‘Make your voice heard’: Metro Vancouver mayors launch transit funding petition

Are you willing to support a bid from local politicians to get more money for transit from the federal and B.C. governments?

The TransLink Mayors’ Council hopes you will.

Metro Vancouver mayors launched a new campaign Wednesday, aimed at showing Ottawa and Victoria that there’s a need for big improvements — improvements that will cost a lot of money.

The campaign — Access for Everyone — is urging people in the region to sign a petition, calling on all levels of government to “renew their partnership” with Metro Vancouver’s TransLink Mayors’ Council to fund its wish list of transit services.

During the announcement Wednesday morning, Port Coquitlam Mayor and Coun. Chair Brad West said it’s time to send a message to officials across the country to let them know the region “desperately needs” more transit service.

“Now is the time to make your voice heard … We need their government support to make it happen,” West said.

“Over the past year, the Mayors’ Council has been very clear that the system is becoming overcrowded and not delivering the service that we need to keep up with our growing population over the past decade.”

Access for Everyone also includes plans to improve infrastructure for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.

The Mayors’ Council campaign estimates a total investment of $21 billion is needed over the next decade for “essential services like public transit are fundamental to having well-functioning, prosperous, healthy cities where affordable housing is within reach for everyone.”

The funding requests included money to support the building of new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) projects, giving $375 million for an expanded bus fleet, $1.4 million for additional bus depot capacity, $70 million for active transportation and road safety projects, as well as $120 million for the Golden Ears Way BRT readiness project.

“On some of TransLink busiest bus routes, ridership has doubled since 2019,” West explained. “Here at Surrey Central, tens of thousands of transit users wait in long lineups every day to board jam-packed buses or overcrowded SkyTrains. It’s a scene that plays out at transit hubs right across this region, leaving people really frustrated by delays.”

“If we don’t begin to deliver the expansion of transit service that we need. This will only get worse,” West added.

West said that if funding commitments are not secured by April, “TransLink will have to delay projects and determine what to reduce, starting in 2025.”

“We simply cannot afford to let that happen.”

The mayor explained $500 million in capital funding, and $200 million in new operating funding is required to support expansion projects slated to begin later this year.

“I’ve spoken with Minister Rob Fleming and Minister Sean Fraser to make sure they understand that we are running out of time. We need to secure their funding commitments. …. I’m hopeful that they will come through for the residents of this region.

“But they need to hear from the people of Metro Vancouver. Tell the federal government it’s time for them to step up. We need to see our fair share. We need some of the tax dollars that leave our region and go to Ottawa reinvested here at home to provide people the transportation options they require and deserve,” West said.