Metro Vancouver’s 10-year plan for transit improvements approved, with big benefits for local cyclists
New bike lanes, multi-use paths and cycling facilities will be included in the plan, reports say.
On Wednesday, Nov. 23, the early stages of B.C.’s ambitious, $2 billion plan to beef up transportation infrastructure throughout the Metro Vancouver area was approved, with both the TransLink board of directors and the Mayor’s Council on Regional Transportation having voted in favour of getting the project underway.
It’s the first phase of a 10-year transit plan and for cyclists in a municipality with progressive momentum on bike infrastructure, it represents another step in the right direction.
The website for the “10-Year Vision” describes it as a “plan for everyone,” and with roads, bus service, rail services, the SkyTrain, and pedestrian infrastructure included in the overall agenda, it will serve commuters across the spectrum. Cyclists will reap particular benefits once the plan gets underway, something expected to underscore civic progress in 2017. For riders, funding will be expanded for projects like new and improved bike lanes and multi-use paths, to the tune of $29.8 million, while another $11.5 million will invest in “regionally-owned cycling facilities at and near major transit stations and exchanges.”
How will the plan be bankrolled? For one, TransLink will be raising its fares by five to 10 cents per zone starting in July, 2017, while a new development fee is expected to rake in about $20 million. A liquidation of TransLink assets, meanwhile, will inject an estimated $100 million into Vancouver’s coffers, bolstered by $130 million to be found in the city’s savings.
The federal government will also be helping out, kicking in $370 million, while the Province of British Columbia will contribute $244 million, Metro News reports.
Vancouver mayor Gregor Robertson was effusive at the Nov. 23 meeting that voted on the measure.
“We’ve waited many years for this day to come,” Robertson said. “Traffic congestion is worse than ever. People are getting passed up on buses and SkyTrain now because they’re full. People want us to get on with transit improvements. There’s frustration around this table at how long it’s taken to get to this point, but there is some relief that transit investment[s] are going to come soon.”
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A plan for Phase Two is expected to be in place by 2018, while the plan’s remaining loose ends are expected to be tied up by 2020.
