Integrating B.C. Transit system with TransLink’s a top priority

The head of B.C. Transit says his organization is working on a plan to connect Sea to Sky corridor residents to Vancouver using the transit system.

President and CEO Manuel Achadinha was one of three presenters on a transit-focused panel Tuesday at the annual Union of B.C. Municipalities conference.

He said integrating B.C. Transit’s system with TransLink’s is part of a long-term transit plan developed by communities in the Sea to Sky area, including Squamish, Whistler, Pemberton, the Lil’wat and Squamish First Nations and the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District.

Squamish Coun. Karen Elliott wondered how much time and effort is being put into identifying where to hook into the TransLink system and co-ordinating elements such as fare payment, which differs between transit authorities.

“As we work hard to get our citizens out of their cars, because they are commuting to the Lower Mainland, we don’t want them dropped off in the boondocks,” Elliott said. “We want our citizens to come into SeaBus stations and SkyTrain connections so they can get where they’re going easily.”

Achadinha said he understands communities are eager to get moving and planners are working to come up with a solution that can work for the transit organizations and customers.

“It is incumbent upon us to work together to come up with a seamless connection,” he said.