VICTORIA, B.C. – The B.C. Green Caucus is calling on the BC NDP to increase provincial funding of BC Transit to $1 billion dollars to create a robust public transit system across the province.
“A good public transportation system can help create more liveable and healthier communities, reduce emissions and road congestion, and bring considerable economic benefits,” said Sonia Furstenau, Leader of the B.C. Greens and MLA for Cowichan Valley. “British Columbians living outside of Metro Vancouver have been chronically underserved. The $1B investment should fund regional transit strategies for areas like the Sea-to-Sky Corridor and Vancouver Island.
“Ensuring that British Columbia has an integrated, accessible, frequent, and affordable transit system needs to be a priority for this government. Transit intersects with so many aspects of our lives. Take access to healthcare for example, seniors with health conditions who are unable to drive would still be able to access healthcare independently if we had reliable transit systems.”
Public transit improves access to healthcare, childcare, and businesses – both for employees and customers. Studies also show that for every dollar invested in public transportation, communities generate four dollars in economic activity.
The B.C. Green Caucus is calling for:
- An increase in BC Transit’s provincial funding to $1 billion dollars.
- The provincial government to declare the Vancouver Island rail corridor in the public interest and work with the necessary levels of government, (Federal, Indigenous, Regional and Municipal) to determine the best way to move forward.
“As British Columbia’s population continues to grow each year, we need to find ways for people to move around without cars.”
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Media contact
JoJo Beattie
Press Secretary
B.C. Green Caucus
+1 250-882-6187 | [email protected]