Cutting transit would be bad for business

For Immediate Release
VANCOUVER, B.C. — Bridgitte Anderson, President and CEO, of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade has issued the following statement:

“Whether you live Downtown or in the suburbs, connectivity is critical for building a productive and healthy economy.

If these potential cuts come to pass, tens of thousands of workers in Greater Vancouver who depend on transit to reach their workplaces each day will be left out in the cold. Cuts to transit would also hinder businesses’ ability to attract and retain a skilled workforce and would only lead to more traffic congestion.

Our Benchmarking Greater Vancouver report revealed that Greater Vancouver is 11th out of 20 peers overall for urban mobility, with access to rapid transit stops outside central areas decreasing more quickly beyond the core city.  These statistics will only worsen with funding challenges. 

With our population growing at historic rates, it is even more important that we find a collaborative solution to close this funding gap and ensure the sustainability of our transit system.”

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About the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade:

Since its inception in 1887, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade has been recognized as Western Canada's leading business association, engaging our members to inform public policy at all levels of government and empowering them to succeed and prosper in the global economy. With a Membership whose employees comprise one-third of B.C.'s workforce, we are the largest business association between Victoria and Toronto. We leverage this collective strength, facilitating networking opportunities, and providing professional development through unique programs. In addition, we operate one of the largest events platforms in the country, providing a stage for national and international thought leaders to enlighten B.C.'s business leaders.

Media contact:

David van Hemmen
Vice-President
Greater Vancouver Board of Trade
604-640-5454 | media@boardoftrade.com