Well, as gars mentioned, much of the money from transportation comes from elsewhere. So it doesn't have to be self-sustainable. I don't think anybody will argue with me that our public transit system isn't mature yet. If it got your everywhere quickly and cheap, then I think we can start expecting it to be self sustainable. But as of right now, it's still growing.

I lived on victoria drive for a while. I was 10 steps from the #20 bus. In morning rush hour, that bus comes about every 5 minutes, 10 tops. 10 minute ride to the skytrain station, then another 15 to work. I'm back in burnaby now, I'd gladly pay out the ass to have that kind of frequency of service.

Much of the "building downtowns" out side downtown isn't going to work easily. The only way we can throw together a downtown quickly is to feed it with mass transit. It's the only way you're going to encourage urban density and vertical growth is get the people to their office cubicles without having to drive to work. Then you pack the place with a retail center. That way, you maximize the space for a day-night cycle. You try to minimize the parkades for the office workers.

That said. Every skytrain station should have a park and ride. Not just at major hubs like brentwood mall and lougheed. But at all the smaller ones too. That'll help people get to the skytrain easier and quicker.

BULLSHIT

fuck translink mang

and fuck public transit in general mang

It's funny how they rationalize that property tax shouldn't increase to fund the project as property owners aren't able to shoulder any more taxation. But then they turn around and suggest that drivers seem have a bottomless pit of $$.

Fuck you, translink. User pay system is where it should be at.

I say tax the f'n rich who can afford it! No seriously they should find alternatives like subcontracting it to china to save billions
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People will then complain that China is stealing all our jobs.

i propose this -> how about mister mayor juggles my balls with his mouth

Raise prices on transit fares

Cut Mayoral pay

Cut Translink pay (year-end bonuses)

Raise taxes in the municipalities that will be getting these services

How about Translink pays for their own share of the project.

I say we find the arson who burnt down the apartment on Cambie in Richmond and contract him to a "special job" when the evergreen line is 50% built.

Carbon Tax, HST, tearing down the old Port Mann and tolling the new one, and now this? I'm getting tired of the provincial government and TransLink reaching into my wallet every time they need to fill a budget gap. How about mayors and TransLink board members stop giving themselves fat pay raises and astronomical "travel expenses" when they really just laid into the mini-bar?

the arguments and rebuttals in this thread fail nearly as bad as translink....

:failed:

Translink pays for a significantly higher percentage of their development projects than hospitals or universities, give a reason better than "I don't take the bus" for why they shouldn't recieve funding.

The reality is that transit is an essential service that needs to expand to improve our great city, not only by alleviating traffic congestion and to offer more commuting options, but to maintain air quality and promote growth. With those needs being a reality, as resident of Vancouver, I'm happy to pay an extra $50 a year for fuel to see a service expansion and economic boost this major. Afterall, I easily spend $10k a year on my car between insurance, fuel, repairs and mods so I'll hardly be driven to poverty with this new tax.
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Do you like engaging in homosexual acts ?

2 interesting links

Gas Tax: MyHusky.ca | B.C. Fuel Tax Rates
2010 translink annual report : http://www.translink.ca/~/media/docu...orts/2010.ashx

geeky accountant note-- how often does a business make 45% of sales from "Other Income"?? -- check out Translink's Tax Revenue and revenue from services provided. I think they are in the wrong business...

Lol, I'm looking into buying myself an EV when they're out. Screw this anti car city!
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don't forget hydro is trying to up rates by 10% for the next 3 years

The translink report was interesting, but I couldn't find that part where it says 45% of sales comes from 'other'. I saw that they listed advertising income in 'other'.

inb4 every one switches to hybrids

don't worry. once everyone goes electric, i'm sure translink can start taxing our electricity too.

The pie chart shows :

Revenue from services -- 32%
Tax Revenue = 45% (Prop Tax 22.5 , Gas Tax 22.5)

Usually, a business generates most of their sales from their service - not something on the side/secondary.

Translink should whore itself out to more advertising opportunities. Run it like Facebook so you think you are getting free service but you are just bombarded with commercial goodies.

In Asia all stations and train bodies and anywhere that eyes can see are plastered with advertisement. THAT's where you can get big bucks without putting your damn hands into the average joe's pocket.

Go back to pst gst it's cheaper than losing 2% of hst
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What they need to change is the Translink Constitution.

It states that it must be Neutral Income. Can't have a profit. Which is stupid.

Learn from MTR/NY Subway. make a god damn dollar.

we drive cars for a reason: to not take public transit. they should raise prices on tickets, not the gas that we put in our cars:facepalm:

we need octopus cards.:fullofwin:

Where is this translink constitution located?
I'd be happy to let the mayors and translink board get raised based on bonuses which are rated on an independant 3rd party's audit.

I wonder if that's even possible with a crown corporation.