The provincial government could help the Metro Vancouver transit referendum get passed if it stepped in with a plan to re-shape TransLink, says Port Moody Mayor Mike Clay, who believes bad optics around the transportation authority could sink the $7.5-billion transportation plan.
While the Yes side estimates the average cost to a family would be $125 a year, the No side pegs the price at $280, and Clay calls even that "a bargain."
"That's less than a bus pass costs," he said.
And Clay said there is no other way but raising taxes to pay for the transportation plan because other levels of government don't have the cash and neither does TransLink.
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"To suggest we don't need to find a new revenue source It's not like it's there and we are just not tapping into it. We need the money to come from somewhere," said Clay.
Citing benefits such as increased daytime and evening bus service, cycling and pedestrian infrastructure, rapid transit to UBC and light rail through Surrey to Langley as among the highlights, as well as money for roads and a new Pattullo Bridge, Clay said upping the 7% sales tax by 0.5% is acceptable if the extra $250 million a year the tax will raise makes transit more convenient, gets people out of their cars and prepares the region for a million more people.
In Port Moody, where transit ridership is relatively high, people understand the need for a regional plan that moves people and goods, Clay said, but frustration with TransLink could still defeat the referendum.
"I'm not sure how were going to get past the cynicism and Translink being a money cow. The mayors' council, we agree, there's no accountability, and we asked the province to deal with this but the province said, 'Let's get the referendum done first.'"
Reform could neutralize the critics, he said, adding, "You need to give an indication to the voters that you're going to do something."
Voters, including PoMo residents who will soon benefit from the Evergreen Line, might then be willing to cast their ballots in favour of the Yes side.
"I think it's up to province to send a serious signal out that they're serious about changes," Clay said.
Voting on the Metro Vancouver-only tax will take place between March 16 and May 29.
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