Get Moving BC

A worthy goal... but can we make it?

The Surrey Leader reports that TransLink officials are worried they won't be able to meet the pollution reduction targets set out by Premier Gordon Campbell in last month's Throne Speech.

TransLink officials estimate that ridership will have to go from 173 million transit trips this year to 400 million in 2010. Obviously that's a huge jump.

I like the idea of giving TransLink a worthy challenge. It will push the organization to put buses, rapid transit, and community shuttles into places where ridership could most quickly increase. And, where, you may ask, are those places? The growing communities of Surrey, Langley, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, and the Tri-Cities.

Look at the Golden Ears Bridge. For the first time in three decades, it will be possible to send a bus across the Fraser River. The West Coast Express is soon going to be a viable alternative for thousands of south Fraser commuters.

Keep pushing TransLink, Mr. Premier. But make sure they have the funds they need to get the job done.

posted by Jordan Bateman @ 9:26 AM