Editor:
H. Lindhagen’s letter regarding fixed-linked fuel and emission reductions (“Link reduces emissions,” Dec. 9) presents conclusions based on old data not updated since he first published it in 2009.
For instance, Coast ferry utilization is 56.7 per cent or 205 cars per sailing, not Lindhagen’s 161. As well, the government estimates an Anvil Island link at 50 km, not 40 km.
Running the revised numbers (spreadsheet submitted to editor) assuming Lindhagan’s optimistic 91/100 km estimates, potential fuel savings are at best 2.4 million litres, not 4.2 million litres. However, noting all the fuel thirsty pickups, minivans, SUVs and RVs on the ferry, and assuming the new discretionary travel a link introduces, savings drop to well below 2.0 million litres. Conversely, the new 60 million kilometres of vehicle travel represents between $4 million and $10 million in tires, batteries, mufflers, and junked cars alone, annually.
In any case, fuel pollution reduction based arguments are selectively dubious and rather secondary. Taken to its illogical conclusion, should the government spend quadrillions to reduce national fuel consumption by 50 per cent? Government infrastructure spending a la Keynes has never been shown to provide long-term overall economic benefit in return for its short-term tax and spend misallocations.
Here is a simple counter proposal. Don’t build a link. The B.C. government avoids $2 billion to $2.5 billion in debt. Direct the debt service savings ($30 million to $70 million annually) to Langdale ferry non-peak sailing subsidization. Depending on interest rates, and how the rebate affects utilization, the subsidy might be well upwards of $40 round trip. (In the best case, the government could actually afford to pay people to ride the ferry!)
Ferry utilization and revenue will grow. Spare capacity exists, so near-term net new costs are zero. Service levels will improve. Net new government spend is $0. The Coast will grow organically.
Everybody wins! Unless a link happens to be better for you …
Alan Donenfeld, Gibsons
