TransLink is facing a 50% cut in service which means over 150 bus routes being removed and up to 50% reduced service on existing bus routes, seabuses, and skytrains.
Transit is an essential service that we can’t do without. If the province cuts transit, traffic will become even worse, many will lose access to their jobs, and British Columbians will suffer. It will be a disaster.
And we know the transit system actually deserves better than the status quo. It’s already overburdened and buses are more crowded than ever. People are left behind far too often and we desperately need funding to improve service.
So, what can I do about it?
We need to ask the province to fund transit! The budget is under review, so it’s very urgent that we let them know right now how important transit is to us. The best way to do that is to contact your MLA (Member of the Legislative Assembly, your provincial representative).
First of all, look up your MLA here: https://www.leg.bc.ca/members
There are a few ways to reach out:
Schedule a meeting
Remember, they work for you! It doesn’t matter if you can or can’t vote, and it doesn’t matter if you voted for them. They are your provincial representative regardless of all that.
They are usually available to hold meetings with constituents (you) on Fridays and they have these types of meetings all the time.
It will either be in person or virtual, and you’ll likely have 30min, and you don’t need to use up the entire time
Call their office
When you call their office, a staff member will pick up. You can tell them your thoughts and they will pass it on to your MLA. If you would rather leave a voicemail, you can call after hours and leave a message!
Send an email
A personalized email that shares your transit story is best, but we have this handy pre-written email if you’re short on time.
If you write your own email, please send it to us as well! hello@movementyvr.ca. We’re also here to help out if you have any questions, we want to help you save transit!
Think about what you would like to say to them:
They already know the scary numbers above, so it’s most effective for you to share your personal story of how transit affects your life.
- How would these cuts affect you?
- How do you use transit every day?
- How well does transit meet your needs (or not) right now?
- How much would other options cost you?
You can ask your MLA some questions like:
- Will you advocate for increased funding with the Premier and Minister of Transportation?
- How are you working to ensure your constituents have access to frequent, reliable and safe public transit?
- With over one million transit riders in Metro Vancouver, how do you plan to improve our transit service to meet growing demand?
What else can I do to #SavetheBus
We have a beautiful zine available in multiple languages (Panjabi, Spanish, Tagalog, Chinese, and English) for you to print out and share with your communities. Download our zines here!
There’s also some gorgeous art from Orcanadian Art and Aman Chandi on the back, as a bonus. Colour it to make it even more beautiful, share #SavetheBus and tag your MLA and @movementyvr on social media!
We have a contest – whoever posts #SavetheBus is entered to win one of our amazing hoodies. Post your coloured zine art, take a video of your transit story, or take a photo of the longest bus lineup you can find.
What if we don’t save transit?
The consequences will be serious. A loss of transit will cost all of us time, money, quality of life, and for some, getting to and from their job will cost more than what they make in a shift.
Transit cuts could cost Metro Vancouver households $1,000 a year, mayors say
Half of transit services cut without new funding model
TransLink service cuts could cost Metro Vancouver’s economy $1 billion per year
TransLink has put together two estimates on what transit might look like if this cut goes into place.
Option 1: Maximum ridership
Option 1 results in a 50% reduction in bus service, 30% reduction in Seabus service, and 30% reduction in Skytrain service and the NightBus will be removed.
Option 2: Maximum coverage
Option 2 results in a 45% reduction in bus service, 15% reduction in Seabus service, and 10% reduction in Skytrain service and the NightBus will be removed.
If the province and TransLink don’t come up with a funding solution:
- Road congestion would increase by up to 20%, with over 200 million hours of car and truck congestion
- Would be terrible for the climate with an additional 300 million vehicle kilometres travelled annually
- Will severely limit the mobility of youth, students, seniors, and everyone who relies on public transport
- Would cost our economy $1 billion per year
We can’t let this happen. Please contact your MLA today.
Feb 2025