Editor:
As a public health physician and the Medical Health Officer for White Rock, I specialize in the health of communities.
A big part of my job is working with the municipality and diverse groups in the community to advance public programs, policies and investments that reduce risk of disease and injury – and, ultimately, save lives.
I’m writing today to urge White Rock residents to vote ‘yes’ in the transportation referendum.
This month, you will receive a ballot in the mail asking if you support a 0.5-per-cent increase in the provincial sales tax in order to fund billions of dollars in transportation improvements.
If the ‘yes’ vote wins, White Rock and South Surrey will get more frequent service, including buses to the Canada Line every five minutes during rush hour to reduce gridlock on the highways, an extension of the express bus from Newton to White Rock on King George Boulevard and 152 Street, 80 per cent more night-bus service for early morning and later into the night and a 30-per-cent increase in Handy Dart service.
These improvements will enable thousands of people – fellow neighbours, working families, seniors, employees and other community members like you and me – to have practical choices in how to get around. It will allow us to integrate exercise into our busy lives, shrink our commutes, spend less time in gridlock and gain quicker access to the services, jobs, recreation opportunities, friends and family that keep us all healthy.
Even if you never take transit, you’ll still benefit: better air quality, reduced risk of traffic injuries for all road users, including those who walk, cycle, take transit or drive, less congestion and a healthier, more connected community.
In Fraser Health’s 2014 Healthy Aging report, only seven per cent of trips taken by seniors were by walking and only six per cent by public transportation. Many seniors fear losing their driver’s licence as they get older and tend to drive less.
Improved active and public transit options ensure seniors can maintain their social connections and access needed services to keep them healthy.
This is not a vote about TransLink, but a ‘no’ vote will delay critically needed transportation improvements.
I will be voting ‘yes’ as someone who walks, cycles, takes transit and drives. I will be voting ‘yes’ as a physician who wants a healthier community.
This month, you can make history with a ‘yes’ win, a win for critical investments in healthier transportation choices. Please vote. This is an opportunity we can’t afford to miss.
Dr. Michelle Murti, Medical Health Officer for White Rock/South Surrey
