Public proposes 4,000 big ideas for next 30 years of Metro Vancouver transportation

TRANSLINK is releasing the report from the first phase of public engagement for Transport 2050, Metro Vancouver’s blueprint for the next 30 years of transportation.

With input from every jurisdiction in the region, the engagement results will help shape the priorities identified in Transport 2050 when released later next year. This round of engagement had a record-breaking 31,700 responses and over 4,000 ideas submitted.

Most frequently submitted idea:

  • Transit expansion to the Fraser Valley

Most “liked” idea on Transport 2050 ideas board:

  • Gondola to Burnaby Mountain

Idea most commented on:

  • Mobility pricing

Engagement came from 8,300 youth aged 25 or younger, 2,600 seniors, 2,300 New Canadians, and 9,700 drivers. Respondents were asked to think about Metro Vancouver’s next 30 years and rank their top priorities, values, and concerns from a range of possible answers.

Top three priorities for Metro Vancouver’s future:

  • Expanding and improving the transit system
  • Increasing housing choice and affordability
  • Creating jobs, homes, and services closer together

Top three values about living in their Metro Vancouver neighbourhood:

  • Natural areas like parks and forests
  • The mild weather
  • Being close to family and friends

Top three concerns about living in Metro Vancouver:

  • Growing cost of renting or buying a home
  • Congestion on the roads
  • Loss of green space

Transport 2050’s next round of engagement in spring 2020 will ask the public to help weigh trade-offs between different packages of projects, services, and policies.

Kevin Desmond, CEO of TransLink, said: “Thank you to everyone who participated in the largest ever public engagement on transportation in this region. To develop the strategy for the next 30 years of transportation, it was important to first take the pulse of the public. We heard loud and clear that the people of this region care deeply about the future – and Transport 2050 will outline a path to a more livable Metro Vancouver.”

Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, said: “Our government is committed to being an active funding and planning partner as we work together with the Mayors’ Council to shape the future of transportation. These survey results show that we all share a vision of building a transportation system that connects people, brings affordable homes and economic opportunities to the region, and tackles the challenge of climate change.”

Jonathan X. Coté, Mayor of New Westminster and Chair of the Mayors’ Council, added: “Expanding and improving the transit system is a top priority for the people of this region, and that is also a top priority for the Mayors’ Council on Regional Transportation. Long-term planning is essential to providing effective transit expansion, and we look forward to helping make the Transport 2050 vision become a reality.”