Suggestions for B.C. Ferries, B.C. Transit, and Translink

Re: B.C. Ferries’ bailout must be used to restore sailings and freeze fares, says minister

Finally, someone woke up in the provincial government. These three companies — B.C. Ferries, B.C. Transit and Translink — will have to shape up and fulfil some of the demands of the public, MLAS and local politicians.

For the last three years, the provincial government has allowed these companies to do what they want. The fault lies in various previous governments that could not decide what governance we should have for these “independent” companies and their subsidiaries. Now these companies will need to change if they want the bailout money.

Some suggestions:

B.C. Ferries: Eliminate the $2 fare for a bicycle, provide passenger-only fast ferry to/from Nanaimo and possibly on other routes.

B.C. Transit and Translink: Stop privatizing our transit systems, and use the model of the Regional District of Nanaimo that has existed since 1969 for all transit systems in the province. Improve Handydart/on Demand transit. Free fares for riders under 18. Electric bus fleet to be completed by 2035 at the latest — stop buying Cng/diesel buses.

Nathan Davidowicz, Vancouver