Socio-Economic Impact of Passenger Rail Development: A Case Study of the Proposed Abbotsford Passenger Rail Station

 

Mark Boadu Ofori 
Anas Bamarei 
Opara Chinonso 

Varun Vivek Mahagaonkar 
Khum Bahadur Thapa 
Mayzar Zahedi-Seresht

 

September 19th 2025

 

Executive Summary


This report discusses the possible socio-economic, environmental, and regional effects of a passenger rail station being set up in Abbotsford, British Columbia. Being conveniently situated along the Cascadia Corridor of Vancouver and Seattle, Abbotsford has a good chance to develop into a connector hub connecting the suburban and rural population with the international markets. It is evident that, according to the analysis, the project will create more than 2,000 direct and indirect jobs, grow tourism revenues by almost 70 percent, and increase the value of properties around the station by the creation of transit-oriented development. The social benefits would include increasing accessibility among students, seniors, immigrants, and low-income groups, whereas the environmental benefits would include decreasing congestion on Highway 1 and eliminating thousands of tons of CO₂ emissions on an annual basis. In comparison to the established hubs in Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton, the strength of Abbotsford lies in its ability to balance affordability, equity, and sustainability. Through strategic planning, Abbotsford will be able to become a strong, competitive, and inclusive regional hub.