Jan 22/08: Metro Vancouver Not Asked For Transit Plan Input: Mayor ...

Mayor Lois Jackson isn't too pleased with the provincial government these days.

As chair of Metro Vancouver's board, she doesn't like the regional district being shut out when it comes to having input on transit issues.

Premier Gordon Campbell has announced a $14-billion new transit plan for B.C. The plan will double the number of buses throughout the province by 2020, as well as bring in the much talked about Evergreen Line for rapid transit to the Tri-Cities.

Although the transit improvements don't bring anything specifically to Delta, Jackson said, she's pleased the region as a whole will get better service. However, the fact that Metro Vancouver wasn't asked to provide input or even invited to the announcement highlights a serious disconnect when it comes to land use and transportation planning, she said.

"These are big dollars we're spending, it's our tax dollars, and not even to have any dialogue whatsoever or even an invitation doesn't seem to be a very progressive move," said Jackson.

The regional district, which has a land use and transportation committee aimed at tying both transportation and land growth strategies together, is trying to complete an updated livable region plan. That process is made all the more difficult by TransLink and the provincial government not allowing the regional district to be part of the process when it comes to transit enhancements.

"The only way we're going to be able to move on these great, big projects is to communicate with each other and have some dialogue. And that has not happened. The opportunity to meet 22 mayors of the Lower Mainland representing over two million people seems to be ignored."

As far as transit issues south of the Fraser, Jackson said she's still concerned about inadequate service for residents living in the region.

"People from Ladner and Tsawwassen certainly don't have options to the SkyTrain. In North Delta, if we do elect to take the SkyTrain into Vancouver, the parking is very difficult at the SkyTrain station at Scott Road and also a lot of people don't want to go on SkyTrain after dark, and if you get off you're waiting a half-hour for a bus at that station."