New Democrat leader Carole James today offered proposals to help break the transit funding deadlock that is jeopardizing the development of much-needed transit infrastructure in the Lower Mainland.

“Commuters in the Lower Mainland expect the provincial government to act as a good faith partner with municipal government to support transit,” said James. “Right now, that’s not happening. We need leadership and a new approach to get the job done.”

To help conclude successful negotiations between the provincial government and municipal partners on a new transit funding model, James proposed that the provincial government take the following steps.

1. Provide the necessary capital to get the Evergreen Line started right away;
2. Sit down with Metro Vancouver mayors to hammer out a new deal for transit, including new funding mechanisms for capital improvements;
3. Forgo using carbon tax revenues to fund a further corporate tax cut planned for January 1, 2011 and immediately apply the $60 million to funding transit and climate change initiatives in the Lower Mainland and throughout B.C.;
4. Restore democratic governance of TransLink to ensure accountability for funding decisions.

NDP transportation critic and Surrey Newton MLA Harry Bains said that transit riders and commuters are telling him they are tired of the government’s inability to work collaboratively with local partners and they are tired of the traffic gridlock and failure to make public transit a priority.

“Just nine short weeks ago, Premier Gordon Campbell and Transportation Minister Shirley Bond made a commitment to look at alternative sources for transit funding and move swiftly on transit projects like the Evergreen Line. But the only funding option put in front of the mayors has been to hit municipal ratepayers with further tax hikes,” said Bains. “How does that advance transit planning in a meaningful way? And how does that demonstrate the B.C. Liberals are serious about looking at ways to generate long term and stable funding?”

“The B.C. Liberals talk a big game on transit, but stop short of acting,” said Bains. “For example, they promised to build the Evergreen Line, but expect municipalities to cover the costs through further property tax increases. That’s not a vision for transit. That’s just passing the buck.”

James said that directing a portion of carbon tax revenues to fund transit would be an important first step to show the province is serious about its commitments. Together, with restored accountability and a meaningful dialogue about funding options, James said the impasse can be broken.

“The only thing standing between commuters and new transit services is the provincial government’s inability to do its job,” said James. “The B.C. Liberal government needs to stop the finger-pointing, recognize the work being done by duly elected local leaders and start acting like a good faith partner with municipal governments to build the transit we need for the future.”

“Investments in public transit are critical not only to address the current gridlock and fighting climate change, but also to stimulate our economy and create jobs. And it’s imperative that we get on with it,” James said.

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