Editor, The News:
Its been interesting to note that TransLink has recently placed a full-page advertisement in the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows News, reminding us of the virtues of taking the Golden Ears Bridge.
Prior to this advertisement, TransLink mailed out a number of high-glosssed flyers in the surrounding area. Each of these efforts were made at a substantial cost to us as taxpayers. It suggests that the revenue from the tolls from the bridge are struggling because of the lack of usage. It seems obvious that a large number of people consider the tolls too high and unfair.
Some families spend $50 to $120 monthly on tolls, on a conservative basis, in contrast to a TransLink board member who makes $200,000, probably with perks too add. The average family is no where close to that income bracket, even with both spouses working.
I welcome the decision of the provincial government to audit the spending of TransLink. I cannot but help question where the waste is in this organization as I look at this recent campaign to the commuters of the Golden Ears Bridge. The bridge tolls can be made more palatable to the public by lowering the rates and, surely, the use of the bridge will increase.
Steve Halas
Maple Ridge