SPEAKING at the BC NDP’s campaign kickoff in Surrey, party leader John Horgan on Sunday pledged to help commuters burdened by Premier Christy Clark’s fee and tax hikes by eliminating tolls for the Port Mann and Golden Ears bridges.

“British Columbians are paying thousands more in taxes and fees under Christy Clark. Her choices have made life less affordable. My priority is to make life more affordable for families and relieve the day-to-day cost pressures people are facing,” said Horgan.

“Eliminating the tolls on the Port Mann and Golden Ears crossings is one way that we will put money back in commuters’ pockets and get people moving again.”

Horgan said Clark’s choice not to fund public transit is forcing more Lower Mainland commuters into cars, where they pay costly tolls on the Port Mann and Golden Ears bridges. Drivers trying to avoid the fees cause traffic gridlock on nearby routes, keeping people away from their families longer and keeping goods from market.

“We’re going to give Lower Mainland commuters a break. We’ll eliminate tolls on the Port Mann and Golden Ears bridges. And we’ll work with Metro Vancouver mayors and TransLink to make sure there is a fair deal for transportation in the region,” said Horgan.