NDP pledges rapid transit link as mayors push for cure to North Shore gridlock
Global News
The mayors of two North Shore municipalities say transit must be a top election priority, and want a funding commitment from all major party leaders.
Two North Shore mayors are challenging B.C.’s political leaders to commit to rapid transit for the region and increased transit funding.
On Tuesday, City of North Vancouver Mayor Linda Buchanan and District of North Vancouver Mayor Mike Little reiterated the warning that massive transit cuts are coming in 2026 without a long-term fix to TransLink’s structural deficit.
Buchanan said such cuts would have “catastrophic consequences,” including the elimination of numerous bus routes and a projected increase in traffic congestion of 20 per cent.
“This is not a stunt. This is fact. This is real,” Buchanan said.
“Anyone living on the North Shore knows traffic congestion has reached a tipping point. People are spending too much time commuting and not enough time living. We are all feeling the frustration.”
TransLink is facing a $600-million gap in operating funding after 2025, which it says is a result of falling gas tax revenue, fares hikes that haven’t kept pace with inflation, and surging maintenance, labour and construction costs.
The mayors want a pledge from all parties to fix TransLink’s funding model.
They also called Tuesday for a promise from leaders to implement bus rapid transit (BRT) on the North Shore, one of TransLink’s top priorities in its as-of-yet unfunded 10-year Access for Everyone plan.
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