Editor:
Coast Reporter – June 28, 2028
“Grand Opening of the Sunshine Coast Electric Tramway!”
After three years of construction, the new billion-dollar railway connecting Langdale to Egmont is finally open. Connected to 55 park and ride stations, linked to feeder bike and bus routes, the new transit line will relegate the old road to trucks, deliveries, and local traffic. The future has arrived, and Coasters will now be embracing a European-style mode of transport.
Back in 2023 this almost didn’t happen. But after committing to urgent climate action, Canada set a target of adding over a thousand regional rail and bus lines, taking 90 per cent of gas-powered vehicles off the road by 2035. On the Sunshine Coast, in dire need of better transportation, it made no sense to build a second highway for cars, and we were one of the first projects approved.
Also came the realization that there is no way the world can sustain a billion-plus electric battery vehicles. Trams, connected to buses, electric bicycles, and microcars, seem to be the best answer. Our new tram line features carriages that allow bikes to quickly be pushed off and on. It’s estimated there are over 8,000 residents who currently own electric bikes.
For those who can’t take bikes, “Collectivo” buses will connect to the line, and there’s parking for micro-cars at stations. Neighbourhood ride share groups are springing up to help too.
The Sunshine Coast is now a model that’s attracting attention from across the country. Soon BC Ferries will be adding two new hybrid electric, high speed passenger ferries with direct service to West Van and downtown Vancouver.
Who could have guessed, back in 2021, that the Sunshine Coast could move so quickly to become a leader in Canada’s brave new transportation world?
Graham Walker, Roberts Creek
