(Burnaby) People throughout British Columbia would see big transit improvements and shorter, safer and less expensive trips with the measures set out in the BC NDP platform, the BCFED said today.
"A strong public transit system is vital to tackling some of the biggest challenges workers face. It makes life more affordable, cuts greenhouse gas emissions and supports our rapidly growing communities," said BCFED President Sussanne Skidmore.
“The measures in the BC NDP platform will help us do just that.”
This is exactly the kind of investment BC workers need to see,” said BCFED Secretary-Treasurer Hermender Singh Kailley. “It will create good, skilled jobs building and operating new transit. And by getting people and goods where they need to go more quickly and efficiently, we strengthen BC’s economy.”
Kailley said the BCFED is particularly pleased to see a commitment to bring HandyDART service under public operation, and to review other private operation throughout BC’s transit system. “Public operation will mean much better service for the people who need it most,” he said.
Skidmore added that connecting communities throughout BC with an express bus service “will be absolutely life-changing for people who live outside the Lower Mainland and southern Vancouver Island.
“This plan rejects the myth that people outside urban centres don’t need access to reliable and safe transportation. It recognizes our transit system needs to serve all of the province.”
Additional key measures include:
- An integrated plan to expand transit service in the Fraser Valley, including new rail and rapid bus service
- A dedicated rapid bus corridor leading to SkyTrain or light rail from Metrotown to Park Royal, and better service along King George Highway
- Completing SkyTrain from Surrey to Langley and extending the Broadway Subway to UBC
- Extending the West Coast Express to Chilliwack and taking steps toward restoring commuter rail to key corridors
- Fare-free transit for seniors during off-peak hours.
Kailley pointed out that transit investments are good for drivers and transit riders alike. “Better transit means fewer cars on the road, and a faster, safer trip for everyone,” he said.
“The BC NDP plan means shorter commutes, cleaner, more efficient transportation, and great family-supporting jobs. All John Rustad has to offer is a record of hiking fares, cutting services and stranding British Columbians,” said Skidmore.