Transit referendum voting underway

Cast your vote between now and May 29

By Angela Espinoza, News Editor

Voting for the transit referendum began last week on March 16, with aggressive “Yes” and “No” campaigns pitting voters against each other.

The referendum will determine whether or not an increase in taxes will be used by TransLink to offer more bus routes, longer services hours, and other general improvements to BC’s transit services.

Many have used TransLink’s previous controversies against the transit company prior to voting, such as frequent system breakdowns, previously increased fares, and arguable misuse of funds in regard to staff wages.

However, TransLink has also publicly acknowledged these issues, with the company stating the increased tax rate could help resolve previously known issues such as those listed.

Vancouver historian Jak King announced in the Georgia Straight that he’d already voted in favour of “No” on March 19, stating that as a transit user, he felt there were other options for TransLink to improve services without taxing BC residents.

On the other side, Globe and Mail writer Gary Mason wrote about his favouring of a “Yes” vote on March 20, writing, “This has been a wonderful chance to build a better transit future that will benefit future generations.”

Voting will take place until May 29, and will see whether there will be a 0.5 per cent increase to BC’s regional sales tax.