16-kilometre SkyTrain project will add eight stations between Surrey and Langley City Centre, with service expected in 2029
SURREY, B.C. — Surrey-Guildford MLA Garry Begg is welcoming the Province’s decision to name the Surrey-Langley SkyTrain extension the Dave Barrett Extension, saying the project builds on a history of expanding transportation connections for communities south of the Fraser River.
The provincial government announced the new name on Sept. 15, 2026, honouring former B.C. premier Dave Barrett and his government’s role in expanding transit services in Surrey and other communities south of the Fraser in the 1970s.
For Begg, the connection to Surrey is particularly significant.
“Dave Barrett’s NDP government took the first major steps to expand transit in Surrey so people south of the Fraser weren’t left behind, and that commitment to fairness still guides us today,” Begg said in a statement shared with StudioX News.
“Our NDP government has continued that work by ending bridge tolls and rebuilding important transportation links. We’re moving ahead with the Dave Barrett Extension, set to open in 2029, alongside more than $12 billion in projects for this region.”
A major SkyTrain expansion for Surrey and Langley
The Dave Barrett Extension will extend the Expo Line from King George Station in Surrey to Langley City Centre, adding approximately 16 kilometres of rapid transit and eight new stations.
The Province says the project is one of the largest transit expansions in B.C. history and will improve connections to jobs, housing, education and services across the rapidly growing communities south of the Fraser.
The extension will run along the Fraser Highway corridor and connect communities in Surrey and Langley directly with the existing SkyTrain network.
Once completed, the Province expects the journey between Langley City Centre and King George Station to take approximately 22 minutes.
Service is currently expected to begin in 2029.
Construction is already underway
The project has moved well beyond the planning stage.
According to the Province, guideway installation is now more than 60% complete along the Fraser Highway corridor.
The official Surrey Langley SkyTrain project gallery shows the latest construction activity, including September 2026 images of launching gantries installing guideway segments toward the future Bakerview–166 Street Station.
The project website also features construction videos showing the development of the elevated guideway, launching gantry operations and other major components of the project.
StudioX News will include selected official project photos and video from the Surrey Langley SkyTrain project gallery with this report.
Eight new stations
The extension will add eight stations between Surrey and Langley City Centre.
The Province has already announced the names of all eight stations and says it 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.
The new stations are intended to serve communities that have experienced significant population growth and increasing transportation demand.
What the project means for Surrey
For Surrey residents, the extension represents an expansion of rapid-transit service deeper into the communities south of the Fraser.
The project will provide a direct SkyTrain connection from the existing King George Station toward Langley City Centre, allowing passengers to connect with the broader Metro Vancouver transit network.
The Province estimates that by 2050, average weekday ridership could reach approximately 80,000 passengers.
The project also includes approximately 14 kilometres of active transportation paths, including dedicated bicycle and multi-use pathways.
Why the project is being named after Dave Barrett
Dave Barrett served as British Columbia’s premier from 1972 to 1975.
According to the provincial government, Barrett’s government expanded transit services in Surrey, Delta, White Rock and Langley between 1974 and 1975, helping connect communities that were experiencing rapid growth south of the Fraser River.
The Province is using that history as the basis for naming the current SkyTrain extension after Barrett.
During his time as premier, Barrett’s government also established or advanced several major public institutions and programs, including ICBC, the Agricultural Land Reserve and PharmaCare. The government also conceived, planned and approved the SeaBus service in Metro Vancouver.
Barrett’s wife, Shirley Barrett, welcomed the decision to use his name for the new transit extension.
“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,” she said in the provincial announcement.
A project connecting Surrey and Langley
The Dave Barrett Extension will operate as an extension of the Expo Line, extending rapid transit farther east from Surrey into Langley.
The Province says the project is designed to improve access to employment, housing, education and services while supporting transportation needs in one of the fastest-growing parts of the region.
For Surrey-Guildford MLA Garry Begg, the project also represents a continuation of transportation investment that began decades ago.
As construction continues along Fraser Highway, the future SkyTrain line is gradually taking shape above and along one of Surrey and Langley’s major transportation corridors.
The Province continues to target 2029 for the start of service.
Project at a glance
Project: Dave Barrett Extension
Route: King George Station, Surrey, to Langley City Centre
Length: Approximately 16 kilometres
New stations: 8
Line: Expo Line extension
Expected opening: 2029
Future travel time: Approximately 22 minutes between Langley City Centre and King George Station
Expected 2050 weekday ridership: Approximately 80,000
Active transportation: Approximately 14 kilometres of bike and multi-use pathways
Current construction: Guideway installation more than 60% complete, according to the Province.
Official project photos and videos
The Surrey Langley SkyTrain project maintains an official photo and video gallery featuring current construction images and progress videos. The gallery includes recent September 2026 construction photography and videos documenting the construction of the elevated guideway and launching gantries.
Source: Province of British Columbia; Surrey Langley SkyTrain Project; statement from Surrey-Guildford MLA Garry Begg.
Harnaik Singh Rathor is the Founder, Publisher, and Editor-in-Chief of StudioX News Canada, Canada's multilingual digital news network serving diaspora communities across 44 languages. With a background in media production, public relations, and multicultural communications, he founded StudioX Film and TV Corporation to bridge the gap between mainstream Canadian media and the country's diverse immigrant communities. He is a member of the Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ), RTDNA Canada, CPRS Vancouver, NEPMCC, and the Canadian Freelance Union (Unifor). Based in Surrey, British Columbia. | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harnaiksinghrathor/ | Muck Rack: https://muckrack.com/harnaiksinghrathor | Email: editor@studioxnews.ca
