Over 90 local government officials met on June 16th to discuss the costs and challenges of providing public transit during a pandemic. TransLink and BC Transit officials presented on the state of public transit and participants considered a set of draft principles and recommendations to support the recovery and rebuild of public transit in BC.
In follow up to the Forum, UBCM, in collaboration with the TransLink’s Mayors’ Council and BC Transit communities, offered to support a collective advocacy effort to provincial and federal government. With the latter announcing $14 billion to assist provinces and territories with restart plans, transit was identified as an area for potential funding. While funding details and allocations are still being worked out between the two orders of government, UBCM sees this a potential opportunity for transit communities.
To support our continued advocacy, BC Transit communities are being asked to share their financial challenges and suggestions to support the recovery of transit in your community. Your input is vital to rebuilding public transit in BC and developing a provincial recovery strategy that will ensure transit remains sustainable into the future.
Please contact Marie Crawford at UBCM with your feedback or questions.