TransLink has shaped a better region for everyone.

TransLink operates a network of roads, bridges, buses, SkyTrain, West Coast Express, SeaBus, and walking and cycling infrastructure. Over the last decade, we've added to the transportation network, making our region a better place to live and work. 

View a complete list of improvements to the transportation network from 2005-2010, and in 2011.

Over the next three years we face significant challenges to our funding sources.

As fuel prices go up, TransLink is affected in three ways:

• demand for transit goes up, which means
• our costs to operate the system also go up, BUT
• we also have less fuel tax revenue.

This tells us that fuel tax is not a long-term or sustainable source of funding.

We're being fiscally responsible and spending wisely on the transportation network. Over the last four years, TransLink has aggressively cut costs and managed to provide more service to customers at no added cost. We've also increased revenues by tackling fare evasion and increasing our ridership. Built into the 2013 plan are further efficiencies, for total efficiencies of $98 million annually.

Under the 2013 Base Plan, we'll continue to put in place efficiencies that save us money and increase our revenues. We're making tough choices about what we can realistically deliver given our financial challenge.

Projects in the 2013 Base Plan 

• Evergreen Line
• 109,000 annual service hours:
  • April 2012 service: White Rock to Langley, additional morning and late night SeaBus sailings
  • Highway 1 Rapid Bus Project, Phase 1: Carvolth to Braid 
  • King George Blvd. B-Line, Phase 1: Guilford to Newton
• Station upgrades using senior government funding: Main Street, Scott Road, Metrotown, Commercial-Broadway, New Westminster, Surrey-Central, Joyce-Collingwood

What’s not included? 

• Additional 306,000 annual service hours to reduce overcrowding on key routes, accommodate population growth and to meet U-Pass demand
  • full Highway 1 Rapid Bus Project
  • full King George Blvd. B-Line to White Rock
  • extension of SeaBus service to every 15 minutes including on Sundays and holidays
• Lonsdale Quay upgrade
• Restoration of full funding for Major Road Network and cycling upgrades

2013 Revenue and Expenditures

Our 2013 expenditures outpace revenues. To bridge the gap, we'll draw from the reserve contingency to the minimum, fiscally-responsible level.

This 2013 Base Plan maintains existing service levels and allows for some previously planned investment to take place. We're operating within the revenue we have available and drawing down our reserves to the lowest level possible. 

$98 million a year in efficiencies will impact our customers.

The $98 million a year will impact the service we deliver. Some buses may come less often or may be cancelled, although customers on the busiest routes may get better and more frequent service. Bus services may not be as reliable and timely. There may be overcrowding on some routes. There may also be longer wait times for SkyTrain on weekends. 

Our region is not making progress toward our shared transportation vision.

This 2013 Base Plan includes aggressive efficiency measures allowing TransLink to live within its means. However, it does not deliver enough to meet the transportation needs of the future.

Our choices today impact our future.

The choices we make today have a long-term impact on our communities. This calls for an important dialogue with communities, stakeholders and the public of Metro Vancouver.

TransLink has adopted a Park and Ride Policy to guide the supply, pricing and management of TransLink-managed facilities. The policy brings a consistent approach to Park and Ride management and establishes clear planning principles to guide decision-making.

In our consultation on the draft Base Plan, we heard that two-thirds of respondents are not concerned about implementing a new park and ride charge. Over the coming months, we will be working to implement variable paid parking at all Translink-managed Park and Ride facilities where feasible.

Nancy Olewiler, TransLink Board Chair, and Bob Paddon, Executive VP of Strategic Planning and Public Affairs, speak to the media about our 2013 Base Plan.