Timeline
This project—among others, including the extension of the Millennium Line west to Arbutus—was included as one of the initiatives in need of funding that was proposed to be raised by the imposition of a regional sales tax which was put forward for voter approval in a 2015 plebiscite. The electorate voted against the tax increase to fund regional projects and provide a long term sustainable funding model; however, Surrey Mayor Linda Hepner said, after the sales tax was voted down, that the city still planned to build the light rail project as it was the main component in her election campaign. The Surrey–Newton–Guildford Line was expected to be in service by 2024 while the Surrey–Langley Line on the Fraser Highway would be completed at a later date. A report outlining the economic benefits of the project was produced by a consulting firm in May 2015. In 2017, the federal government budget included funding contributions to this project. Prior to the provincial election in 2017, the BC Liberals confirmed they would match the federal contribution if they were re-elected. On March 16, 2018, the provincial government approved the construction of this project. Construction was slated to begin in 2019 and is expected to be completed by 2024. The LRT line will run from Guildford through Surrey Central and terminate in Newton with 11 new stops. On September 4, 2018, during a visit to Surrey,