Transportation Survey finds overwhelming support for transit investment despite pandemic impacts
For Immediate Release
May 17, 2021
VANCOUVER, B.C. —Today, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade is releasing the results of the 2021 Transportation Survey. The survey was commissioned to create a better understanding of the impacts of the pandemic on transportation habits across the region and the extent to which those changes will become permanent.
The initial impact of the pandemic on transportation in the lower mainland has diminished in the past year but it remains unclear whether a full return to normalcy will occur in the near-term future, or at all. Interviews of Metro Vancouver residents were conducted by Mustel Group between April 16 and 28, 2021, the survey found that:
- When asked about trips taken by transit, respondents reported a decrease of 49% compared with pre-pandemic levels, a substantially higher reduction than trips taken by car (12%).
- 50% of all respondents said they expect ‘most’ (11%) or ‘some’ (39%) of the changes in transportation habits will be permanent.
- Support for investment in new public transit projects, such as the Surrey-Langley Skytrain and extension to UBC remains high, with 92% of Vancouver residents and 91% of respondents in Metro Vancouver supporting continued investment.
- Availability of funding for transportation infrastructure was ranked most likely to impact how we move and travel around the region (50%), followed by population growth (41%), technology (30%).
The survey found 21% of respondents have recently moved, or plan to move, further from Metro Vancouver urban cores for affordability/more space with 35% noting that their move was due to the pandemic. This was highest among residents aged 18-34 (25.7%) and 35-54 (25.5%). This finding further highlights the importance of attracting and retaining young people in Metro Vancouver.
“The results of this survey clearly illustrate the ongoing support for public transit investment both in Vancouver as well as the lower mainland,” said Bridgitte Anderson, President and CEO of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade. “Right now, important progress is being made to expand transit service, including the recent announcement of major construction beginning on the Broadway Subway Project. It is clear that the public wants to ensure that this momentum is not lost, and we do not emerge from the pandemic only to be stuck in traffic.”
“As employees return to offices and students to schools, travel patterns will shift again but the results clearly indicate it will be some time, if at all, that travel habits will resemble pre-pandemic habits,” said Evi Mustel, President and co-founder of Mustel Group. “However, with our population growth, there will be continued need and support for public transit investment.
A copy of the full survey results and methodology can be found here. Graphics are also available upon request.
The survey will be presented at Transportation Forum 2021, presented by Deloitte, on May 18 where we will discuss the future of the region’s transportation network.
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Download Survey Results
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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 Pacific Canada’s leading business association, engaging members to impact public policy at all levels of government and 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 four unique Signature Programs. In addition, we operate one of the largest events programs in the country, providing a platform for national and international thought leaders to enlighten B.C.’s business leaders.
About Mustel Group
The Mustel Group is a team of collaborative experts delivering customized market research solutions for clients in both the public and private sectors. We have helped organizations maximize their potential for over 25 years.
About the survey
500 interviews conducted by telephone with a random sample of Metro Vancouver adults, 18 years of age and over. Interviews were conducted between April 16 and April 28, 2021
Media enquiries:
Victor Young
Greater Vancouver Board of Trade
604-640-5450 | media@boardoftrade.com