The following opinion-editorial was submitted to Glacier Media from Marc Lee, senior economist in the B.C. office for the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.
The plan aims to ensure that transit is affordable, accessible and inclusive — since many people cannot or prefer not to drive — while helping to meet B.C.’s greenhouse gas reduction targets. This would mean more frequent, reliable local transit services; and targeted, customized services including community shuttles, on-demand rides, car and bike sharing to supplement fixed routes for the “first/last mile” challenges.This should be in partnership with First Nations communities along rail lines.