Sales tax boost, vehicle levy suggested to drive TransLink out of financial funk

VANCOUVER – A plan by Metro Vancouver mayors could dig into taxpayer’s pockets if B.C.’s transportation minister accepts their proposals for sustainable public transit funding.

But Mary Polak has already suggested the mayors have missed the bus, with their idea to nudge up the provincial sales tax by 0.5 per cent.

The sales tax boost is one of several recommendations contained in a report from the Mayor’s Council on Transportation, after Polak asked council members to submit a funding plan addressing TransLink’s financial issues.

Some of the other proposals include a vehicle levy or the use of revenue from the provincial carbon tax.

District of North Vancouver Mayor Richard Walton chairs the mayor’s council and defends the sales tax increase, saying it would help to establish a direct link between the movement of goods, people and transit.

Walton and Polak are due to meet next week to discuss the proposals. (News1130)