United Way supports yes vote for transit

Kamlesh Sethi, senior and HandyDART user

Kamlesh Sethi, senior and HandyDART user

In a press conference earlier today, United Way British Columbia announced that it has joined the Better Transit and Transportation Coalition in support of transit and transportation improvements through a traffic congestion improvement tax. “United Way believes that every person who lives here should have access to the same opportunities to build a better life for themselves. We feel that the half-percent tax increase is a fair and equitable way to help people living in the Lower Mainland, in particular, lower-income working families and seniors,” said Michael McKnight, President & CEO, United Way British Columbia. High housing costs mean that lower-income working families are on the move from Vancouver to outer Metro Vancouver. For many, this means being further away from work or school locations resulting in longer commute times and increased transportation costs. This has been called “the suburbanization of poverty” by UBC professor and urban geographer, David Ley. Parents may work multiple jobs or night shifts. Low-wage earners are heavy transit users: 32 per cent of their trips are by transit, double the regional average of 14 per cent. With fewer transportation options, the end result is that parents are facing time poverty with less time to spend with their children and less time to participate in community life outside of work. An extra half-percent sales tax will result in new and more rapid transit service, 11 new B-Line rapid bus routes, a 25% overall increase in bus service across the region and an 80% increase in night bus service. The faster and more frequent transit options the Mayors’ Plan delivers will save low-income workers 20-30 minutes each day on their commute giving them more quality time with their families. This investment today will show returns in the future by giving kids the best possible start in life. A better transit system will also give seniors more freedom and mobility. Statistics show that half the people over the age of 75 have a problem simply walking, and driving isn’t an option for many. “I use HandyDART every week, sometimes three times a week. Every Monday I go to the South Vancouver seniors group,” said Kamlesh Sethi, a senior living in Surrey. “An increase to HandyDART will help people like me get to doctor’s appointments and visit friends.” Aside from the overall 25% increase in transit service, the half percent tax increase would provide a 30% increase in HandyDART services helping among others, seniors with mobility issues. Not only that, the tax would allow for transit stations and bus loops to be upgraded with accessibility features such as more entrances and exits, and additional elevators and escalators. In the Lower Mainland, about one in four seniors lives alone. With limited transportation options, seniors risk becoming shut-ins and socially isolated. The toll social isolation takes on older people is severe. People who experience long periods of loneliness have been found to develop serious health problems including cardiovascular disease, dementia, and further decreased mobility. For many seniors, transit is a lifeline. United Way believes that every person who lives here should have access to the same opportunities to build a better life for themselves. Both the Mayors’ Council on Regional Transportation and United Way are committed to making our communities more liveable, through a better, more equitable transportation system that builds stronger, fairer, more inclusive communities for all. Make the smart choice. Vote yes and help our most vulnerable.

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