As a suburbanite who relies on transit, cycling and ferry service to get around, I pay close attention to proposals that impact public transportation. The upcoming transit plebiscite is one such proposal.
We’re hearing a lot of noise about the management structure, salaries and costs associated with running the system.
Such scrutiny is both fair and necessary. I recall when TransLink was audited by the provincial government and the independent TransLink commission, no smoking guns were discovered. Nor was the $250 million needed to expand the system.
While a different management structure will help with accountability, focusing on governance and executive compensation distracts from the core question: Is new investment in public transportation necessary?
South of the Fraser, the communities of Surrey, North Delta and Langley will all receive a connectivity “boost” reflecting the population (and growth) that these areas accommodate. Areas shouldering less growth might have to adopt an integrated regional mindset – and accept that collective cost-sharing will pay dividends.
Hopefully voters will re-focus on the common vulnerability we all share:That growth without funded transit expansion will actually decrease connectivity and increase congestion.
Patrick Thompson, Delta
