John Rustad, Leader of the Conservative Party of British Columbia, announced a transformative infrastructure and transportation plan under the banner “Get BC Moving.” Rustad criticized the NDP for neglecting vital infrastructure projects and imposing delays that have worsened bottlenecks, congestion, and inefficiencies across the province.
“After 7 years of the NDP, aging infrastructure and inadequate public transit are dragging down daily life and our economy,” said Rustad. “While demand for all types of infrastructure continues to grow, the NDP has failed to fix the bottlenecks that exist today—let alone build what’s needed for tomorrow.”
Taking Transit Seriously – Extending SkyTrain to Newton
Rustad also addressed the public transit crisis in BC, where service gaps, unreliable routes, and safety concerns have left commuters stranded and vulnerable. He called out the NDP for neglecting transit development while demand soared.
“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,” said Rustad.
Conservatives will also prioritize regional transit, including Fraser Valley regional rail and expanded transit service in the Sea-to-Sky corridor, as well as enhanced safety measures on public transit.
Connecting Communities – Expanding the New Pattullo Bridge
John Rustad also unveiled ambitious plans for the Pattullo Bridge, a critical connection between Surrey and New Westminster. Under the NDP government, the replacement bridge has been limited to four lanes, which fails to meet the growing demands of these two rapidly expanding communities.
“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, providing the capacity required to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow.”
The Conservative Party’s plan to expand the Pattullo Bridge aligns with their broader vision to improve connectivity and infrastructure across British Columbia. By increasing capacity, this initiative will not only relieve pressure on surrounding roads but also foster economic growth, improve safety, and ensure that British Columbians can move efficiently and reliably between key communities.
Replacing the George Massey Tunnel Without Delay
Rustad also announced his commitment to addressing one of British Columbia’s most pressing infrastructure challenges: the replacement of the George Massey Tunnel. The current tunnel has been a source of chronic traffic congestion and safety concerns for years. Under the NDP government, plans to replace the tunnel have faced repeated delays and setbacks, causing frustration for commuters and businesses alike.
“It’s time to stop the delays and indecision that have plagued the replacement of the George Massey Tunnel,” said Rustad. “This outdated tunnel is a bottleneck that is hurting our economy and the daily lives of those who depend on it. We will replace it with a new, high-capacity crossing at the earliest possible date.”
“A Conservative government will take action where the NDP has stalled,” Rustad added. “We will deliver a new crossing that works for the people of British Columbia—without further delay.”
By prioritizing the replacement of the George Massey Tunnel, the Conservative Party aims to ensure that critical infrastructure upgrades are completed swiftly, enhancing connectivity and supporting the economic vitality of the entire region.
Reliable Funding for Reliable Transit
Rustad emphasized the need for reliable funding for public transit, pointing out that TransLink is struggling under an outdated financial model. He committed to fully funding TransLink for two years and auditing and reforming its financial model to ensure long-term stability.
Permanently Banning Bridge Tolls, NDP Road Pricing, and new Gas Taxes
Rustad made it clear that drivers, alongside transit users, would never again have to worry about unnecessary fees and punitive penalties. The Conservative Party of British Columbia has committed to permanently banning bridge tolls, the costly NDP road toll scheme, and new Gas taxes.
Making Surrey First Class: John Rustad unveils plan to invest in infrastructure in Surrey
