[LabComm] Provincial RAV dollars should be remain committed to public transit in Lower Mainland -- James

[BC NDP NEWSWIRE]

- NDP Leader says transit should remain priority despite Campbell mishandling of RAV project -

VICTORIA – The provincial government should allocate the funding it intended to spend on the failed RAV line to other public transit priorities in the Lower Mainland, NDP Leader Carole James said today.

The provincial government, which had earmarked $300 million to fund the project, indicated the money would be taken off the table if Translink voted down the RAV Line.

“Public transit remains a critical priority in the Lower Mainland despite Mr. Campbell’s failure to get agreement on the RAV project,” said James.  ”The province needs to sit down with regional transit authorities and find public transit solutions that work for citizens now and into the future.”.

“The demise of RAV is another example of Gordon Campbell’s inability to get public consensus on his priorities,” said James.  “Just like the scheme to sell the Coquihalla Highway and the sale of BC Rail, the premier pushed his agenda without bringing the public on board.  As a result, the RAV line is added to a long and growing list of BC Liberal failures.”

James said that with the 2010 Olympic Games on the horizon, and a growing need for improvements to public transit, she hopes the Premier will learn from his mistakes on the failed RAV deal and play a constructive role meeting the transit needs of Lower Mainland residents.

“Public transit is too important to be sacrificed to pay for Mr. Campbell’s failure on this project,” said James.  “Now is the time for everyone to re-group, and focus on finding new public transit solutions.

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Media contact Scott Perchall 604-862-7747

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