TransLink doesn't have the money to build new rapid transit extensions right now, but it's launching $10 million worth of studies to lay the groundwork for them anyway.

The transportation authority's newly approved 10-year plan, with an extra $130 million a year in funding from higher fares and gas tax, doesn't provide enough to launch the Evergreen Line to Coquitlam let alone other routes along Broadway to UBC or deeper into Surrey.

But the Surrey and Broadway extensions will be the subject of studies worth $5 million each, with the provincial government paying half the bill.

Consultants are to make recommendations on routing, alignment (elevated, underground or street-level) and technology (SkyTrain, light rail or options like Bus Rapid Transit.)

They'll also consider what type of passenger demand is anticipated and the makeup of the community.

The main Surrey extension is expected to run east along 104 Avenue to the Guildford area, south along 152 Avenue and then southeast on the Fraser Highway to Cloverdale and Langley.

A second branch in Surrey would run down King George Highway to White Rock.

A third study will also examine how best to double the current capacity of SkyTrain's Expo Line.

The studies have been slated to go ahead for some time.

But Burnaby Mayor Derek Corrigan questions the spending, arguing there's no evidence the provincial government will soon give TransLink the money it would need to build or operate the new lines.

"That's money that shouldn't be spend now until there's some idea those lines will be built," he said, adding it will be a waste of money if they end up being decades away.

"TransLink is barely able to survive at this point," Corrigan noted.

TransLink spokesman Ken Hardie said it makes sense to proceed now, adding there's broad agreement rapid transit expansion must happen.

"These are all issues of when they're going to happen, not if they're going to happen," he said.

Hardie said doing the work now may save money, adding to wait for firm funding would push back any future construction start date, potentially driving up labour and equipment costs.