A free traffic information line is now available 24/7 to help the travelling public plan their commutes during construction of the Evergreen Line.

The new traffic information line is part of a commitment to keep the public informed while construction is underway.

"Rapid transit is a priority for the Tri-Cities. Extending the Skytrain into the Tri-Cities by way of the Evergreen Line will help local commuters choose public transit as the most affordable and efficient means of transportation throughout Greater Vancouver," said the Honourable James Moore, Senior Minister for British Columbia and Member of Parliament for Port Moody-Westwood-Port Coquitlam. "The Evergreen Line will deliver new economic opportunities for Tri-Cities residents. I am very proud that our government is delivering rapid transit to the North East sector."

Travellers can call 604 927-2080 to receive the most up-to-date traffic information related to Evergreen Line construction in Coquitlam, Port Moody and Burnaby.

Also, every Friday afternoon, new traffic alert information will be available on the Evergreen Line website: www.evergreenline.gov.bc.ca

People can also receive traffic alerts via email. To subscribe, please contact: info@evergreenline.gov.bc.ca

"As shovels hit the ground we will be working to minimize traffic disruptions and, as we heard during public consultations, people want information about how construction will affect them," said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Blair Lekstrom. "The new information line is part of an extensive community outreach program, and it also demonstrates our commitment to keeping people in the loop and aware of what's happening in their communities."

The Evergreen Line's comprehensive community outreach program ensures residents and businesses have information about construction activities, as well as other project information. Door-to-door visits and meetings with residents and businesses are underway. The Business Liaison Program is also in place to offer two-way communication between businesses located along the Evergreen Line route and the project team.

"The Evergreen Line is one of many significant improvements being made to the region's transportation systems to respond to the demands of our growing population," said District of North Vancouver Mayor Richard Walton, who also chairs the Mayors' Council on Regional Transportation. "Ensuring residents are kept informed of construction impacts while these improvements are made is as important as the improvements themselves."

"The Evergreen Line is coming to our communities and it is an exciting time for all of us," said Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce executive director Michael Hind. "I am highly encouraged that businesses and residents are being kept informed every step of the way."

With the communities' diverse cultural population, some materials are being made available in Korean and traditional Chinese to ensure information reaches the most people.

Residents, businesses and commuters can also receive project updates by visiting the Evergreen Line Facebook page: www.facebook.com/evergreenline

or following on Twitter @TranBC

The total project cost for the Evergreen Line is estimated to be $1.4 billion. Funding is being provided by the Province of British Columbia, the Government of Canada and TransLink.

The Province is contributing $583 million and will also oversee construction of the project. The Government of Canada is contributing up to $417 million. TransLink is contributing $400 million and will operate the Evergreen Line when it is complete.

The Evergreen Line is expected to be in service in the summer of 2016, and the project will create 8,000 direct and indirect jobs during construction.

The Evergreen Line builds on 'Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan' by creating good jobs during construction, and supports the economy by reducing traffic congestion, which will improve the movement of people, goods and services on Lower Mainland roads.

Working with employers and communities to enable job creation across B.C. is one of the three pillars in the Jobs Plan aimed at helping B.C. deal with today's economic uncertainty and emerge stronger than ever.

A backgrounder follows.

Media Contacts:

Kate Trotter
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 356-8241

Sébastien Gariépy
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
819 997-7788

Erin Dermer
TransLink Communications
604 216-3271

Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613 993-0055

BACKGROUNDER

Feb. 28, 2012 Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure

Government of Canada

Translink

Evergreen Line Rapid Transit Project

The Evergreen Line will be an 11-kilometre rapid transit line that will connect Coquitlam to Vancouver via Port Moody and Burnaby.

Why the Evergreen Line matters

• More transit options with faster, more frequent and more efficient service, especially for commuters in the northeast sector.
• More economic opportunities for businesses near the Evergreen Line route and stations.
• 8,000 direct and indirect jobs from construction.
• Frequent service - every three minutes during peak periods and service almost 20 hours a day.
• Faster travel time - 15 minutes from Coquitlam City Centre to Lougheed Town Centre.
• From Coquitlam City Centre to Vancouver in 40 minutes, saving almost 45 minutes per day compared to driving.
• Direct connection without transfer to the Millennium Line.
• Projected ridership of 70,000 per day by 2021.

Learn More:

Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan: www.bcjobsplan.ca

Stay Connected to the Evergreen Line:

For traffic information, call 604 927-2080 or subscribe to weekly traffic alert emails: info@evergreenline.gov.bc.ca

The Evergreen Line: www.evergreenline.gov.bc.ca

On Facebook: www.facebook.com/evergreenline

On Twitter, follow @TranBC

Media Contacts:

Kate Trotter
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 356-8241

Sébastien Gariépy
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
819 997-7788

Erin Dermer
TransLink Communications
604 216-3271

Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613 993-0055