TRANSPORTATION

@ a glance

A lot of people consider light rail transit and similar proposals the biggest issues in this 2008 election, and with good reason. As a small city in big transition, our future efficiency, sustainability and reputation will largely be built around the transportation decisions we make now. That's why it's important that all decisions be made together, with equal access to the decision-making process for every day commuters, downtown residents and local businesses. I will not support any transportation strategy that sacrifices our ability to work, live and play together as a community, or threatens the diversity of choice we have in exploring our city.

- Support equal access, not only between individuals and public transportation, but between public transportation and businesses, as well as services and public institutions.

- Encourage investments in sustainable transportation solutions such as light rail.

- Continue to develop new greenways, paths and trails for pedestrian and cyclist use, with careful consideration as to first purpose (transportation vs. recreation) and intelligent planning to accommodate a diversity of transportation methods.

- Reaffirm bicycles as road-vehicles and encourage the development of bicycle lanes and solutions in high-density or high-danger traffic. situations.

- Redevelop the entrance/exit setup of the Johnson street bridge to improve safety and functionality.

- Expand the harbour pathway project's mandate to support opportunities to improve traffic situations, harbourside infrastructure and sustainability.

- Re-establish the municipal 'blue bike,' cycle share program or similar, with local funding and infrastructure support.

- Encourage the continued use of historical transportation features such as railways and the roundhouse through preservation and transformation into sustainable trails and open-access routes.

- Continue the annual 'Bike to Work Week' and introduce similar Bus to Work or car-free events with support from BC Transit, the CRD and community partners.

- Explore new, car-free ways for pedestrians to get to the doorstops of local businesses, continuing to provide a unique, downtown, outdoor shopping experience for residents and visitors.

- Encourage combined, free-shuttle services between local attractions with financial support from business partners.

- Ask for increased public transit in the downtown core late at night to reduce over-crowding and encourage better distribution of customers between pubs and eateries.

- Negotiate with local taxi companies and higher levels of government to develop flat municipal rates that support better wage standards for operators.

- Support the introduction of LSVs (low speed vehicles) on municipal roads to encourage the use of electric and alternative energy.

- Ensure city fleet vehicles use only sustainable, eco-friendly bio-fuels that do not affect the global food supply, or abstain from using bio-diesel altogether.

- Pilot plug-in and rapid-charging programs to supply energy to electric bikes, scooters and cars in partnership with garages, gas stations and/or car parks (as per demand).

- Consider land surrounding downtown for 'park and ride' style transportation arrangements.

Also see ideas for a sustainable future.