The City of Vancouver is seeking input on a new transportation plan, which hasn't been updated in 13 years. James Fletcher lists on Think City five ideas he wants implemented.

"Everyone agrees that Vancouver's transportation network is a mess. Unfortunately, there is little consensus on how to fix it," Fletcher writes. "Vancouver's ambition to be the world's greenest city is pointless without decisive action on transportation, the largest source of greenhouse gases."

Here is a summary of Fletcher's five ideas.

1. A regional focus

Regions like Port Moody should be prioritized. Evergreen Line connections to the rapidly-expanded urban centre keep getting delayed, and traffic worsens. Another pressing need is commuter rail service in the Fraser Valley as far as Chilliwack. Regional focus will improve air quality for the larger land base.

2. Pedestrian and cycling infrastructure

Vancouver should continue to provide separated bike lanes on city streets. The city should also partner with Richmond and other municipalities to create a regional bike rental program for Metro Vancouver. Additionally, Vancouver should create at least one car-free pedestrian bridge as "civic landmark and international icon."

3. Goods movement

Where possible, commercial vehicles lanes on the busiest streets would support local business and free up more road space overall. Existing rights-of-ways could be reengineered to allow more efficient truck access from Highway 1.

4. Land use planning

Transit investments should be negotiated alongside big development proposals to ensure transportation infrastructure is in step with the neighborhood expansion. Companies should be required to have a contract with TransLink before they can get development permits.

Mini-buses should become integral to linking smaller neigbourhoods with the transit network. "The city should make them a condition of major development approvals."

Land-use within 400 metres of each station should be up-zoned for higher density development.

5. Citizen involvement

City council should engage citizens in a participatory budgeting process. Dialog with communities will be important for tailoring public transit to specific needs.

"Think City's Share the Road project in the Grandview-Woodland neighbourhood is another example of public engagement on transportation issues at the local level. Our survey asks people how they get around, which places they find inconvenient or unsafe, and what they would change. We ask participants to rate many different options, and will present the results to the city and TransLink."

Josh Massey is completing his practicum at The Tyee.