The CEO of Metro Vancouver91裸聊视频檚 transit operator says he91裸聊视频檚 grateful for the federal government kicking in tens of millions in annual capital funding over the next decade 91裸聊视频� but the money doesn91裸聊视频檛 solve TransLink91裸聊视频檚 looming operational financial woes.
The federal government and TransLink on Monday announced more than $663 million in federal funding for TransLink infrastructure from next year until 2036.
TransLink CEO Kevin Quinn said at the announcement at North Vancouver91裸聊视频檚 SeaBus terminal that the infrastructure funding would help keep the current system in 91裸聊视频済ood condition,91裸聊视频� but other funding woes remain.
91裸聊视频淲hile the capital funding announced today is crucial and needed, I also want to make it clear that it supports already committed projects and it does not solve our operating funding shortfall,91裸聊视频� Quinn said.
He said the regional transit operator is still facing an annual operational shortfall of $600 million starting next year, and an agreement to address it is still in the works. TransLink said last July that without the funding gap being addressed, all transit services would face 91裸聊视频渟ignificant cuts.91裸聊视频�
91裸聊视频淚 remain hopeful that we can find a way forward to create a sustainable funding solution,91裸聊视频� Quinn said Monday.
Energy and Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson said the funding was coming from the federal government91裸聊视频檚 Canada Public Transit Fund, which was announced in 2024.
Also at the announcement were members of the TransLink Mayor91裸聊视频檚 Council including City of North Vancouver Mayor Linda Buchanan.
Buchanan said she felt people91裸聊视频檚 frustration over traffic troubles that have long dogged the city.
91裸聊视频淣ot only are they frustrated, employers are frustrated because many of the people who come to the North Shore are coming for their jobs, and there91裸聊视频檚 no competitive way to get here right now, other than the car,91裸聊视频� she said.
A statement from TransLink and the federal government says the federal money will target 91裸聊视频渒ey improvements91裸聊视频� to public transit in the face of 91裸聊视频渞apid population growth.91裸聊视频�
It says the funding will allow TransLink to improve existing transit infrastructure, and Quinn says in the statement that the funding will go toward a 91裸聊视频渕uch-needed transit expansion in Metro Vancouver.91裸聊视频�
The Canada Public Transit Fund, announced by the Trudeau government last year, is set to start doling out $3 billion a year beginning in 2026, aimed at both public transit and so-called active transportation infrastructure.
The federal government touts the fund as 91裸聊视频渢he largest public transit investment in Canadian history.91裸聊视频�
Last March, the B.C. government had given TransLink an injection of $479 million in provincial funding to maintain services and fares.
Wilkinson was representing Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Nathaniel Erskine-Smith at Monday91裸聊视频檚 announcement.
