Vancity encourages Lower Mainland residents to vote in Transit Referendum

Between March 16 and May 29, Lower Mainland residents will have an opportunity to vote on a transit plan that will have a huge impact on regional transportation in the next 30 years.

Vancity supports building healthy communities that are financially, socially and environmentally sustainable. Improving our transit infrastructure is fully aligned with our commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in our region. It’s also consistent with our support of the Poverty Reduction Coalition and its focus on improved infrastructure for people living on low incomes.

The Mayors’ Transportation and Transit Plan offers one way of moving towards that goal. Lower Mainland residents are encouraged to participate in the referendum by voting through their mail-in ballot.

A more effective public transit and transportation system will:

• increase commuting options for Metro Vancouver’s fastest growing areas like Surrey;
• increase employment opportunities for people seeking better jobs;
• enable people to access education and training opportunities;
• improve access to access social services;
• reduce pollution and greenhouse gases; and
• build our economy by improving the movement of people and goods.

The improved transit services proposed in the plan offer an alternative to driving, particularly to those living in the growing suburbs like Surrey. This can create a more sustainable commuting culture.

If approved, the plan will reduce traffic congestion by 20 per cent. This could save commuters up to 30 minutes per day through some of the region’s most congested corridors.

To fund this investment, the plan proposes a regional 0.5 per cent increase to the Provincial Sales Tax.

Voter information

• The vote will take place March 16 to May 29, 2015, by mail-in ballot.
• Mail-in ballots will start to arrive at homes by March 16.
• You must be registered to vote in British Columbia to participate in the referendum.
• If you need to register, you can do so online or by calling 1-800-661-8683.