Vancouver area transportation authority TransLink is announcing a series of cost-cutting measures to address what it sees as a looming funding gap.
In a statement, the transit authority said it could cut 35 jobs and tighten fare enforcement to balance its budget and save about $90 million a year.
The measures include organizational cost reductions and a reduction in staff numbers.
TransLink will also reduce spending on contractors, research grants, leadership training courses, and ridership development and community initiatives.
The plan also identifies opportunities for additional revenue and improved debt management.
Miss to win
The company says the measures will partially fill an annual funding gap of more than $600 million expected in 2026, after the province’s aid ends at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This isn’t the first time TransLink has raised the alarm over its funding, blaming rising costs for labor, fuel and maintenance.
The transport company also cited falling fuel tax revenues and fare increases below inflation as reasons for the cost-cutting measures.
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In March, the TransLink board voted to increase transit fares in Metro Vancouver by 2.3%, starting July 1.
Photo : Radio-Canada / Ben Nelms
Services for public transport users
This does not include reductions in transit service for customers, TransLink says, but the company says it is studying service reductions that may be necessary in the future if its long-term funding is not met. assured.
TransLink says the new initiatives will begin immediately, aiming to address the challenges posed by rising costs and ongoing expansion projects.
Earlier this year, British Columbia announced new funding for TransLink to reduce overcrowding.
The province said the money would be used to buy buses to increase future service, while TransLink would spend the remainder of the $479 million in funding provided by the province last year on immediate improvements.
