“The NDP is throwing billions at TransLink while everyday, hard working people in Surrey and North Vancouver are watching 2 or 3 full buses pass them during rush hour. Hardworking people deserve transit they can rely on. It’s time to end the boondoggle and get TransLink back on track.” - John Rustad, Leader of the Conservative Party of British Columbia

July 25, Vancouver, BC: John Rustad, Leader of the Conservative Party of British Columbia, is addressing the chronic financial mismanagement and structural deficits plaguing TransLink under the current NDP government. With the latest reports highlighting a projected shortfall of nearly $600 million by 2026, it is clear that immediate action is needed to ensure a sustainable and reliable transit system for Metro Vancouver, particularly for the residents of Surrey who have been disproportionately affected by the current administration’s failures.

Addressing TransLink’s Growing Deficit and NDP’s Financial Mismanagement

Under the leadership of David Eby and the NDP, British Columbia is facing an unprecedented $8 billion dollar deficit. Since 2020, the NDP government has funneled nearly $1.7 billion of BC taxpayers’ dollars into TransLink in a series of bailouts:

  • $644 million (September, 2020) 
  • $176 million (April, 2022)
  • $579 million (March, 2023) 
  • $300 million (April, 2024)

Despite these significant bailouts, TransLink continues to project substantial deficits, with an estimated gap of $580 million per year even after $90 million in efficiency measures. This pattern of financial mismanagement cannot continue.

The Numbers Don’t Add Up: Increased Ridership Yet Deeper Deficits

Strong ridership growth, from 324 million trips in 2022 to 390 million in 2023, underscores the critical need for a robust transit system. However, TransLink’s finances tell a different story. The 2023 operating surplus was solely due to $478.9 million in emergency relief funding from senior levels of government. Without these bailouts, TransLink would be sinking deeper into deficit despite record ridership.

A Conservative Solution: Getting TransLink Back on Track

John Rustad and the Conservative Party of British Columbia propose a clear plan to rescue TransLink and ensure a reliable, affordable, and sustainable public transit system:

  1. TransLink Accountability Audit: Immediately open the books and conduct a comprehensive audit to provide transparency on how taxpayer dollars are being spent.
  2. Address Overcrowded Routes: Review and address overcrowded bus routes, starting with Surrey, home to the five most overcrowded routes in the system.
  3. Stop-Gap Funding and Long-Term Plan: Provide two years of stop-gap funding to develop a “Back-on-Track Plan,” a sustainable funding model addressing financial mismanagement, overcrowding, and capacity issues.
  4. Accelerate Key Projects: Expedite the Surrey-Langley SkyTrain project, ensuring timely delivery.
  5. Fair Share of Federal Funding: Work with the federal government to secure BC’s fair share of federal transit funding.

Surrey Residents: Paying the Price for NDP’s Failures

The residents of Surrey have borne the brunt of TransLink’s financial mismanagement. Overcrowded bus routes and delayed projects are unacceptable. The NDP’s inability to deliver on promises is evident. Despite promising the Surrey-Langley SkyTrain project in October 2020, construction only began in late June 2024, with major work delayed until late 2024. Moreover, TransLink executives reversed their pay cuts once provincial bailouts were secured, despite public declarations to the contrary. This lack of accountability and respect for taxpayers is unacceptable.

NDP’s Track Record: Failing to Deliver for Metro Vancouver

“Eby’s government has failed to deliver on their promises, leaving transit riders stranded and frustrated,” said John Rustad. “The NDP is throwing billions at TransLink while everyday, hard working people in Surrey and North Vancouver are watching 2 or 3 full buses pass them during rush hour. Hardworking people deserve transit they can rely on. It’s time to end the boondoggle and get TransLink back on track”. 

The Conservative Party of British Columbia is committed to delivering a reliable, affordable, and sustainable public transit system for Metro Vancouver residents, especially those in Surrey who have been let down for too long.

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