BCTA wants TransLink overhaul during review

VANCOUVER — While disappointed, the British Columbia Trucking Association says it isn’t surprised at TransLink’s indication it might have to shelve several transportation projects beyond 2007.

Last week several media reported that the provincial agency responsible for the Lower Mainland’s road infrastructure and transit system could put the brakes on long-term road spending and other transportation projects until it secures more funding.

Reports also suggest TransLink’s board of directors want to wait until a provincial review of its governance is completed.

TransLink Chair Malcolm Brodie later issued a clarification, stressing that the agency is fully committed to following through on projects currently on the docket for 2007, such as completing the Canada Line, finishing the Golden Ears Bridge, and previously planned road work and bus fleet expansion.

TransLink commits to funding projects only through 2007

“Recent media reports suggested that funding issues and political uncertainties would force TransLink to pause in its program to address Greater Vancouver’s transportation challenges. For 2007 at least, this is absolutely not the case,” he wrote. “We have a fully funded $2 billion expansion program for the 2005-2007 period and we will deliver everything in the plan.

“Further road and transit improvements identified for 2008 to 2010 aren’t yet funded, but TransLink will work toward keeping the current momentum going as it prepares its next three-year plan.”

But the agency is simply dithering, alleges BCTA President Paul Landry. In a letter to the Vancouver Sun, which was not published, he said the region deserves better than current TransLink governance.

“TransLink Board’s contradictory decision-making … underlines the desperate need for better leadership and a radical change in the way our regional transportation system is being managed,” he wrote.

“In recent months, TransLink senior officials and some board members have frenziedly declared that TransLink is not in a financial crisis — no doubt hoping that simple wishing will make it so. However … the board was faced yet again with deciding who would be the haves and the have-nots in the transportation funding lottery.”

While TransLink seems to base some funding decisions on provincial and federal kick-backs, says Landry, the transportation authority at the same time voted to spend $16 million for detailed design work on an estimated $970 million (Evergreen) light rail line “even though almost half the capital funding is still unaccounted for.”

Landry says he hopes the provincial government’s decision on the future of TransLink will bring about change in the way it prioritizes transportation funding.

“Let’s hope that the new authority learns from past mistakes,” he says.