Expo Line - Surrey Langley Extension: Planning & Pre-Construction

[Migrant_Coconut]

Originally Posted by fredinno

We could probably get, for example, Willowbrook Mall for higher density than currently planned, or raise fees from developers (sort of like what is being done near Capstan Way). Thus, removing all the station costs (assuming a $30 million dollar cost, rounded up from (http://dailyhive.com/vancouver/capstan-way-station-canada-line-translink-richmond-2017), you still get only $240 Million.

Assuming the new $2.6 B cost is correct, and you remove the 25% cost margin, and unload station costs onto the private sector, you get $1.71 B in cost. Not $1.6 B, but close, and plausible for Surrey and Langley to finance if no one else is willing to fund the cash gap.

You also risk some stations not being built if the private sector is unwilling to cover the costs, especially as RE prices are stagnating. Also, removing all cost margin leaves less room for cost overruns.

TL;DR: Doug might not actually be too far off with the cost estimates, if we get creative with financing, and cut the margins to 0.

Maybe.

Let's remember the Canada Line, people; in their infinite wisdom, the province decided to save half a billion and get it done in time for the Olympics, and we ended up with a clown car. Better to pay now than pay later.