Wednesday January 20th, 2010 - Trans-Link Needs to Be Self-Governing to be Self-Sustaining

Trans-Link is a good idea.  The public transit service that has cost more than $7 billion dollars to date is unfortunately having financial difficulties. The main cause of Trans-Links financial stress lies with the fact that the province of British Columbia is actually the governing body of the system rather than the transportation outfit itself.

Transit systems are successful in cities around the world.  In these successful systems, a local transit authority oversees the operation.  These transit authorities have the power to raise rates, to have input over land use near transit stations and even the ability to charge road tolls for automobiles.  Trans-Link has none of these powers. As a result, the system is not being used to its full potential.

If Trans-Link were to be given such authority it could implement zoning and land use laws near its station with an eye towards high density development.  As it stands now, much of the land near existing stations is low-density.  This does not create the rider base needed to keep Trans-Link operating effectively. Some areas, such as Metrotown and Patterson in the Burnaby area have higher density residential and business developments and ridership on the transit system reflects this.  But there is room for improvement in this promising area as well.

Vancouver still tends to build out, not up.  Urban sprawl and the associated use of the automobile are the norm.  If Trans-Link were able to exert its influence on the area resulting in more effective, higher density land use then the transit system could actually be self sustaining and even profitable.  Better yet, more cars would be taken off the road decreasing pollution levels and making the city even more environmentally friendly.

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