SURREY, B.C. — Mayoral candidate Mike Starchuk says an Imagine Surrey council would push to bring West Coast Express commuter rail service to Surrey, with a proposed corridor connecting Scott Road through Newton and Cloverdale to the Fraser Valley.
Starchuk made the commitment as the province considers a potential passenger rail strategy. Imagine Surrey says it would make a formal submission to the provincial strategy within its first 100 days, protect the proposed rail corridor through the City’s planning process and work with TransLink and the province to develop a business case.
The proposal would seek commuter rail service on Surrey’s side of the Fraser River, while the existing West Coast Express operates between Mission and Downtown Vancouver during weekday peak periods. TransLink says the service has operated since 1995 and currently serves eight stations.
Under the proposal, the City would also publish quarterly updates showing what it has requested from TransLink and what responses it has received.
Starchuk also said that if a proposed Vancouver–Seattle–Portland high-speed rail connection moves forward, Surrey would offer City-owned land and fast-track planning to pursue a station in Surrey.
“I sat on the committee that decides what the province can afford. The money for rail exists. The question is who asks for it with a plan,” Starchuk said.
Imagine Surrey council candidate Kevin Wilkie said a rail connection through Newton and Cloverdale would provide another transportation option for residents in the growing communities.
“This is not a dream. Mission has had one since 1995,” Wilkie said.
Imagine Surrey’s campaign platform identifies bringing West Coast Express service to Surrey and seeking a greater share of TransLink investment as part of its transportation vision.
The 2026 Surrey municipal election is scheduled for October 17, 2026.
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