Whereas the current Annual Operating Agreements between BC Transit and local governments provide for base service levels that are equal to the previous year but do not reflect agreed upon expanded transit service levels; And whereas local governments are expected to authorize future commitments for transit expansion which are subject to cost increases at the discretion of BC Transit: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM urge the provincial government to provide a rolling 5-year funding commitment to BC Transit in order to provide and secure longer term funding assurances necessary for local governments to adequately budget and plan for transit expansion beyond the current year.
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure The Ministry, through BC Transit, supports transit service in over 130 communities in BC outside Metro Vancouver some with as few as 5,000 residents, making BC a leader in the country in the delivery of transit service. The provincial government shares the costs of transit services with local governments. Decisions on service levels, routes and fares are made by the local government partners based on public feedback and information provided by BC Transit. Budget 2023 included 512 million over the next three years to support over 1.2 billion in significant investments in BC Transit infrastructure. Along with the Federal Government, the province invested over 116 million in Safe Restart funding for BC Transit during the pandemic to ensure service levels were maintained and the system was available for people who needed it.