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Today’s BC NDP proposal to fund major bus and rapid transit and transportation improvements is a huge step forward for Metro Vancouver’s riders, car drivers, employers and the regional economy, says Unifor.
BC NDP Leader John Horgan committed to increasing the provincial share of capital funding for public transit and transportation improvements to 40% from 33% should the NDP form government next spring. The increase would allow the Metro Vancouver Mayors’ Council plan to proceed.
“This is great news for every rider who has been passed up by a full bus, every rider who has been stuck waiting for too long for a bus to arrive, and every rider on an overcrowded bus,” says Unifor Local 111 President Steve Sutherland, representing transit operators.
“We have enormous transit needs in Metro Vancouver and these improvements would increase transit use, reduce vehicle traffic, cut air pollution and provide shorter commutes,” Sutherland said.
Unifor Local 2200 President Joe Elworthy, representing mechanics, maintenance and SeaBus workers, says the plan will also create thousands of new jobs in transit and construction.
“In addition to all the transit and transportation benefits, this is a huge economic stimulus for the Metro Vancouver region, creating 4,300 jobs a year here for 10 years or more,” Elworthy said. “And those jobs are creating a better system with more routes that will provide transit service for millions of riders.”
Unifor BC Area Director Gavin McGarrigle said Horgan has taken leadership that has been lacking so far by Premier Christy Clark and the BC Liberals.
“We are thrilled to see this kind of sensible initiative coming from John Horgan to provide better funding for transit and improve service, our environment and our economy while reducing traffic congestion,” McGarrigle said.
“Now would be the time for Premier Christy Clark to make the same commitment and with both parties on side we could get going today—not after an election next year—without further delays to long-suffering riders and commuters who need better transit now,” he added.
Unifor represents over 4,700 transit operators, mechanics, maintenance and SeaBus workers.
For more information: Gavin McGarrigle cell (778) 668-6455 or Steve Sutherland 604-519-1110 or Joe Elworthy 604-520-1122 or Bill Tieleman, West Star Communications, cell 778-896-0964.
