Province outlines commitments to Phase 2 of transit improvements

NEW WESTMINSTER (NEWS 1130) – It took 10 years to come up with $2 billion for the first phase of transit and road improvements in Metro Vancouver, so will it take another decade to get funding for Phase 2 of TransLink‘s plan?

For its part, the provincial government says it is prepared to follow through with its commitments to major projects laid out for Surrey and Vancouver.

“We have clearly committed to our third-share on the Broadway Corridor, south of the Fraser with the L-Line in Surrey and the eventual extension of the Fraser Highway, and the replacement of the Pattullo Bridge,” says Minister responsible for TransLink Peter Fassbender. “We will, of course, ensure that we work with the region as we move forward. We’ve also talked a lot about increasing housing supply and density along transit corridors.”

Fassbender says Victoria is waiting to see what the funding commitment will be from the federal government for the next stages of TransLink’s 10-year plan. The federal Liberals have already promised $370 million in federal funding for Metro Vancouver transit improvements.

Yesterday, the transit authority voted unanimously to approve Phase 1 of the plan, including $2 billion to help reduce congestion while expanding new transit services and improvements for roads, cycling, and walking paths across Metro Vancouver.

Giving the first phase the green light will see a property tax increase of about $3 per household annually and a fare hike.

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