TransLink needs to pump the brakes

Before any government funds are provided to pay for TransLink’s proposed subway mega-project in the city of Vancouver, TransLink should be required to implement a two-year trial of a “bus rapid transit” (BRT) system (above ground following the proposed subway route) along Broadway between Commercial Drive and UBC’s Point Grey campus.

Only if BRT proves to be inadequate should funds be provided for an extension of the SkyTrain.

Regarding the proposed “South of Fraser” cities’ commuter-rail lines: Before any government funds are provided for design and construction, TransLink should be required to collaborate with Surrey and the two Langleys to consult with South of Fraser cities’ residents and business owners to ascertain whether they want at-roadway-level, human-driven (fake rapid transit) LRT or a separated-from-roadway, automated (computer-driven) rapid transit line to be built in their cities.

Most importantly, planning for South of Fraser cities’ commuter-rail lines should be occurring with officials considering these lines’ direct and indirect effects on the eyesore wasteland areas of North Surrey that border New Westminster and how these lines could contribute to and act as catalysts for their comprehensive redevelopment.

The B.C. and federal governments should demand TransLink rethink all of its proposed commuter-rail mega-projects.

Supporting and enabling South of Fraser cities’ economic development and future population growth should be the priority. Roderick Louis, White Rock