The Vancouver Sun reported yesterday that Translink has suspended future spending until a review of the agency is completed by Transportation Minister, Kevin Falcon.
The only two initiatives that will continue to go ahead are the purchase of 34 new Skytrain cars, and a detailed design study (but not construction) of the Evergreen Line.
Among the projects that have been suspended are the actual construction of the Evergreen Line, the extension of Skytrain along the Broadway corridor, and the purchase of a third seabus.
The Sun reports that funding is at the heart of the problem, as the BC government is only kicking in 20% of the cost for the Canada and Evergreen Lines, whereas in the past, the provincial government paid 100% of rapid transit construction costs.
On the other hand, the $1.5 billion twinning of the Port Mann Bridge remains a priority for Kelvin Falcon, despite the GVRD's strong opposition to the project on the grounds that it runs counter to the Liveable Region Strategic Plan. (ie: over the long term, it would still leave us with congested roads, because it would contribute to more urban sprawl in the Fraser Valley).
The Ministry of Transportation is currently conducting a governance review of Translink, which should have important implications for future transit spending in the GVRD.
For those who would like to see the provincial government invest more in public transit, now would be a good time to let your MLA know how you feel.
Here's a link to a directory that provides contact details for provincial MLAs. You can give online feedback on many of their websites, send an email, or make a quick phone call to their consituency office.
Kevin Falcon will be making key decisions in the next few weeks.
The Liberals really piss me off sometimes.
Posted by: Warren | Friday, October 20, 2006 at 10:23 AM