The government of British Columbia and the Mayors' Council on Regional Transportation are combining forces to come up with sustainable and long-term transit solutions that meet the needs of families and communities.

The Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure and the Mayors' Council on Regional Transportation have agreed on a process to work together. The new process will outline findings and recommendations on how to move forward with governance and funding, as well as engaging the public. This will allow government to consider legislative changes in spring 2014.

In 2012, TransLink made substantial cost savings. However, even with those savings, the region needs new funding sources to expand service and meet growing demand.

The council has proposed several new funding sources. The minister and the council will also consider these sources and their work should lead to a better understanding of the funding options and what the public has to say about them.

Government will support funding tools that are affordable for families, regionally sourced, avoid negative effects on the economy, and capture benefits from the substantial investments made in Metro Vancouver's transportation system.

The council also has been expressing concerns about the governance structure for TransLink, and they recently commissioned an independent review of governance. The minister and council will develop governance options that work for all parties, including taxpayers in Metro Vancouver.

Quotes:

Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Mary Polak -

"The recent independent TransLink Governance Review points out there is more right than there is wrong with TransLink. There is a gap in the governance model that I believe can be addressed. Together with Mayor Walton and Mayor Wright, I have developed a solid process that will outline findings and recommendations on how to move forward on TransLink governance and funding. Demand for transit is growing and we need to find a solution."

Mayors' Council on Regional Transportation chair Richard Walton -

"Mayor Wright and I are confident this renewed support and focus by all levels of government will enable us to find solutions that will address the funding and governance challenges we are facing. There is no doubt that an effective and efficient transit service is a critical part of our transportation system, an important contributor to our economy and good for our environment. Residents of our communities rely on our services each and every day and we owe it to them to ensure we get this right."

Contact:

Kate Trotter
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
Government Communications and Public Engagement
250 356-8241