It was inevitable that a region as sprawling and divided by rivers as Metro Vancouver would have to come to grips with the cost of transportation. The day of reckoning is almost here but maybe it’s time to rethink some different options.
An end to tolling may be in the cards if the BC NDP obtains power, supported by the Greens. That will shortly be followed, no doubt, by mobility pricing, with an independent commission now looking into road use fees to manage congestion, improve fairness and boost funds for transportation investment.
Meanwhile, transit users are already facing higher fares, with fees to go up July 1.
It all comes down to what people are willing to pay to get around the region reasonably quickly and conveniently.
Certainly, transit needs to be prioritized but if young people don’t buy in, more cars are an inevitable consequence. One politician is suggesting free transit for youth to get them on board.
Whatever solutions come up over the next several months, one key factor must be considered: Make transit affordable or it will never replace the car for most people.
