Is community rail feasible? A skeptic and an advocate discuss

The resumption of rail travel on the interurban corridor through the Fraser Valley sounds like a cool idea. But is it a practical way to deliver necessary transit to the many who would benefit from being able to take a train or bus across the valley?

Last year, Current editor Tyler Olsen expressed skepticism about the idea in an introduction to The Current’s newsletter. The old interurban line runs from Surrey to Chilliwack. But it is not a straight line but a route that meanders through the Fraser Valley—prompting doubts about its speed and efficiency. 

But the insinuation that the route isn’t practical raised the hackles of Rick Green, a former Langley City mayor and one of the longest-lasting and loudest backers of the idea. So The Current called him up to hear his perspective and understand why he is the proposal’s supporters are certain the route is better than both rapid buses and SkyTrain. 

The discussion was long and, at times, contentious. We’ve condensed it to pull out the most interesting parts to serve readers. But if you want, you can listen to the entire 53-minute conversation below.

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