Port Moody residents are no doubt fuming that the time and money they spend waiting in traffic to get home is not worth much to TransLink.
Once again the Murray-Clark Connector has been downgraded by the transportation authority because the economic benefits don't justify the $69 million cost. What the analysis seems to suggest is the connector would be too expensive and benefit mostly Port Moody (60% of current, 50% of future) commuters while creating few economic benefits yet the cost would be born by the entire region.
With TransLink bowing out, the city must now take steps to address its own traffic needs.
It can't afford to build the connector on its own and standing in the way of the Evergreen Line wouldn't have the desired effect of reducing traffic problems in the area.
Instead, Port Moody must work with its neighbours and TransLink to come up with some viable solutions for reducing grid-lock in the area.
The first question to be asked is: does Port Moody really want to turn its viable waterfront into a thoroughfare for drivers, many of whom do come from outside the city. Shouldn't it instead look at capitalizing on the Evergreen Line and link it with Murray Street for a mixed-use, creative environment for business, light industry, retail and residential to co-exist. At the same time, Clarke Street should be developed for tourism.
Granted, the MCC has been on the books and TransLink CEOs and politicians have been yammering about the need for a waterfront highway for years. But with improved transit on the way, it's time to move beyond building highways.
Instead PoMo should work with Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Maple Ridge to funnel intercity traffic to the new and improved Highway 1 corridor along designated traffic corridors. Council should also throw its support behind the Evergreen Line and work with TransLink to make transit a viable alternative for north shore residents.
It's true traffic calming measures may have to be introduced that would lengthen commuter times for many. But eventually people would turn to arterial routes and transit that might more effectively meet their needs.
