BC’s $300M Transit Aid: A Stepping Stone

Province announces new funding for Metro Vancouver buses

Today, the TransLink Mayors’ Council was pleased to stand side by side with the Hon. Rob Fleming, B.C.’s Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, to announce a substantial $300 million provincial investment in our regional transportation network. This new funding, detailed in a government announcement which you can read here, marks a pivotal moment for TransLink’s 2024 investment plan.

This financial commitment from the province will facilitate the purchase of new buses that are essential for maintaining and slightly expanding our current service levels. Some of these buses will support future Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lines, a critical component of our strategy to enhance transit accessibility and efficiency across the region.

While today’s announcement is a positive development, it is not the comprehensive funding solution for public transit that we have been advocating for. It is a preliminary step, helping us move closer to our goals but not fulfilling them entirely. We remain engaged in ongoing discussions with both provincial and federal governments to secure the necessary investments by the spring of 2025 for our ambitious expansion plan.

Access for Everyone will expand service significantly, making transit more accessible and convenient for everyone in our region. As we continue these vital conversations with government partners, we are focused on securing a future where every resident has access to reliable and efficient public transit amidst rapid population growth.

We appreciate the province’s current investment as it helps with TransLink’s immediate needs and supports our short-term operational requirements. However, we are steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that future funding will align more closely with the extensive needs outlined in the Access for Everyone plan.

Thank you for your continued support and engagement as we work towards a transit-friendly future that serves all members of our community. Stay tuned for more updates as we strive to transform our regional transit system for the future.

(Photo: CTV News – Transit use in some parts of Metro Vancouver has surpassed pre-pandemic levels, TransLink says)

More information:

Link to Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure’s announcement