A Richmond/Vancouver rapid transit link has been part of regional planning policy since 1980. It is an element of the Livable Region Strategic Plan, the plan which provides the framework for regional land use and transportation decisions for the Greater Vancouver region.
Since that time, planners have monitored growth in Vancouver, Richmond and the Airport, and noted that the rate of growth is faster than initially anticipated, particularly at the Airport. The Airport has already reached the employment levels originally predicted for 2021. In addition, the rate of residential development in downtown Vancouver is exceeding predictions, and job and residential growth in Richmond City centre is strong.
During the consultation process for the recently adopted TransLink Strategic Transportation Plan, these trends prompted considerable interest in a rapid transit link to connect Richmond and the Airport with Vancouver. As a result, a Richmond/Airport - Vancouver link has been advanced for study in 2000/2001, which has prompted the creation of the 'Richmond/Airport - Vancouver Rapid Transit' office.
