October 7, 2015

Transit in Metro: A More Appropriate Headline

clarkPremier

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  1. Alternate alternate headline “Weeee! I’ve found a way out of paying for things I don’t give a shit about!”
    The motorists who voted “No” have pretty much guaranteed a rise in a) the gas tax and b) implementation of congestion pricing.
    Way to think it through!

    1. Why should motorists pay for transit? It seems like a fairly simple question. If motorists are further required to pay for transit this can only lead to added expenses for commercial transport That means inflation with higher consumer costs for produce and products.
      The premier has made it clear that under the present legislation any new tax needs public approval. TransLink already receives substantial funding. By simply pointing out that a new funding source, over and above the many existing funding sources, is not automatic, is completely in line with the wishes of the vast overwhelming majority that recently voted. This is what the people have spoken for and this is what the government wisely follows.
      It’s quite clear that were the government to act undemocratically and dictatorially go against the convincing majority will of the people; the people would not be amused.

      1. Motorist pay for transit. Transit users pay for roads. Pedestrians pay for bike lanes. We all pay for everything.
        This divisive game she’s playing is bs. We should be seeking efficient transportation infrastructure.
        Your inference that it’s dictatorial to just pay for transit rather than go through a referendum rings pretty hollow when you don’t apply that same principle to new roads bridges or highways.

  2. If motorists should pay for diesel buses and trains because they are good for us, perhaps we should put a big tax on shoes, or bicycles or movie tickets and give the money as a cost reducing subsidy to broccoli and kale growers, because it’s good for us.

      1. Exactly N. Societal contributions to the transportation system in Metro Vancouver amount to $4.5 billion per year. Of this, $3.6 billion—79%—defrays the costs of trucking and driving in the region. Transit, cycling and walking receive a combined $944 million, or 21%. Source: http://ht.ly/T8BJn

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