Expanding and improving Metro Vancouver’s transit system is a top priority for residents regardless of whether they drive, cycle, or take transit. That is one of the conclusions of the first phase of engagement with Metro Vancouver residents as part of Transport 2050.

To help develop the next 30-year blueprint, TransLink asked the region to share its priorities, concerns, values, and ideas. Through the first phase of public engagement, TransLink reached 159,000 people and received a record-breaking 31,682 responses through its survey. Respondents also submitted over 4,000 ideas for the future of transportation. 

“What the region has told us reinforces the need to invest in transit expansion and improvement,” says TransLink CEO Kevin Desmond. “We’ve seen how important transportation investment is to our region and we need to keep the momentum going for the next 30 years to help ensure that Metro Vancouver remains one of the most livable regions in the world.”

What we heard

Here’s what respondents said when TransLink asked what should be prioritized as the region changes:

Drivers

• 1. Expanding and improving the transit network
• 2. Managing road congestion
• 3. Increasing housing choices and affordability

Walkers

• 1. Expanding and improving the transit network
• 2. Increasing housing choices and affordability
• 3. Encouraging more active transportation like walking and cycling

Cyclists

• 1. Encouraging active transportation like walking and cycling
• 2. Expanding and improving the transit network
• 3. Increasing housing choices and affordability

Transit users

• 1. Expanding and improving the transit network
• 2. Increasing housing choices and affordability
• 3. Creating jobs, homes, and services closer together

By the numbers

What’s next?

The full Phase One report with findings, ideas and survey results will be released later this month. Phase Two engagement, beginning spring 2020, will ask the public to help weigh trade-offs between different packages of projects, services, and policies.