growing transit network. We will extend SkyTrain to Newton in Surrey, fund key projects in the Transport 2050 plan, and ensure reliable and safe transit for all British Columbians,” Rustad declared.
The Conservative Party also plans to enhance regional transit, including expanded services in the Fraser Valley and the Sea-to-Sky corridor, along with implementing better safety measures across the transit network.
Another highlight of Rustad’s proposal was the expansion of the Pattullo Bridge, a critical link between Surrey and New Westminster. The current four-lane design, approved by the NDP, was labeled inadequate for the future needs of the rapidly growing communities on both sides of the bridge.
“The Pattullo Bridge is a key artery for our region, and the current four-lane design is simply not enough,” said Rustad. “As Surrey becomes the largest city in British Columbia, we need to think ahead and ensure we have infrastructure that meets both current and future needs. That’s why we will immediately expand the Pattullo Bridge to six lanes.”
In addition to relieving congestion, the six-lane bridge expansion aligns with Rustad’s broader vision to enhance transportation infrastructure across the province, promoting economic growth, improving safety, and ensuring seamless connectivity between key communities.
Rustad also committed to accelerating the replacement of the George Massey Tunnel, which has long been a source of traffic gridlock and safety concerns. He criticized the NDP government for delaying the project, leading to frustration among commuters and businesses.
“It’s time to stop the delays and indecision that have plagued the replacement of the George Massey Tunnel,” Rustad said. “We will replace it with a new, high-capacity crossing at the earliest possible date.”
Rustad concluded with a promise that a Conservative government would prioritize critical infrastructure development and resolve the long-standing delays that have hampered British Columbia’s transportation system.
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