The Province is supporting public transit expansion for people in Metro Vancouver through a significant investment in TransLink that will mean better and more convenient service, lower emissions, and healthier, more livable communities
B.C. is contributing more than $2.4 billion to advance key transit and infrastructure priorities, including the Surrey Langley Skytrain and electrification of the bus fleet, as part of its ongoing commitment to fund 40% of the Mayors’ Council 10-Year Vision.
“We’re making investments to support a better future for people throughout Metro Vancouver with more affordable and convenient travel options, cleaner air and less climate pollution,” said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy and Minister Responsible for TransLink. “By supporting TransLink to help provide public transit options that connect us to our communities, workplaces, friends and families, we’re building more vibrant communities with easier access to jobs, housing, recreation and services people depend on.”
TransLink’s investment plan includes actions to: maintain and expand transit service; support faster, more reliable bus service through bus-priority infrastructure; transition bus fleets from diesel to zero-emission vehicles; and increase active transportation investments. The plan will help TransLink replace more than one third of its diesel bus fleet with approximately 500 battery-electric buses and buses that run on renewable natural gas. It will also provide opportunities to build more complete, liveable communities with affordable housing and increased density around transit lines.
“It has been a challenging few years, and we thank the provincial government for its commitment to ensure transit continues to serve residents throughout Metro Vancouver,” said Kevin Quinn, CEO of TransLink. “This investment plan and the Province’s support will ensure that TransLink is on solid ground while advancing priority projects for the region.”
This new commitment builds on previous provincial funding in TransLink’s 2018 investment plan, which funded increased bus and HandyDART services, better and expanded SkyTrain service, and construction of the Broadway subway.
“The 2022 investment plan will stabilize transit funding for the region and put us in a stronger position to advance Transport 2050’s vision for a more livable and sustainable region,” said Jonathan Coté, mayor of New Westminster and chair of the Mayors’ Council on Regional Transportation. “We are grateful for the Province’s continued support for better public transit and sustainable communities across Metro Vancouver.”
The TransLink investment plan means better transit services for people and also supports the Province’s climate-change and clean-economy objectives through the CleanBC Roadmap to 2030.
Photo courtesy of IStock.
