Editor, The News:
Re: Maple Ridge not ignored by mayors in TransLink transportation wish list (The News, June 18).
“The idea is to get people out of their cars.” So says the esteemed mayor of Pitt Meadows.
In light of the new 10-lane Port Mann Bridge, the advent of the Golden Ears Bridge, the perimeter road linking Surrey with Delta and the plans for two new bridges to replace the Deas Island Tunnel and the Pattullo Bridge, respectively, one can hardly give credence to such an outlandish statement.
The mayors are talking out of both sides of their mouths.
On the one hand, they allow TransLink to construct huge new structures to facilitate ever-increasing numbers of automobiles, while on the other, they declare war on the car by tolling bridges and implementing road pricing.
It seems the mayors are confused as to their mandate regarding future transportation improvements.
Which is it to be?
More traffic gridlock or a vast network of urban and suburban rapid transit options?
The way things are going, it seems it will be neither.
Ideally, since every single mayor in the regional district has their own personal axe to grind when it comes to transportation options. It is my opinion they should keep their noses out of the transportation issue altogether.
I say ideally, because sadly we have a premier and a provincial government that is no more capable of running the transit system than our local politicians.
It seems that for the foreseeable future, we are doomed to an inadequate transit system, while coping with tolls and other levies that are the highest in the country.
A final message to Ms. Walters: I like my car.
Like most other drivers, I enjoy the serenity.
Therefore, I will not take transit unless it is absolutely necessary to do so.
And if the mayors think they are going to drive people out of their cars and on to transit, they had better think again.
George Clarke
Maple Ridge