Vancouver Mayor Proposes Extending Light Rail Beyond Waterfront

Readers can weigh in on plan to connect light rail with C-TRAN buses at Library Square

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:39am

A serene, cinematic painting of a light rail car stopped at a station platform, with warm sunlight and deep shadows creating a contemplative mood around the transit scene.The proposed extension of light rail beyond Vancouver's waterfront could create a new multimodal transit hub, but also raises questions about project costs and regional connectivity.Vancouver Today

A new development in the Interstate Bridge Replacement project has shifted expectations for light rail in Vancouver, with the current plan calling for just one stop at the waterfront in the first phase instead of the previously anticipated two. Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle is now proposing that light rail extend beyond that point to connect with C-TRAN's bus system near Library Square, creating a multimodal hub rather than relying on an elevated station and elevator access.

Why it matters

The proposal adds to ongoing concerns about project costs, phasing, and how transit will serve Clark County commuters. Connecting light rail to the C-TRAN bus system could improve regional transit access and ridership, but may also increase project complexity and expenses.

The details

Mayor McEnerny-Ogle's proposal would extend the light rail line past the waterfront stop to a new station near Library Square, allowing for direct connections to C-TRAN buses. This would create a multimodal transit hub rather than the previously planned elevated light rail station with elevator access.

  • The Interstate Bridge Replacement project's current plan calls for a single light rail stop at the Vancouver waterfront in the first phase.

The players

Anne McEnerny-Ogle

The mayor of Vancouver, Washington, who is proposing to extend the light rail line beyond the waterfront to connect with the C-TRAN bus system.

C-TRAN

The regional public transportation agency serving Clark County, Washington, including the city of Vancouver.

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What’s next

The proposal will be considered as part of the ongoing planning and design process for the Interstate Bridge Replacement project, which is expected to make decisions on the light rail alignment and station locations in the coming months.

The takeaway

Mayor McEnerny-Ogle's proposal to extend light rail beyond the waterfront reflects the ongoing debate around how the new transit system can best serve the transportation needs of Vancouver and Clark County. Balancing project costs, ridership, and regional connectivity will be key considerations as the plan moves forward.