TransLink execs heading to Ottawa to request federal funding

Members of the TransLink Mayors Council will be heading to Ottawa next week to ask the federal government for funding to address Metro Vancouver’s stressed transit system.

This is all part of a 10-year, $21 billion plan called Transport 2050, which has been put forth in hopes of addressing overcrowding and expanding alongside a growing population and increased immigration.

Brad West, Mayor of Port Coquitlam and Chair of the TransLink Mayors Council says if nothing is done soon, things are only going to get worse.

“If we don’t have a transit system that provides people realistic and reliable options, what’s going to happen? They’re going to have to drive, and we’ll see increased congestion, and we’ll see a deterioration of our quality of life,” he said.

Related articles:

• TransLink announces 30-storey building proposal, new partnership

• TransLink votes to increase fares by 2.3%, effective July 1

• Vancouver’s Broadway Subway Project sees major ‘breakthrough’

Parts of the plan include doubling bus services, SkyTrain extensions, and increased infrastructures for cyclists and pedestrians as well.

West notes transit in Metro Vancouver has only grown to be more congested post-pandemic.

“TransLink has seen the highest and fastest rate of transit ridership recovery since the pandemic in North America. and before the pandemic, our transit system was already very stressed. and if we don’t start to get ahead of it, we’re gonna see a real deterioration in the livability of our region,” he explained.

“Transit and transportation is not optional. It’s a basic requirement of a functioning society,” West added.

“When you’re increasing the population the way we expect to see it increased over the next number of years, we need to be able to meet those needs.”

West adds Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim and other mayors from around Metro Vancouver who make up the council will be joining him on the trip.