July 9, 2014, 2:32 pm
For this latest week in the #WhatsTheLink series, we’re looking at goods movement in the region.
TransLink helps 418,000 people get where they need to go and 107,000 cycling trips in Metro Vancouver possible each day.
How do we do this?
We provide a hard working and reliable transit system, 2,300 lane kilometres of major roads, five bridges, as well as cycling and walking infrastructure that has shaped communities!
#WhatsTheLink between everything? A part in Metro Vancouver’s economy – ensuring goods and people get where they need to go!
Have you ever wondered about the journey the coffee you drink took? If you’re like many in Metro Vancouver, you probably haven’t.
That’s because the goods we use each day are usually readily available on the shelves, and we take it for granted. One of the reasons we don’t have to worry about finding fresh milk, fuel for our vehicles or materials to build our homes is because of the efficient movement of goods and people in our region.
Although Metro Vancouver’s ports have been identified as a gateway to Asia, Sany Zein, Director of Infrastructure and Network Management for TransLink explains many of the trucks we see on the roads are serving the local economy.
“While gateway-oriented goods movement is a very large part of our economy, most of the trucks we see on the roads are serving the local economy,” says Zein.
“Almost everything we have in our homes and businesses is delivered by truck. Without an efficient Major Roads Network, we wouldn’t have a thriving economy.”
These trucks not only rely on the Major Roads Network, but an efficient transit system as well.
Wait…what?!? Trucks depend on an efficient transit system? Yup!
Besides being an important mode of transportation for people in the region, transit helps free up congestion on the roads.
By moving trips away from the road to SkyTrain, West Coast Express, SeaBus or bus, TransLink helps the region avoids huge traffic congestion problems.
Did you know? Six out of 10 people in Metro Vancouver take public transit to work or school!
When truckers aren’t using the Provincial roads network, they look to the Major Road Network to get them where they need to go. It is the backbone for the movement of goods in the region.
This year, TransLink is providing $42 million dollars towards the Major Road Network.
Infrastructure projects funded by TransLink such as the Golden Ears Bridge and Roberts Bank Rail Corridor are important too! They help alleviate congestion and bottlenecks on the roads network.
Providing an efficient public transportation system, managing the Major Roads Network and funding major infrastructure projects are three ways TransLink helps get you and goods we all need moving around the region.
Author: Allen Tung
