SCRD Directors:
I’m tired of reading complaints from people unwilling to pay a gas tax to subsidize improved public transit (“Directors debate merits of gas tax,” Coast Reporter, Jan. 22).
The twice-daily parade between Sechelt and Langdale is becoming increasingly absurd. As the population grows, are we going to keep doing nothing, so our roads become more and more congested, like those on the Lower Mainland?
Trying to squeeze savings out of a transit system already pared to the bone is no solution. It’s time we paid serious attention to establishing an efficient public transportation service. This includes Park and Ride collection points in Sechelt and Gibsons and one or two between, and additional buses to run at close enough intervals, at least at main commuter times, to make ferry connections within a reasonable level of tolerance.
This will require a substantial monetary input for buses, and for Park and Ride locations. It also requires coordination among stakeholders, including the ferry corporation. Expanding their parking lot, plus increased property taxes to pay for increased road maintenance, policing, and more, will cost us more than a few cents in gas tax. With an efficient transit service, we can leave the car at home or at Park and Ride. The money we save on gas and vehicle upkeep will more than compensate for the higher cost of the gas we do buy.
There may never be a better time to approach the federal government for assistance. Enticements may be required initially to persuade our car-habituated culture to switch. But continuing to do nothing while we squabble over who will pay is not a solution.
Sheila Weaver, Gibsons
