While proposed changes to White Rock’s bus service will not be implemented pending additional community outreach, two members of council still have concerns about public transit in the city.
Following last week’s receipt of a letter from TransLink indicating the transportation authority would “conduct further consultation” on the local proposals, Couns. Lynne Sinclair and David Chesney both shared concerns about bus service on the Semiahmoo Peninsula.
“I think that it’s really important that as much notice as possible go out,” Sinclair told council of any future engagement events. “People are experiencing some difficulties with the lack of transit, and it would be really good to get as many people out as possible.”
Chesney echoed Sinclair’s statements, noting the city “can’t start quick enough” when it comes to addressing the transit service, given better weather in recent weeks.
“Twice in the past 10 days I’ve been on a bus coming up from the waterfront and we’ve passed no less than 20 people because the bus was full,” Chesney said. “We need to be very aware that our community is devoid of proper bus service.”
A TransLink spokesperson said via email that there are no specifics in place for further public outreach.
“Our planning team will be working closely with City of White Rock staff this year to determine the best outreach methods and timing of engagement activities,” Cheryl Ziola told Peace Arch News.
The proposed changes – including adjustments and reductions to eight routes in White Rock/South Surrey – first came before council in October, when TransLink VP Tim Savoie was met with criticism about what Mayor Wayne Baldwin described as “crummy service.”
Baldwin later called on TransLink to “do more” to engage the community about proposed changes.
In Savoie’s letter to the city, he describes the transit-service review as “the largest consultation in TransLink’s history,” noting 1,450 surveys were submitted on the proposals affecting White Rock.