TransLink Mayors’ Council calls on voters to help Save Transit ahead of provincial election
September 17, 2024
New survey shows almost three quarters of Metro Vancouver residents are concerned about potential cuts to TransLink services
September 17, 2024 (Vancouver, B.C.) – Today at the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Annual Convention, the Mayors’ Council on Regional Transportation was joined by various community and business organizations to launch a letter-writing campaign aimed at the main political parties running in the October 19 provincial election.
“We are here today to remind all political parties that our region needs transit now more than ever,” stated Mayor Brad West, Chair of the Mayors’ Council. “The transit funding model is broken, and we are facing drastic cuts to service that will devastate our region if new funding is not identified. That is why we are asking the public to reach out to their local candidates and tell them to do the right thing and save transit in Metro Vancouver.”
Metro Vancouver residents can visit the website www.accessforeveryone.ca, enter their name, postal code and email, and a letter will be sent to their local candidates and provincial party leaders urging them to invest in public transit and avoid cuts to services.
A new survey shows that over 70% of Metro Vancouver residents believe transit is an important issue in the upcoming provincial election. The poll, commissioned by the Mayors’ Council in August 2024, also confirms residents believe the provincial government has the greatest responsibility among all levels of government to fund transit. 84% of respondents agree that investing in public transit is essential to keep up with Metro Vancouver’s growing population.
TransLink currently faces a structural deficit of over $600 million and with no new funding committed to date by government, TransLink is preparing to make significant cuts to service that will have catastrophic effects throughout the region, if new funding is not committed. This includes potentially shutting down all bus service after 8pm, cutting most bus service in communities such as Langley, the North Shore, Maple Ridge and Delta, as well as reducing SkyTrain service by 30%. Despite TransLink making significant cost cutting measures, it is still not nearly enough to address the deficit.
In the survey, 71% of respondents were concerned about these potential cuts, including 31% who are “very concerned.” 72% of respondents would be somewhat or very upset if the provincial government failed to save transit. Concerns were expressed by supporters of all political parties.
“Every political party needs to recognize that if we want a healthy, livable and more affordable region, we need to invest in public transit,” said Mayors’ Council Vice Chair Malcolm Brodie. “We cannot afford cuts to service, more overcrowded buses, more delays and more congested roads. The public understands this, now it’s time for the parties to listen.”
“There is so much at stake for our region this provincial election,” said Mayor West. “If public transit is not a priority for the next government of B.C., we will not be able to sustain our already-overcrowded transit system, let alone make the crucial expansion of services our communities desperately need through the Access for Everyone Plan.”
Recently, the Mayors’ Council sent an open letter to B.C. political party leaders calling for them to commit to immediate funding for TransLink post-election in order to roll out the first phase of the Access for Everyone transit expansion plan starting in April 2025, and to create a permanent $3.4-billion-per-year transit fund indexed to population growth and inflation.
The Access for Everyone Plan includes doubling bus service over the next decade, building nine new Bus Rapid Transit lines, investing in vital new projects such as extending SkyTrain to UBC, and improving the region’s major road network.
Organizations from around the region have joined the Mayors’ Council in calling for transit investment, emphasizing how important transit is to the region.
Quotes:
“Every minute spent stuck in traffic is a minute we aren’t supporting local businesses, volunteering in our communities, or building the next great company. Addressing congestion is essential to maintaining our status as a top global destination and ensuring Vancouver remains a vibrant, livable city. We cannot afford drastic cuts to our transit system, as they would have severe consequences for businesses, our economy and our people. Instead, we must find sustainable solutions to grow our transit system in line with the needs of our expanding region.”
Bridgitte Anderson, ICD.D
President and CEO, Greater Vancouver Board of Trade
“Providing essential public transportation services that support the region’s economic, social and environmental well-being is crucial. This accessibility is not only vital for the local economy, but also ensures inclusivity that everyone can have the opportunity to participate fully in society. Service cuts could disproportionately affect vulnerable populations who rely heavily on public transit.”
Queenie Choo,
CEO, S.U.C.C.E.S.S.
“SFU is grateful to the Mayors’ Council for their support of the Burnaby Mountain Gondola, which will take transit riders from the Production Way Millennium Line Station up to SFU’s Burnaby campus. The gondola is a low-cost, quick-build investment that will reduce cost pressures for TransLink and enable greater access to housing options on Burnaby Mountain. Transit is critical to all of us who call the lower mainland home, and our ability to meet our full potential relies on a robust transit system.”
Simon Fraser University
“Seniors across B.C. rely on public transit to stay connected with their communities, access healthcare, and maintain independence. Cutting these services would isolate countless individuals and put them at risk of losing the freedom that transit provides. Expanding and protecting transit is not just a transportation issue – it’s a matter of dignity and inclusion for our aging population.”
