TransLink OKs funding for major transit improvements

TransLink's board and the Vancouver-area Mayors' Council on Regional Transportation late last week finalized funding agreements for the second phase of the region's 10-year transportation plan.

The British Columbia government has committed to funding 40 percent of the capital costs of the plan's second phase, which includes construction of the new Surrey-Newton-Guildford light-rail and an extension of the Millennium SkyTrain line.

The province will introduce legislation by spring 2019 to enable the region to increase the motor fuel tax in Metro Vancouver to help pay for the plan. That tax hasn't been increased since 2012, TransLink officials said in a press release.

The Canadian government also will contribute funding toward the plan. The Mayors' Council has determined that the local contribution will be paid for through increased revenue from ridership growth, a fare increase, and parking and property taxes.

"Already we've seen the benefits that come when you add more service," said TransLink Chief Executive Officer Kevin Desmond. "By making transit a better experience, ridership grows and the benefits continue to add up for everyone across the region."

The CA$7 billion second phase of the 10-year plan includes a 40 percent service increase along the SkyTrain's Expo and Millennium lines.