SURREY, B.C. — Transit affordability is in focus as Mike Starchuk and Imagine Surrey pledge to work toward lower transit fares for Surrey residents.
Starchuk says he will direct the City to negotiate a bulk fare agreement with TransLink, with the goal of reducing transit costs and improving access for youth, seniors, people living with disabilities and low-income residents.
The proposal comes as TransLink fares increased by an average of 5 per cent on July 1. An adult monthly pass now starts at $117.20, while commuters travelling from Surrey to Vancouver can face monthly three-zone costs of more than $210.
Starchuk pointed to Victoria as an example of a municipal bulk-purchasing approach. The City of Victoria purchases transit passes from BC Transit in bulk and provides them to residents aged 13 to 18 at a reduced cost, with parking revenue helping cover the program.
“Surrey is on its way to a million. We have the buying power. It’s time City Hall used it,” said Narima Dela Cruz, an Imagine Surrey candidate for city council.
The transit proposal is part of Imagine Surrey’s broader pledge to reduce costs for residents. The group says it will release its full platform in the coming weeks.
Mayoral candidate Starchuk is also pledging to cut recreation pass fees for seniors aged 60 to 69 in half and provide free recreation passes and programs for residents over 70.
Comments