TransLink: Half of transit services may be cut without new funding model

TransLink has released a report detailing potential transit service cuts that could be necessary at the end of 2025 if a new transit funding model isn't established.

The British Columbia-based agency is facing a funding gap of CA$600 million each year — a budget shortfall that could affect current transit service levels throughout the region, TransLink officials said in a news release.

The agency recently announced $90 million in corporate cost-efficiency and revenue measures to help reduce the funding gap.

According to the report prepared at the request of the British Columbia Mayors’ Council, the CA$600 million annual operating budget shortfall would result in significant cuts to all transit services, including cutting bus service in half, reducing SkyTrain and SeaBus trips by up to one-third, and potentially eliminating the West Coast Express commuter-rail service.

“These cuts would be devastating to the region, and we’re doing everything we can to stop them from happening,” said TransLink CEO Kevin Quinn. “Unfortunately, this is a window into our reality if a solution to our outdated funding model is not implemented. We need all levels of government to come together to protect and expand transit service to meet the needs of Metro Vancouver’s growing population.”

Relief funding from the British Columbia government has helped protect service levels since the pandemic, but that funding will expire at 2025's end, TransLink officials said.

The agency is seeking the CA$600 million in annual operating funding to avoid transit service cuts. Once service is cut, it would take at least a decade to return transit services and ridership back to current levels, even if investments return, TransLink officials said.