Below in reverse date order are listed Commission-related developments during 2009.

30 November 2009
Commission publishes Q&A paper on TransLink’s proposed new/higher fares

A 13-page Question and Answer paper is available addressing questions raised by the public on TransLink’s proposed new/higher fares (see item below). The 33 questions answered include:

• why is TransLink asking for new/higher fares?

• what are the alternatives to increasing fares?

• why has TransLink applied to increase cash fares, only FareSaver tickets?

• what trips would require payment of the Canada Line YVR Add Fare?

• how would payment of the Add Fare be enforced, and who is exempt?

• will there be public hearings?

The 30 day period required by law for the Commissioner to receive comments on TransLink’s proposed new/higher fares is over today. While the comments received to date are being studied over the coming week, the Commissioner welcomes further comments from the public through 4 December 2009. By law he must decide by 26 January (for YVR Add Fare) and 27 January 2010 (for higher FareSaver prices).

1 November 2009
Commission seeks comments from the public on proposed TransLink fare increases

The Commission announces a 30-day period for the public to comment on TransLink’s applications for a new $2.50 Canada Line YVR Add Fare (for January 1 2010) and for increases in the price of FareSaver 10-ticket books (for April 1 2010). These increases would make room for TransLink to raise the price of other fares including monthly passes, but cash fares would not be affected. For background here is a news release issued 12 November 2009.

29 and 30 October 2009
TransLink seeks Commission’s approval new/higher fares

Following the approval of the “Funding Stabilization” Supplement by the Mayors’ Council (see below), TransLink applies for Commission approval to charge (1) Canada Line passengers an additional $2.50 to/from Vancouver Airport and (2) higher prices for FareSaver books of 10 tickets..

23 October 2009
Mayors’ Council approves “Funding Stabilization” supplement, including higher gas taxes and transit fares

Working to a statutory deadline of October 31, in a public meeting the Mayors’ Council resolves ‘That the Mayors’ Council on Regional Transportation approves the Funding Stabilization 2010 10-Year Transportation and Financial Plan as an interim measure to allow the TransLink Board of Directors and management, senior levels of government and the Mayors’ Council to begin work immediately on developing a new funding framework and to work with the TransLink Board to refine the governance model with the objective of preparing a potential Supplement over the next six to nine months.” Here is a one-page summary of the choices before the Council at that meeting, prepared by the Commission.

16 September 2009
Public presentation is made to Mayors’ Council

The Commission presents its Opinion on TransLink’s 2010 Ten-Year Plan to the Mayors’ Council in a public meeting and responds to questions. Here is the Commission slide presentation (a pdf file of 19 slides).

3 September 2009
Commission publishes Opinion on TransLink’s 2010 10-Year Plan

TransLink proposed its 2010 10-year plan in July 2009, with transportation and financing plans to 2019. Here is a 2-page news release summarizing the Commissioner’s formal opinion on the plan, as advice to the Mayors’ Council. You also can read the full 38-page Commissioner’s Report.

26 June 2009
Commission does not object to sale of Albion ferry

TransLink is not allowed to sell a major facility without first notifying the Commissioner, who may object on grounds of material adverse effect on TransLink’s ability to provide service. In Memorandum 2, the Commissioner notifies TransLink that, with the opening of the Golden Ears Bridge across the Fraser River, he has no objection to the sale of Albion Ferry assets. 

30 April 2009
Commission finds it does not need to approve airport add-on fare

TransLink plans to charge passengers a special add-on fare to access Vancouver International Airport on the new Canada Line which is due to open in 2009. In Order 09-01 the Commissioner determines that the decision made by TransLink’s previous board of directors in 2004 means that the fare does not require the Commissioner’s approval as a new fare.

29 April 2009
Commission issues its first Annual Report

In its Annual Report to the Mayors’ Council for the year 2008, the Commission reports on its own activities and finances. Also, as part of its oversight of TransLink, the Commission examines TransLink’s operations in 2008 to determine whether they were in accord with TransLink’s own plans (for provision of its services, capital projects and other initiatives): if they were not, this could be an important consideration for both the Mayors’ Council and the Commission as they make decisions on funding for any plans proposed by TransLink in the future.

The Commission finds that in 2008 TransLink did indeed operate in accordance with its plans for the year.

9 April 2009
Commission observes TransLink’s preparation of its 2010 10-year plan

The Commission has engaged consultants following a Request for Qualifications for an assignment starting today to check, analyse and comment upon TransLink’s forthcoming 2010 10-year plan. The work will support the Commissioner’s Opinion due 31 August 2009 on whether the assumptions and parameters of TransLink’s plan are reasonable.