MOTION

At the Council meeting of March 13, 2001, Councillor Louis submitted the following Notice of Motion which was recognized by the Chair:

Funding Options for TransLink File: 5561

WHEREAS, if TransLink were to maintain and expand services as outlined in its five-year strategic plan, the agency would have a total cumulative budget deficit of $134 million over the next three fiscal reporting periods (2001, 2002 and 2003), following TransLink's recent failure to institute and collect a vehicle levy through ICBC;

AND WHEREAS, before it had secured the necessary revenue to pay for new expenditures, TransLink committed to spending:
(a) $60 million on ticket vending machines and electronic fare boxes;
(b) up to 7 per cent more on senior management salaries and bonuses; and
(c) approximately $1 million annually on the salaries of a new level of upper management;

AND WHEREAS, TransLink has proposed a $5 million cut to public transit to reduce the 2001 budget deficit, with more severe service cuts to follow in 2002 and 2003;

AND WHEREAS, transit fares were increased last June with the understanding that services would be improved;

AND WHEREAS, the City of Vancouver transportation plans and policy statements endorse the principle that more and better public transportation services are needed in the City and the region for social, environmental and transportation services;

AND WHEREAS, TransLink's five-year strategic plan states that "new taxation powers and funding sources set out in the GVTA legislation will facilitate the funding of transportation improvements;"

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, Vancouver City Council recommend TransLink consider the following funding options, under Part 3 of the GVTA Act, before any cuts to public transit services are made by the agency:

(a) collect a levy on most or all vehicles in the region through TransLink-managed agencies such as AirCare;
(b) increase the utility power levy and continue collection through partner public utilities;

(c) institute project tolls linked to parts of the road network undergoing improvements;
(d) raise the level of property tax devoted to funding transportation;
(e) increase tax on parking stalls; and
(f) increase the parking sales tax on parking fees.

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