Langley/Surrey – The Province is honouring the legacy of former premier Dave Barrett by naming the Surrey Langley SkyTrain extension the Dave Barrett Extension, recognizing his lasting contributions to public service and role in shaping British Columbia.
Barrett was also a radio talk show host at the now defunct CJOR.
“Dave Barrett spent his life fighting for ordinary people. He believed everyone deserved a fair chance to get ahead and access the services that help working families thrive,” said Premier David Eby. “More than 50 years later, British Columbians still benefit from the vision Dave championed and his belief that government can be a force for good in people’s lives. This transit line will help people get where they need to go for generations, making it a fitting tribute to a leader whose legacy continues to be felt across our province.”
The Dave Barrett Extension will extend the SkyTrain rapid transit system 16 kilometres from King George Station in Surrey to Langley City Centre, adding eight new stations and improving access to jobs, housing, education and services throughout Metro Vancouver. One of the largest transit expansions in B.C.’s history, the project will connect growing communities south of the Fraser River to opportunities across Metro Vancouver for generations to come.
“The Dave Barrett Extension will connect people with jobs, housing, education and services across one of the fastest-growing regions in British Columbia,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Transportation and Transit. “In the mid-1970s, Dave Barrett’s government helped expand and connect transit services in communities such as Surrey, Delta, White Rock and Langley. Fifty years later, the Dave Barrett Extension carries that legacy forward by bringing fast, reliable rapid transit for the next generation living south of the Fraser.”
Gregor Robertson, federal Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, said: “The Dave Barrett Extension will transform how people across the region move, connect and experience their communities. It is fitting that this project will carry the name of Dave Barrett, a remarkable B.C. leader who dedicated his life to public service and building stronger communities. His commitment to improving people’s lives will live on through a SkyTrain extension that brings communities closer together and helps create a more connected region for generations to come.”
Randeep Sarai, federal Secretary of State (International Development), and MP for Surrey Centre, said: “The Dave Barrett Extension is about making life more affordable and accessible for people every day. Naming this extension after Dave Barrett is a fitting tribute to a leader who understood that strong public infrastructure can make a real difference in people’s lives.”
Dave Barrett’s legacy
The Barrett government took a more active role in public transit planning and co-ordination. Between 1974 and 1975, the Province expanded transit services in Surrey, Delta, White Rock and Langley, replacing limited existing services and bringing transit to rapidly growing communities south of the Fraser River. These investments improved mobility for residents and helped lay the foundation for the regional transit network that serves the region today.
“I know that Dave would have been honoured to have his name associated with the train that current and future generations will take to work or to school. I think he would have liked that a lot,” said Shirley, Dave Barrett’s wife. “We want to thank the B.C. government for recognizing his life and commitment to public service with the naming of the new Dave Barrett Extension.”
Dave Barrett served as British Columbia’s 26th premier from 1972 until 1975 and is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the province’s modern history. His government introduced landmark reforms and established enduring public institutions, including the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia, the Agricultural Land Reserve and B.C.’s PharmaCare program. His government also conceived, planned and approved the SeaBus service, a lasting part of Metro Vancouver’s transit network that continues to connect communities across Burrard Inlet.
The Dave Barrett Extension continues that legacy of investing in public infrastructure and improving connections between communities by extending the Expo Line to Langley City Centre and providing fast, reliable SkyTrain service between Langley, Surrey and the broader Metro Vancouver transit network.
Construction continuing on schedule
Construction is progressing rapidly along the Fraser Highway corridor, with guideway installation now more than 60% complete.
The names of the line’s eight stations have been publicly announced, and the Province is continuing to work with participating First Nations, including Katzie, Kwantlen, Matsqui, Musqueam, Semiahmoo and Tsawwassen, on opportunities to recognize their cultures and communities as part of the project.
Service on the Dave Barrett Extension is expected to begin in 2029.
Quick Facts:
* The Dave Barrett Extension will operate as an extension of the Expo Line.
* Once complete, travel time from Langley City Centre to King George Station will be 22 minutes.
* By 2050, average weekday ridership is expected to reach 80,000 passengers.
* The project includes 14 kilometres of active transportation paths, including dedicated bike and multi-use pathways.
* Dave Barrett served as premier of British Columbia from 1972 until 1975.
Learn More:
For more information about the Surrey Langley SkyTrain Project, visit: https://surreylangleyskytrain.gov.bc.ca/
