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Originally Posted by Canadian Mind
That is the better option. But there are many people, me included, that have a bit of a phobia of transit and would much prefer to carpool with a buddy or 2 vice taking the bus. Now if the only benefit is that we split the toll, I'm just gonna drive myself cause it'll only cost an extra 2.50 a day. That's a medium Starbucks price for total independence and freedom vice hitching a ride per day, and an X-large to stay off transit.
For the people that have to drive downtown, they could register that driving downtown is a "requirement" of their job, and as such are either not tolled, or they can receive a tax credit for total dollars lost.
I'd prefer a system where you just aren't tolled if you register though. Imagine if your job required you to drive into and out of downtown several times daily. Would suck having to absorb $500 a month because you are on-off the peninsula 5 times per day, even if you do get $6 000 back later at some point during the year.
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That sounds like a pretty complex system.
Most complex systems don't work.
I'm not for or against a downtown car toll, but you will find far less resistance against increased parking rates.
It's a perception thing. Charging for something that was once free ( especially without any additional perceived value ) will get very stiff opposition.
Bridges work because they're expensive, people know that, and they're getting increased service. People will grumble, but accept it.
Parking and Gas tax is a consumption tax. The more you use, the more you pay... and you can regulate that.
A toll for entry puts Vancouver on par with parking structures, amusements parks, etc.
In the end, though, I think we should look at creative ways of reducing costs ( not just in Translink ) before we add additional burdens.
The province has much more ability to do something like this. They seem to like having Translink under their thumb... why not put pressure on them for additional funding for the privilege of not allowing the region's Transportation authority any... authority.
Quote:
Originally Posted by BCPhil
Or if you are really big on tolls, just toll the Lions Gate, then if you are driving through downtown, and not too it, you hit a toll point. No need to inflict tolls on people from the city of Vancouver visiting their own downtown.
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True that. West Vancouver and North Vancouver are separate cities with direct access to Downtown. Paying for the easy access isn't out of the question.