Transit service in the Lower Mainland was one of the issues MVA member organizations identified as a priority and something that we all would work on together: before, during and after the transit referendum. Check out the video ...

MVA builds strong relationships among different, diverse, groups in our community by bringing people together to connect with their neighbours and fellow citizens – this is one of our core principles.

Over the past few weeks members of the public have been getting together at Transit Forums organized by Metro Vancouver Alliance and talking to us – and to each other – about transit in the Lower Mainland.

We asked people to share their transit stories and experiences – good or bad – and talk about how improvements to our transit and transportation system will affect them.

We found that improved transit is important to people for a wide range of reasons. Here are a few comments and stories from people in the Lower Mainland …

Moving in a Livable Region is hosting two public events related to the transit and transportation referendum. These events will consist of approximately 30 minutes of presentation followed by 30 minutes of Q and A from the audience. Both dialogues are free to attend, but we ask that you register in advance to secure your seat. Email jbeaudreau@movinginalivableregion.ca if you have any questions.

Transit Vote Surrey: Rapid Transit for Rapid Growth

Surrey is one of Canada's fastest growing cities and has major transportation needs. With the transit referendum around the corner, what's at stake?

Surrey is expected to nearly double its population and number of jobs between 2006 and 2041. However, as a city on the rise, it's already beginning to feel the growing pains of congestion and a strained transit network. The proposed transportation improvements for Surrey include a new light rail transit system through to the Langleys as well as improved bus service. The purpose of this dialogue is to explore the transit referendum through the lens of Surrey's business and student community. Join us at SFU Surrey Campus for this public dialogue co-presented by Carbon Talks and Moving in a Livable Region. We would also like to acknowledge the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions for their support.

PANEL:
Elizabeth Model, CEO, Downtown Surrey Business Improvement Association
Stephen Dooley, Executive Director, SFU Surrey Campus

When: Monday, March 9 from 1:00 - 2:00 PM
Where: Room 3090 at SFU Surrey Campus
Registration: Please register for your free seat here

Transit Vote Burnaby: Congestion, Health, and Livability

A congested transportation system has consequences for emissions, health, and livability. Join us to hear from experts on how these subjects relate to the transit referendum.

Metro Vancouver's road network and transit system are currently strained and regional growth will ensure that this trend continues into the future. But what are the economic and health costs of congestion? Join us at SFU Burnaby to hear from two experts as they describe the current situation as well as what to expect in the future. With the transit referendum on the line, a number of potential transportation improvements could help to alleviate stress on the road network as well as offer more sustainable commuting options for residents. Find out what these transit options have to offer. This public dialogue is co-presented by Carbon Talks and Moving in a Livable Region. We would also like to acknowledge the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions for their support.

PANEL:
Benjamin Dachis, Senior Policy Analyst, C.D. Howe Institute
Dr. Meghan Winters, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Health Sciences, SFU


When: Tuesday, March 10 from 12:00 - 1:15 PM
Where: Fraser-Thompson Room of the Diamond Alumni Centre, SFU Burnaby Campus
Registration: Please register for your free seat here

The Metro Vancouver Alliance has joined the Better Transit and Transportation Coalition advocating for a ‘yes’ vote in the upcoming referendum. 

Over the past two years MVA held thousands of conversations with people from within its member institutions about the challenges they face and the positive changes they wanted to see in the region. MVA members identified transit and social isolation as two priorities.

The video MVA produced that outlines some of the problems users have accessing transit in the Lower Mainland is getting some great feedback. Check it out ...