If you think traffic going through the George Massey Tunnel is bad enough now, just wait for the impact of even more vehicles if TransLink carries through with massive service cuts.
That was one of the warnings from a special meeting of Delta council Tuesday to discuss the worrisome prospect of major region-wide reductions that TransLink has warned could happen unless a sustainable funding solution from government arrives.
Facing a funding gap of approximately $600 million, the transit authority reported to the Mayors Council last week of potential cuts that that would be devastating, prompting Delta Coun. Dylan Kruger to call the meeting of council to discuss the cities strategy moving forward.
Noting a half-million people in the region would be affected, Mayor George Harvie, a member of the Mayors Council, said that May 2024 traffic figures for the tunnel indicate 90,465 vehicles per day travelled through the crossing, up around 5,000 from the same time last year.
Council agreed to spread the word to all residents about what the community is facing as part of a lobby effort to the provincial government, as well as those seeking office in October's provincial election.
Delta is also asking that all other municipal councils follow suit.
The Delta Chamber of Commerce will also coordinate a meeting with its members.
Saying suburbs like Delta would be especially hit hard, Kruger added that residents who don’t take public transit should also be concerned at the prospect of more drivers on the roads, clogging up already congested routes like the Massey Tunnel and Alex Fraser Bridge.
He said what is needed is a new funding structure that provides certainty for TransLink.
Harvie agreed, adding one-off funding is not viable and “constantly getting a new package of Band Aids isn’t working at all.”
Coun. Rod Binder said making up for declining revenues with fare increases to low-income people and seniors shouldn’t be in the cards.
