VICTORIA, B.C. – Adam Olsen, B.C. Green Party spokesperson for transportation, released the following statement in response to Metro Vancouver’s final Mobility Pricing Study report. Olsen says statements by the Mayors’ that mobility pricing will be politically difficult underscore the need for provincial leadership on the issue.
“As our province grows, we need a strategy to help get people where they need to go efficiently and affordably,” said Olsen.
“As the Metro Vancouver mayors noted today, implementing mobility pricing will be politically difficult, especially as Metro Vancouverites struggle amidst an affordability crisis that has no easy remedies. British Columbians must have affordable, accessible alternatives to single occupancy vehicles if we are to move forward with mobility pricing. But we must also acknowledge there are serious social, environmental and economic costs of inaction. A failure to reduce congestion will lead to loss of economic productivity, increased stress and its related health costs, loss of precious family and recreation time, and the dire consequences of increased greenhouse gas emissions. The sooner we can come together to advance solutions, the better of British Columbia will be.
“That is why we need strong provincial leadership to chart a path for the future. Our Confidence and Supply Agreement (CASA) with the B.C. NDP commits to working with the Mayor’s Council to develop a fair and equitable long-term funding model for transit. Our team is closely analyzing this report and will continue to engage with local governments and British Columbians to determine the best path forward. We will keep pressure on government and continue to work collaboratively with them to fulfill our shared commitments on transit, climate and affordability.”
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