Liberals handing over millions to help Metro Vancouver transit plan

By

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Ottawa will pick up half of our region’s costs for transit projects in the mayors’ 10-year plan, the focus of a failed referendum last year.

It means Ottawa will break the 1/3rd each funding model between regional governments, the province, and the feds for Metro Vancouver’s transit megaprojects.

The Liberals are pledging at least $370-million as an initial investment to improve bus and SkyTrain service.

Assuming the province sticks with its 1/3rd cost commitment, it eases the burden on the region — but still leaves local governments paying about 20 per cent and it’s not clear how it will do so.

It’s also not clear which projects will get the green light right away.

The federal government has committed, though, to spend the money to speed up design and engineering work on the Broadway Subway and light rail in Surrey.

Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson released a statement saying he’s pleased with what he’s seen from the budget.

“The new funding and flexibility dedicated to transit will help us get moving on improving transit in Vancouver and throughout the region, and will both grow our economy while protecting our environment. The changes the federal government has made to transit funding reflect the needs of cities across Canada and is good news for transit riders.”

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today