Leslie Gaudette
President and CEO, COSCO
“The Surrey Board of Trade fully supports the call for expanded transit services. Our local businesses are intricately linked to the vitality of our region, and a well-functioning public transit system is critical for their success. The Access for Everyone plan is not just about improving convenience for residents; it’s an economic imperative. With our population growth and the resurgence of post-pandemic transit ridership, businesses are already feeling the strain of frozen service levels.”
Jasroop Gosal
Policy and Research Manager and Interim Spokesperson, Surrey Board of Trade
“As Delta expands, our transit network must adapt to the needs of residents and businesses. Investing in better transit infrastructure is essential to reduce congestion, promote environmental sustainability, and ensure our community remains connected, competitive, and sustainable.”
Rosanne Horner
Chair, Delta Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
“The AMS of UBC Vancouver fully supports the Access for Everyone Plan, which highlights the critical need for extending SkyTrain to UBC and building a more robust transit network across the Metro Vancouver region. Transit is a critical service that more than 53% of students at UBC rely on. A growing transit network will increase access to education and affordable housing options for students, and encourage economic growth and prosperity throughout the region.”
Ayesha Irfan
VP External Affairs, Alma Mater Society of UBC Vancouver
“Transit service is critical to our economy and our business community as it helps get workers to jobs, students to school, and customers to shops and services. But right now, it’s at risk. We must see the investment that is required to ensure that transit service isn’t just maintained but is expanded to better serve people right across Metro Vancouver, including in Langley, which is our region’s fastest-growing community.”
Cory Redekop
Chief Executive Officer, Langley Chamber of Commerce
“In addition to meeting the diverse needs of our communities, accessible and reliable transit is key to achieving British Columbia’s CleanBC goals. We can reduce congestion and greenhouse gas emissions by ensuring everyone has viable options to walk, bike, roll or take transit. Expanding safe and connected active transportation networks alongside transit services is essential for providing alternatives to personal vehicles and fostering a healthier, more sustainable future for all British Columbians.”
Laura Jane
Executive Director, HUB Cycling
“As our region grows, reliable public transit is vital to ensuring newcomers and underserved communities have access to jobs, education, and services. The prospect of drastic cuts to these services is alarming and would have far-reaching consequences, deepening the barriers for those already struggling to find opportunities to thrive. We need to prioritize transit investment to ensure no one is left behind.”
Olga Stachova
CEO, MOSAIC BC
“We cannot have transit reduced and have another notch yet against our economic competitiveness. Lack of transit already inhibits the ability of employers to attract and retain talent. The alternative of having increased vehicle congestion and the immediate need to build additional road infrastructure to address transportation shortfalls is not a sustainable and viable economic option.”
Jason TseChair, Richmond Chamber of Commerce
HELP SAVE TRANSIT: Metro Vancouver residents can visit accessforeveryone.ca/call-to-action to send letters directly to local candidates and provincial party leaders, urging them to invest in public transit and avoid cuts to services.
About the Mayors’ Council on Regional Transportation
The Mayors’ Council is the collective voice of Metro Vancouver residents on transit and transportation. Our members include representatives from each of the 21 municipalities in TransLink’s service area, as well as Electoral Area ‘A’ and the Tsawwassen First Nation. It is responsible for approving TransLink’s transportation plans, identifying local funding and negotiating with other levels of government to make those plans a reality.
Media Contacts:
Giulia Turco giulia@earnscliffe.ca 236-889-1704
Anna Lilly anna@earnscliffe.ca 604-505-9048
Backgrounder
TransLink Mayors’ Council – Save Transit Campaign
Opinion Research Findings
September 17, 2024
An August 2024 survey conducted by Earnscliffe Strategies provides insight into public opinion on transit as a provincial election issue.
72% of residents believe transit is an important issue in the upcoming provincial election
71% of respondents are concerned about potential cuts to transit services if there is no new funding.
The vast majority of residents find the potential consequences resulting from service cuts to be unacceptable.
72% of respondents stated they would be ‘somewhat upset’ or ‘very upset’ if the provincial government decided not to fund TransLink and services were reduced significantly.
Residents believe the provincial government has the greatest responsibility among all levels of government to fund transit.
84% of respondents agree that investing in public transit is essential to keep up with Metro Vancouver’s growing population, and in general, respondents believe that now is the time for increased improvements and investments in public transit.
Read the full report on the survey here.
Methodology:
The survey of 1,210 respondents living in Metro Vancouver communities serviced by TransLink was conducted in English between August 22 and September 4, 2024, and took an average of 8 minutes to complete. It was conducted using an opt-in online panel. The results are weighted by gender, age, and region to be reflective of Statistics Canada’s most recent estimates at the time of reporting. “DK/NR” is used to denote those who said that they did not know or preferred not to answer.