B.C. budget ignores TransLink service needs: mayor

The provincial budget set aside almost $16 billion for transportation and transit projects over the next three years, but none of it was direct funding for TransLink services.

A Metro Vancouver mayor tells 1130 NewsRadio that it’s the second straight year that the transit agency has come up empty.

“We’ve been told that as a Mayors’ Council, is the provincial government has the ability to continue to work with us to find a funding solution for transit in the short term. So, I certainly look forward to hearing what the provincial government’s proposal would be,” City of Langley Mayor Nathan Pachal said.

Last year, the TransLink Mayors’ Council stated they were in desperate need for both federal and provincial dollars to stay afloat.

Pachal says that while he’s glad to see the budget set aside money for the Broadway Subway and the Surrey-Langley SkyTrain, it doesn’t address the urgent need for money for current services.

Pachal adds that as the trade war between Canada and the United States continues, transit is a very affordable way to get around.

“So when people’s purse strings are tight, having an affordable way to get around quickly becomes even more important,” Pachal explained.

Pachal says that without cash from either level of government, service cuts will begin in May. He says TransLink is facing a multi-million dollar deficit, and all the players need to step up to the plate.

Pachal says the Mayors’ Council is awaiting a call from the province to discuss how to avoid the worst-case scenarios.

“This is something that’s not insignificant, and it’s going to take a lot of heavy lifting with the support of the federal government, the province, and us as a region.”