The Editor,
My understanding is that TransLink commissioner Martin Crilly is seeking public input and looking at TransLink's finances before approving the fare increase. As he really is the only one who stands in the way of a fairly significant fare hike, I would hope that all transit users give their input to Mr. Crilly as our silence will only be taken as a sign of fare hike compliance.
I hope that other alternatives are seriously considered before fare hikes. A fare hike will only punish people who are making environmentally-sound choices and may push some to simply buy a second car. Mr. Crilly is looking for efficiencies and perhaps he might do well to study the way other cities operate such as Hong Kong, Tokyo and Singapore.
First, why not expedite the auto-fare card installation so that free riding and short-changed transfer ticketing is reduced making for a fairer transfer system, requiring less supervision.
I was told it would not be ready until 2013. Should it really take that long when every day without it is revenue foregone?
Second, cleaning costs could be substantially reduced eating and littering were prohibited. I see staff constantly cleaning the floors of free newspapers that are left around on seats and on floors.
Third, there are a lot of duplicate lines, they should also be cut.
In short, TransLink needs to look at other international transit systems and see how it might operate better before asking for more money to expand.
Nevin Blumer,
Port Coquitlam
