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Mayors Announce Price Hikes To Fund Broadway SkyTrain, and Surrey Light Rail

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Photo: Ted McGrath / 604 Now Flickr Pool

On Friday, Translink’s Mayors’ Council revealed plans detailing how they’ll generate $2.5 billion for their planned projects for Phase 2 of its 10-year plan.

Metro Vancouver mayors have proposed small price hikes to transit fares and property taxes. According to the proposal, there will be a two per cent increase to transit fares, introduced over two years beginning in 2020. Council states it will amount to a 5 to 15 per cent fare increase, and $1-$3 increase to monthly passes.

Among other projects, the funding will pave the way for the highly anticipated Broadway SkyTrain expansion and the controversial Light Rail in Surrey.

RELATED: Mayor Suggests Extending Surrey Light Rail Transit To The Fraser Valley

Following the announcement, Surrey mayor Linda Hepner stated the funding was the “final piece of the puzzle” for the LRT.

Metro Vancouver mayors also have plans to increase property taxes by 46 cents per month, resulting in an annual increase of $5.50 per household.

Parking rates will also see a 15 cent hike.

The remaining and majority of the funding, $1.6 billion, will come from the anticipated increase in fare revenue as ridership grows.

The announcement comes on the same day B.C. committed $300K to bring a light trail system for Vancouver, Seattle, and Portland one step closer to reality.

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