The Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade (SWRBOT) released its 2026 Surrey Roads Survey at its annual BC Transportation Update featuring Minister Mike Farnworth on March 18. The findings show that congestion, limited transit options, and infrastructure gaps continue to significantly impact businesses and commuters across Surrey and the South of Fraser region.
Key findings:
The survey found that over 80% of respondents report congestion is affecting their business operations, with one-quarter describing the impact as major, an increase from last year. Businesses cited longer travel times, delivery delays, increased operating costs, reduced productivity, and scheduling challenges as key consequences.
Driving remains the dominant mode of transportation, with 82% of respondents commuting by personal vehicle, compared to just 7% using transit. Nearly half of respondents also reported spending one to two hours driving during the workday, excluding their commute, highlighting the continued reliance on road networks for business activity.
When asked about priorities, respondents identified key infrastructure projects, including widening the 152nd Street overpass at Highway 99, improvements along 16th Avenue, and a new interchange at 24th Avenue. Major intersections such as 104th Avenue and 152nd Street were also flagged as top areas requiring attention.
Regionally, 51% of respondents reported using the George Massey Tunnel monthly for work-related travel, while 61% support the Province’s plan for an eight-lane replacement. However, many respondents expressed a preference for a bridge option.
The results of this year’s survey make one thing clear: transportation is not just a mobility issue, it’s an economic issue. Businesses are feeling the real impacts of congestion every day, whether it’s lost productivity, higher costs, or delays in getting goods and services where they need to go. We need coordinated investments in both road infrastructure and transit to ensure our transportation system supports a growing regional economy.
Joslyn Young, CEO
Based on the findings, SWRBOT is calling for:
- targeted investments in road network efficiency;
- expanded transit frequency and connectivity; and
- stronger regional coordination across Metro Vancouver to address the growing demands on the transportation system.
Access the full 2026 Surrey Roads Survey.
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Aman Parmar
aman@swrbot.com | 604.634.0345
