BC Transit services. Image credt by Dmitry Dreyer on unsplash
Vancouver/CMEDIA: Action to address TransLink’s urgent financial needs are being taken by British Columbia to enable the transportation authority to plan for the region’s future both to protect transit service levels and investment plans, and providing reliable, affordable public transit that connects people to jobs, schools and essential services, a news release said.
B.C.’s contribution of $479-million will not only keep fares stable, support public transit infrastructure and services, avoid service cuts, continue providing free public transit for kids 12 and younger, and also enable transit expansion plans needed to respond to growing communities.
“Hundreds of thousands of people rely on TransLink’s service every day to get to work, travel to school, and access all parts of the region,” said Premier David Eby. “Failing to act now would lead to higher fares, fewer buses on the road and reduced service across the board. We won’t let that happen.”
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, like other major transit systems across North America, changing travel and commuting patterns and escalating costs are factors driving TransLink’s financial situation.
The $479-million contribution are expected to improve over the long term and help stabilize the transportation authority’s finances and advance capital projects in its 2022 investment plan, including TransLink’s battery-electric bus fleet expansion to 155 buses by 2025.
The funding will not only increase service on TransLink’s busiest routes through strategic service reallocation, expand RapidBus lines to relieve congestion in high-growth corridors, but also increase active transportation investments and support transit-oriented, livable communities.
“The Province will continue discussions with the federal government…given TransLink’s significant and immediate needs…to address TransLink’s short-term operating funding needs, preventing layoffs…create jobs and reduce traffic congestion and air pollution, which benefits residents and visitors to Metro Vancouver,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.
“TransLink is the backbone of the transportation network in the Metro Vancouver…By investing in TransLink operations now, we can prevent service cuts…planning new services required to respond to a growing population. Public transit must be an accessible, affordable and convenient option for people travelling around Metro Vancouver,” said Dan Coulter, Minister of State for Infrastructure and Transit.
#BC; #transitservices; #MetroVancouver; #TransLink
