Thursday, November 17, 2011

Province initiates review of transit to improve services for British Columbians

VICTORIA - Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Blair Lekstrom has initiated an independent review of BC Transit operations and performance at the request of mayors and other elected officials from throughout the province.
Audio clip: Minister Lekstrom's announcement of the BC Transit Review
Lekstrom sent a letter to about 50 local governments advising them of his decision.
Excerpt from Minister Lekstrom's letter:
I am writing to follow up on discussions with local government representatives in Victoria on September 14, 2011, and at the recent Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) Convention, as well as points raised in your April 20, 2011 letter. Our government is committed to listening to the needs of British Columbia's communities and working together to address them.  After hearing the views expressed by the community leaders at our meetings, I agree it's worth reviewing how transit service is delivered in our province. An independent review of BC Transit will be undertaken that will examine transit system operations and performance, governance, funding and local government consultation and communication processes. I'm committed to working with the municipalities served by BC Transit, and the UBCM, throughout this process. To assist with defining the scope, timeframe and process of the review, I ask that you identify a staff contact to work with the ministry. I am also asking, by way of this letter, that the UBCM identify a contact to assist with this review.

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