Ambitious plans still need cash
Public consultations on two major Metro Vancouver transportation projects begin next week, kicking off planning for the second phase of a 10-year regional transportation plan.
On Tuesday, TransLink announced a series of service changes to the SkyTrain and SeaBus networks that are aimed at reducing congestion and waiting times (see info box).
These changes are part of the first phase of the transportation plan, which was approved in November.
The transit authority also announced that an online survey and open houses will start next week so that it can get feedback on plans for the Surrey light-rail line and a Broadway subway extension.
The two projects, along with replacing the aging Pattullo Bridge, are part of the second phase of the 10-Year Vision for Metro Vancouver Transportation.
How Phase 2 will be funded remains unclear.
“Today is a great celebration, but by no means is it the end of the road,” said Surrey Mayor Linda Hepner, who also co-chairs the TransLink Mayors’ Council. “That Phase 2 funding is critical to our overall region and to bringing to fruition the real mayors’ vision for the 10-year plan.”
Phase 1 is being paid for by contributions from the federal and provincial governments, as well as regional sources that include property-tax and transit-fare increases, both of which will take effect in July.
It is expected that Phase 2 of the plan will be approved sometime this year. Federal funding is key and is expected to be announced with the federal budget in February or March. The province has committed to fund one-third of major projects, but has been coy about whether it will provide more money. Metro Vancouver mayors are hoping it will chip in more for the second phase. The rest of the tab will be picked up by TransLink.
Phase 2 includes replacement of the Pattullo Bridge, construction of the Surrey light rail and Broadway subway lines, more rail cars and station upgrades on the existing SkyTrain system, expanded bus and HandyDart service, and further improvements to the walking, cycling and road network.
“The key piece that we need in these next few months is commitment on the major projects in Surrey with rapid transit, the Broadway line extension and the Pattullo Bridge,” said Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson, who cochairs the Mayors’ Council. “Those are our three big projects that we really need to see a firm commitment from provincial and federal governments on the capital so that
we can keep the pace up, we don’t lose any time building out those major projects in the years ahead.”
North Vancouver MP Jonathan Wilkinson said he can’t predict what will end up in the federal budget, but that the next phase of the transportation plan includes the types of projects the federal government is interested in funding.
“I would see strong support for Phase 2,” he said.
However, he suggested that the feds are waiting for the mayors “to come forward with a detailed plan.”
On behalf of the provincial government, Vancouver-Quilchena MLA Andrew Wilkinson said that once a detailed plan is on the table the funding issue will be resolved.
“Once the picture has crystallized and the plan is clear, there will be the usual engagement between the three levels of government to sort out the funding arrangement,” he said.
“We’re optimistic. It’s obviously in the province’s best interest to have improved transportation and infrastructure in the Lower Mainland.”
Robertson and Hepner rushed to the podium to respond.
“That work is done,” they said in unison.
Robertson said TransLink has prepared detailed cases for procurement, and the next step is to get the money committed.
“We’ve put the plan together. We have the request in to the provincial and federal governments, so I’m not sure what (Wilkinson) is alluding to here. We need formal commitment of federal and provincial dollars to the major projects.”