Read this article from News 1130 on the historic vote by Metro Vancouver mayors to approve a package of minor tax increases to fund a package of transit solutions for the region, including the long-awaited Evergreen Line to the northeast corridor.
“Mayors approved the two-cents per litre gas tax hike, set to come in
April 2012, as well as a $23 property tax hike for 2013 if they can’t
find another additional funding source before then. Langley City Mayor Peter Fassbender, who voted in favour, says the plan isn’t perfect but it is a good first step. ‘For the first time in a number of years we see dedicated increase[s] in
hours, the rapid buses on Highway 1 when it opens, and improvements to
the major road network,’ he says. The vote was 81-34, weighted by population. The gas tax itself is
projected to bring in about $40 million, but they still need to find
another $30 million.”