TransLink boasts jump in ridership, reduced costs

By

VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – TransLink is boasting close to a nine per cent jump in ridership last year just days after a hike in the price you pay at the pump to expand the transit system. The authority believes the increase should lead to an ease on the system next year.

Derek Zabel with TransLink says more ridership means more revenue, and that leads to more service. He adds there has also been additional funding approved by mayors and a tightening of belts.

“We were able to beat the budget by about $25-million in 2011,” Zabel says. “Reducing those operating expenditures by $56-million so that demonstrates the commitment and our focus on reducing those costs as well.”

While fares have stayed the same for years, you are paying more now than ever before for the transit system through gas and parking taxes and a levy on your hydro bill. At the same time, Zabel says more people are using the system, especially since the Olympics. “Hopefully [the news is good for next year], I mean if we can increase ridership we’re going to increase funding as well, right?” Zabel points out. “When we increase funding we can increase our transit services as well. It all goes hand in hand.”

But what’s sold as a better financial picture comes at a time when TransLink is still looking for more money, and just days after a hike in gas prices to pay for more projects. With news executives are in line for bonuses, questions have even been raised by the Premier as to how TransLink is handling money. An audit has been announced by the provincial government.

Christy Clark says funding for new transit projects will come from that audit, not from a vehicle levy, additional gas tax, or property tax increase as had been mulled over.

TransLink says other highlights from last year include the first phases of installing gates to avoid fare evasion and expanding the U-Pass program.  Transit users rated service 7.6 out of 10 in 2011.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today