Editor:
Re: Lots of letters, but no solution for tunnel, letter to the editor, April 4
Krishna Sangara Hayle's letter and frustration along with many, many other drivers going through the highly congested George Massey Tunnel desperately needs a solution.
That solution is moving people through the tunnel or across the river without everyone taking their own personal, big, gas-guzzling vehicles with them. I am talking about a dramatic transformative plan for much improved public transit across the river connecting the communities of South Delta with ferry traffic, South Surrey with U.S./ Canada border to Richmond and Vancouver.
How can this be done when Delta is still complaining about the loss of direct 601 bus to Vancouver due to speedy but indirect Canada Line? As Sangara Hayle says, what is needed is leadership and I will add a vision for change component is necessary if real change is to happen.
How can doing the same old thing of expanded roads for more cars be the answer? I thought many people were concerned about pollution problems through reliance on fossil fuels, not to mention the health problems now identified by a car-dependent population.
Continuing and expanding the suburban car dependent model of our south of Fraser communities is outmoded past thinking.
Let's get with the program of ecological health for people and the environment. But how could an expanded transit system be paid for when there is such a row presently about TransLink funding?
The first thing that's needed is a clear intention for a new direction away from expansion of the old model of more roads and bridges. When we have done that, we can explore ways to begin to find new directions and solutions.
Even small steps in a new direction take us to a new place. For example, improved cycling routes over and through the river can make a difference.
What has been the effect of the Canada Line and increased bus service south of the Fraser since the Vancouver Olympics encouraged everyone to take transit? I suspect, by the full buses and packed Canada Line, many cars are already off the road.
Let's begin to imagine a big, bold plan to re-invent suburban travel right here in south of the Fraser communities of Delta and Surrey along with Tsawwassen First Nation partnership.
Let's include B.C. Ferries, B.C. ministries of transportation, health and tourism along with the Canada border.
For clarification, I agree the tunnel is in need of significant upgrade for seismic and driver safety, but the big solution is moving people without cars and I am willing to work with anyone for this greener, healthier vision for the future.
Carol Vignale
