TransLink shake-up in the works

B.C. Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon says he's not happy with the way TransLink is being run, and has appointed a panel to review the way the Lower Mainland's transit authority is governed,

Kevin Falcon (File photo)

"There was too much focus on local backyard politics, as opposed to the ability to think about the broader regional interest," said the minister.

"There's no ability there to develop the skill-set to understand major, multi-billion projects. And I think that's part of what undercuts the public confidence in the decisions that are being made."

Opposition within TransLink to the $2-billion project delayed the start of construction, putting hundreds of millions of dollars at risk.

TransLink board in 2004 during the RAV-line debate

• FROM JUNE 18, 2004: TransLink board kills RAV, afain

• FROM JUNE 30, 2004: RAV wins TransLink approval

It is governed by a board of mayors and municipal councillors, and it has powers to raise revenue through transit fees, gas taxes and property taxes.

The chair of the review panel is former Langley mayor Marlene Grinnell.

The other members of the panel are civil engineer Dan Doyle who is a former deputy minister of transportation, and Wayne Duzita, a corporate vice-president with a transportation background.

Mixed reaction to review

The NDP's transportation critic is worried a change in the way TransLink operates will lead to less accountability with provincial appointees instead of municipal politicians.

"What we can tell, is the direction the minister is pushing. And the minister is pushing away from accountability and democracy towards his own agenda for transportation in the region," said David Chudnovsky.

But TransLink chair Malcolm Brodie welcomes the review, saying the transportation authority needs the confidence of taxpayers.

"I do believe there are many, many positive aspects in the governance and mandate and the funding sources for TransLink. But I think it needs a good look, and I think it will stand scrutiny, though there are bound to be some changes that are suggested."

The Richmond mayor also counter's Falcon's criticism of board members for being parochial when dealing with projects such as the Canada Line, noting many municipalities who had no direct interest in the line supported it.

The panel will report to the minister by the fall.