TransLink's draft 2014 Base Plan and Outlook released
TransLink has released the draft 2014 Base Plan and Outlook for public consultation.
“TransLink’s focus on cost containment and efficiencies has put TransLink in the financial position to continue to provide the transportation programs and services relied on by the Metro Vancouver public,” TransLink Chief Financial Officer Cathy McLay said in a release. “This enables TransLink to maintain current levels of service and deliver on our transportation commitments over the next three years.”
Under the South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority Act (“SCBCTA Act”), TransLink is required to prepare a three-year fully-funded plan and seven-year outlook annually. The draft 2014 Base Plan and Outlook outlines the strategic initiatives, transportation programs and services that TransLink will deliver using existing revenue sources. Development of the Base Plan is guided by the Regional Transportation Strategy (RTS), TransLink’s long-range transportation strategy for Metro Vancouver.
The transportation authority projects $1.44 billion revenue and $20 million deficit annually between 2014 and 2016. TransLink plans to offset the deficit by continuing to sell off real estate assets until a long-term sustainable funding source is found.
With no new revenues, the amount of transit service hours will remain the same and there are no plans for expansion. TransLink plans to continue with decreasing efficiencies in the system by using service hours from underutilized routes and reallocating them to higher-performing ones to address overcrowding and pass-ups.
LEARN MORE:
- Read the brief summary and overview
- Read the full draft 2014 Base Plan
They will also look to improve recovery times, scheduling efficiencies, reducing the pay to platform ratio, improving schedule reliability, right-sizing the vehicle and fleet, and centralizing depot administration.
TransLink will continue to move ahead with upgrades to seven SkyTrain stations. Main Street-Science World and Scott Road are currently under construction with completion anticipated in 2014. New Westminster, Commercial-Broadway, and Metrotown are currently in detailed design phase with construction slated to start in 2014 and completion in 2016. Joyce-Collingwood and Surrey Central are in the planning stage and will also be completed by 2016 in time for the opening of the Evergreen Line.
Other 2014 Base Plan commitments:
- Continuing current levels of funding for the Major Road Network (MRN) and regional cycling
- Meeting commitments for Evergreen Line contributions
- Provide additional funding for necessary rehabilitation to the BC Parkway and Pattullo Bridge
Metro Vancouver residents are being asked to provide feedback to TransLink on the draft 2014 Base Plan and Outlook through an online survey. Responses will be accepted until October 18, 2013.