Dear Editor
On June 2, I met with Lori Nicks in my constituency office to discuss her concerns with recent changes to the C3 community shuttle that previously went up Richmond Street. Changes to the route mean that people in that area are forced to walk up a long and steep hill to access bus service. We agreed that the best course of action was for me as MLA to organize a community meeting and invite representatives from TransLink to hear directly from residents affected by the changes.
On a warm evening in June, over 90 people showed up to voice their concerns. TransLink sent three representatives and the City of New Westminster also sent two of their key transportation staff. It was clear that the neighbourhood felt strongly about the changes and weren’t going to accept solutions that would only take effect in late 2017.
Community members were also vocal about their concerns with TransLink’s process of public consultation. Many seniors present said they were unaware of public meetings that were organized in other neighbourhoods and were unable to participate in online consultations because of lack of internet access or unfamiliarity navigating the internet.
To their credit, the TransLink representatives acknowledged that their consultation efforts in relating to the route changes did not reach some key customers of the C3 route and promised to do better. Just over a week later, I received a letter from the CEO of TransLink saying they had heard the community loud and clear. “The June 27th meeting provided valuable insights about what is important to our (TransLink) customers,” Kevin Desmond wrote. The TransLink CEO went on to say:
“TransLink and the City of New Westminster are working together to implement the recommended C9 routing by early September 2016. This routing will restore transit access on Richmond Street. This routing requires a new bus-only turn signal to be installed at Cumberland Street and Columbia Street and an additional vehicle to be assigned to the route. This vehicle will be available in September when we (TransLink) take delivery of new buses. If the traffic signal is not implemented by September, we (TransLink) have a contingency plan that would serve the same spots on Richmond Street, but with a revised interim routing. We (TransLink) will be working closely with the City of New Westminster to achieve timely installation of the signal.”
This is certainly good news. And while there is definitely more that needs to be done to improve bus service, this is a striking example of what we can achieve when the community and their elected representatives come together and speak out. I’d like to give an enormous thank you to Lori Nicks for bringing this issue to the forefront and for tirelessly contacting her neighbours. I really appreciate the city sending two key staff members, and I want to thank Coun. Patrick Johnstone for attending and speaking up.
To the residents of Richmond Street and the surrounding area – TransLink says you can expect the bus route along Richmond Street by early September of 2016. If there are any delays, you can be sure I will be contacting the CEO of TransLink again on your behalf.
Judy Darcy, MLA, New Westminster
