TransLink is proposing a new tax on cars and a region-wide road pricing scheme to help pay for the next 10 years of transit expansion in the Lower Mainland.
TransLink's board of directors unanimously recommends local mayors approve its proposal to adopt a 10-year-plan that will cost an extra $450 million each year.
The plan includes 300 new buses, a 37 per cent increase in service hours, new SkyTrain cars, millions more in road infrastructure and funding for Evergreen Line.
But it also means TransLink will have to look at new ways of raising cash. It's proposing a new version of a vehicle levy. Times have changed since the unpopular levy was proposed--then axed--a decade ago.
A vehicle levy, along with increased fares and fuel taxes, would raise an extra $275 million a year, enough to maintain the current system but not expand it. TransLink is also proposing region-wide road pricing based on usage, which could include tolls.
Irwin Loy reports for Vancouver 24 Hours
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Dan the socialist
2 years ago
I seem to recall they have
I seem to recall they have announced this about 10 times already??? Why do they keep doing it?
This won't be to popular but they are un elected and El Gordo probably told them to wait until election over.
Why do they want the mayors to approve this? Translink knows it does not need the mayors permission to raise taxes..
When they mention tolls, is that on existing roads? Will they put tolls on 'rich' areas or just working class and poor areas?
DPL
2 years ago
Tax us, we are Canadians
Tax us, we are Canadians
For a better world
2 years ago
Resolution of Transit Woes
Resolution of all public transit in BC requires a fair and honest effort by the provincial government.
Since WAC Bennett initiated the takeover of BC Electric, an effective, efficient and responsible public transit system has been hindered by manipulation of the provincial government. The provincial government does not want to pay for improved transit, but they want to find some other body or person to blame for its lack of effectiveness.
During the short-term Barrett and Harcourt leadership periods, the NDP were too busy coping with the fictional socialists/ communist boogey-man image conjured up by the business community and their ilk.
During the "car salesman era" of Bill the inside trader, owners of car dealerships effectively demonized any opportunity for useful public transit.
Billy Vee was the one premier who had some understanding of the need for suitable public transit, and although "Skytrain" was not ideal at least it moved the public transit agenda forward. Expo 86 was the obvious catalyst.
Under the Campbell regime, transit and local transit authorities have been their whipping boys. Both the current Translink Board and its predecessors have been assigned a responsibilty to provide effective transportation but without the necessary tools to do the job.
Expectations of providing a useful transit system remain entrenched with insufficient revenues to meet suitable transit needs. Campbell wants someone else to take the flak for any tax increases necessary to fund both the system and his interferring priorities.
The provincial government should provide the necessary transit program, the necessary funding and the direct reponsibility for its implementaion and operation. A fair and honest process is highly unlikely under the current regime.
snert
2 years ago
Death To TransLink
After all the bridges are built, of course.