Governance Model
On November 30, 2007, TransLink's official name was changed to the South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority (SCBCTA). Our governance structure was altered to meet the challenges of providing effective, sustainable transportation in a growing region.
TransLink’s governance is provided through our Board of Directors, the Mayor's Council on Regional Transportation and the Regional Transportation Commissioner. Detailed information is available in the SCBCTA Act, which is the official Act from the Province of BC.
The Mayor's Council on Regional Transportation
The Mayors' Council contains representatives from each of the 21 municipalities, Electoral Area 'A' and the Tsawwassen First Nation, from within the transportation service region and collectively represent the viewpoints and interests of the citizens of the region. More mayors can be added from within the south coast, with the agreement of the provincial government and the Mayors' Council. The Mayors' Council appoints the Board of Directors for TransLink and the Commissioner. It approves plans prepared by TransLink, including the transportation plan, regional funding and borrowing limits.
TransLink Board of Directors
These individuals are selected based on their skills and expertise and must act in the best interests of TransLink. They do not represent any other interests or constituencies. They are responsible for hiring, compensating and monitoring the performance of the CEO and providing oversight of TransLink’s strategic planning, finances, major capital projects and operations.
Chief Executive Officer
The CEO runs TransLink, as directed by the board. The CEO, with the support of TransLink and subsidiary staff and contractors, is responsible for preparing plans and reports for approval by the board and for building and operating TransLink’s many transportation services in a manner that will allow TransLink to achieve its annual and long-term plans. These transportation services include the Major Road Network, SkyTrain, West Coast Express Ltd., Coast Mountain Bus Company, Canada Line, Golden Ears Bridge and all other contracts and services of the current TransLink.
Regional Transportation Commissioner
The Mayors’ Council also appoints a Commissioner who is separate from the Council, TransLink Board of Directors and TransLink staff. The Commissioner approves cash fare increases above inflation. The Commissioner also approves TransLink’s plans for annual customer satisfaction surveys, its customer complaint process and any proposed sale of major assets. The Commissioner reports annually to the Mayors’ Council on Commissioner’s decisions and the performance of TransLink.
Provincial Government
The provincial government also plays a critical role because it has the responsibility for the legislation that establishes TransLink and its governance system. It participates in setting a long-term provincial vision for transportation on the south coast and contributes funding for major projects.
Metro Vancouver (formerly Greater Vancouver Regional District)
Metro Vancouver continues to be responsible for the long-term growth management plan and the air quality plan of the region. TransLink is required to seek input from Metro Vancouver on its long range transportation plan and its borrowing limit increases.
For information about the South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority Police Service (SCBCTAPS), also know as Transit Police, please visit www.transitpolice.bc.ca