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Why does no one raise the point that Translink Governance Review in reality is part and parcel of the corporate take over of governance of democratically elected levels of government? It began with globalization and has steadily increased. Governments can no longer pass legislation that harms or hinders investment (see Free Trade Agreements including TILMA!)
The report is labeled as “An Independent Review of the Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority”. While the report clearly says there was consultation they are not clearly indicated. Given that the announcement of the government came as a surprise to media and the public one can’t help wondering if it was selective consultation? In the report to Minister it says “We held more than 30 meetings with stakeholders and received 120 submissions. We also received advice on a range of topics, including legal, governance, marketing, finance and revenue measures. While our recommendations were informed by this input, they were the Panels’ alone.”
Present Translink is noted for selective consultation. When asked why the issue of handyDART did not receive public consultation like UBC-Vancouver did we were told that it did. Turns out on investigation Translink asked the managers of each operation district to name drivers for consultation. That is not public!
Regarding the movement of people again we ask why has there been no study as to why they are traveling on public transit. We suspect such a survey would reveal the majority of trips, possibly as high as 80%, would be related to travel to or from work, to visit a doctor, lawyer or other professional, to shopping or theatres and so on. A minority of trips would be family related like visiting parents.
The Small Business Council of Vancouver pointed out they use only 40 percent of the city services but pay 80 percent of its taxes. They demanded and received the gradual reversal of taxation away from business and on to the homeowner. Why not apply the same reasoning to transportation? It is often said “Let the user pay!” Why not “Let those who benefit pay.” A transportation tax on those listed above is long overdue.
The report mentions inter-municipal travel. It does not mention that the reason young people move out of Vancouver is the inflated cost of housing. The drive for super profits once again.
Efficient goods movement also came up for notice. Federal. Provincial or City governments have not examined the question. Truck travel alone in highway cost, pollution cost not to mention the cost of trucks must be huge. Why not rule that all ‘long haul’ transportation of goods must be by rail or sea? A study of cost savings and pollution reduction would reveal great savings.
Under “A New Transportation Planning Framework” handyDART is not mentioned. Indeed it is not mentioned anywhere in the report. It is and will be a major issue in the upcoming struggle for democratic governance of transportation! As the general public become more and more aware of the loss of democracy through corporate governance there will be an immense struggle for regaining true democracy.
Finally “A New Governance Model” The council of Mayors will have no power but to select from options given them by an appointed board – no input from people who should be best informed of their areas needs. They will either accept one of the proposals or have it imposed on them. That is not democracy; it is totalitarian dictatorship of business orientated board members!
It is time for an organized public opposition to this undemocratic mess. Vancouver City Council began in 2006 with motion B2 and more recently with motion B6.
We reserve the right to Cc.
Yours truly,
John and Elizabeth Beeching
4715 Lanark Street
Vancouver BC V5N 3R9 |