Yes vote will increase service

Re: TransLink warns of reduced service, June 26

The story may have left readers with the wrong impression about what “service optimization” means as it relates to buses, and what might happen should there be a Yes vote in the plebiscite.

Service optimization is about making the most of the dollars we spend on your transit system while providing the greatest benefit to all customers.

This means looking at what routes are busiest, where crowding is occurring, where “passups” occur (buses passing by full), and looking at how we can address this by making adjustments. It’s something we’ve always done, and will continue to do, regardless of funding levels. It’s smart business practice.

Since 2010, TransLink has reallocated approximately 340,000 annual hours of bus service to the busiest routes from those that are not as busy. As a result, we’ve provided about eight million new rides without added investment.

If a Yes vote prevails in the plebiscite, as I hope it will, our customers will see a 25 per cent increase in bus service levels across the region. This includes areas where ridership is low today. Better service in these areas will attract more people onto transit.

If the plebiscite results in a No, we will be forced to place a greater emphasis on service optimization as the region grows and transit funding remains flat. But even this won’t be enough to keep up with the growing needs of the region.

Regardless, we’re committed to providing the best possible service to our customers across Metro Vancouver, while running an efficient transportation system with the resources available.

DOUG ALLEN Interim chief executive officer, TransLink