TransLink’s Mobility Pricing Independent Commission interim report released today

VANCOUVER, BC: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) is encouraging motorists to push back on the Mobility Pricing Independent Commission recommendation proposing new taxes and tolls in the name of reducing traffic congestion.

“If Translink wants to take more of our money they should need to win a referendum first," said Kris Sims, BC Director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. As expected, this paid panel of 14 people is recommending tolls at bridges and tunnels and a tax-per-kilometre for commuters into and around Vancouver. “This comes down to money taken from drivers, and drivers answered a firm 'NO' to Translink last time they tried to tax us more, with 62% of Metro Vancouver residents voting NO to another transit tax.”

The panel created by Translink, and its working group, dubbed "It's Time," have been holding meetings for months trying to come up with ways to ease what they say is unbearable congestion on Vancouver roadways. They are expected to give their final report to the Mayor’s Council later this spring. The panel, co-piloted by former NDP cabinet minister and party leader Joy MacPhail, cites cities like Stockholm, Sweden and London, England for examples of congestion fees.

Buried in the 162-page report that focusses heavily social impacts of private car ownership and the frustration of being stuck in traffic, is the actual cost of these tolls, taxes and congestion fees on drivers around the world.

In Stockholm it costs rush hour motorists about $5.50 CDN to go past a toll point, that's $11 per day for someone driving to and from work. That works out to $220 per month or $2,640 per year just to drive into and out of their capital city. 

In London, it costs drivers $20 per day to get into the downtown area if they have a new car, and $37 per day if they drive an older vehicle.

"These bureaucracies and city planners must learn to live within their existing budget means, drivers already pay 17 cents per litre of gas towards transit and they pay a tax on parking that goes directly to transit,” added Sims. “We have the highest gas prices in North America much of the time and a big part of that is the transit taxes we pay already. People are struggling to afford the basic costs of living and these city planners need to recognize that."

"Imposing a tax per kilometer would further punish people who have fled downtown into the Fraser Valley, so they can afford their rent and mortgages," added Sims. "These commuters are just trying to make it into work every day and they already face long commutes and high costs. Don't hit them harder in their wallets."

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For more information call:

Kris Sims, BC Director                           Cell: 604-997-1798

Email: [email protected]                   Twitter: @kris_sims