BC Liberal MLAs are looking for long-term solutions in response to the NDP’s plan to study the feasibility of an additional transit crossing across Burrard Inlet to the North Shore.
“The important work of Stephan Nieweler as presented to North Shore leaders in early April has highlighted the strong case for a North Shore rapid transit line connection to the SkyTrain system south of Burrard Inlet,” says West Vancouver-Sea to Sky MLA Jordan Sturdy.
“Mr. Nieweler’s assessment indicates a business case that compares favourably with both the Broadway and Surrey projects.”
North Vancouver-Seymour MLA Jane Thornthwaite agrees that the decision to explore rapid transit is critical to addressing traffic on the North Shore.
“We need to consider all of the options,” says Thornthwaite. “The study needs to look beyond the Lonsdale/Canada Place corridor and study the huge benefits of SkyTrain to the North Shore across the Second Narrows as well. Employment metrics and commuter traffic must be considered in any feasibility plan.”
On April 17, Sturdy hosted a presentation for North Shore elected officials, businesses and community leaders to better understand the business case for a North Shore rapid transit service.
The goal of this service would be to improve connections for commuters, workers and visitors and also those looking to access the Sea to Sky corridor and BC Ferries to the Sunshine Coast and Vancouver Island.
“I commend the Province and local governments for acknowledging we must come up with solutions to vexatious and harmful traffic congestion on the North Shore,” says West Vancouver-Capilano MLA Ralph Sultan.
“However, recent history suggests that locally inspired public transit solutions run the risk of ignoring the reality of traffic congestion everywhere in the Lower Mainland. Competing solutions will inevitably favour the larger centres of population, and the North Shore tends to be ignored. A larger traffic solution which solves everybody’s problems is what is needed.”
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