Keeping Greater Vancouver Moving Public Opinion Update Final Report July 20, 2005
Background and Methodology The main research objectives of this study were to assess: The overall importance of transportation issues to residents The awareness of major community and regional transportation projects The importance placed on major community and regional transportation projects The level of support and reasons for opposition to potential funding sources to pay for major community and regional transportation projects 2
Background and Methodology Ipsos-Reid completed 1,800 telephone interviews with the Greater Vancouver region residents (16+ years). The overall margin of error (MOE) is ± 2.3%, 19 times out of 20. The MOE for Vancouver (375n) is ± 5.1%, 19 times out of 20 The MOE for Burnaby/New Westminster (375n) is ± 5.1%, 19 times out of 20 The MOE for South of Fraser (375n) is ± 5.1%, 19 times out of 20 The MOE for the Northeast (375n) is ± 5.1%, 19 times out of 20 The MOE for the North Shore (300n) is ±5.7%, 19 times out of 20 The final data has been weighted to reflect the distribution of adult GVRD residents by region, age and gender. 3
Main Findings
Main Findings Top-of-Mind Issues Transportation is the number one top-of-mind issue for GVRD residents. Nearly three-in-ten (28%) residents mention a transportation issue when asked to name the most important local issue that should get the greatest attention from municipal, provincial and federal leaders. The top three transportation issues are traffic congestion (10%), the condition of roads/streets (5%) and the quality/supply of public transit (4%). Awareness/Impressions of TransLink Nearly all (95%) GVRD residents have heard of Translink. Impressions of TransLink are consistently positive across the GVRD. TransLink has a generally positive image among GVRD residents. Threequarters (74%) have a favourable impression of TransLink. This includes 16% with a very favourable impression and 58% with a somewhat favourable impression. Nearly two-thirds (63%) of GVRD residents think Translink is doing a good job at addressing the transportation issues and concerns of residents of the Greater Vancouver region 12% say very good, 51% say somewhat good. 5
Main Findings Awareness/Impressions of TransLink (cont.) TransLink s performance at addressing community transportation issues and concerns is generally rated positively. A majority (58%) of GVRD residents thinks TransLink is doing a good job in this regard, including 14% who rate TransLink as doing a very good job and 43% who rate TransLink as doing a somewhat good job. There are some significant differences across communities, with slightly higher ratings from Vancouver, Burnaby/New Westminster and North Shore residents. Perceptions of Traffic Congestion Overall, eight-in-ten (82%) residents think traffic congestion is either a very serious problem (31%) or a serious problem (51%) in Greater Vancouver. GVRD residents are slightly less likely to think traffic congestion is a serious problem in their own community. Overall, seven-in-ten (69%) residents think traffic congestion is either a very serious problem (19%) or a serious problem (50%) in their particular community. 6
Main Findings Awareness of Major Transportation Improvements The top projects in each community, in terms of awareness, were as follows: - Vancouver: New rapid transit line connecting Richmond, Vancouver and the Airport opening in 2009 (92% aware). - Burnaby: Rehabilitation and upgrading of Pattullo Bridge including a new centre line barrier (67% aware). - New Westminster: Rehabilitation and upgrading of Pattullo Bridge including a new centre line barrier (83% aware). - Richmond: The new rapid transit line connecting Richmond, Vancouver and the Airport opening in 2009 (85% aware). - Delta: Rehabilitation and upgrading of the Pattullo Bridge including a new centre line barrier (69% aware). - Surrey/White Rock: Rehabilitation and upgrading of the Pattullo Bridge including a new centre line barrier (74% aware). - Langley: The Golden Ears Bridge between Langley and Pitt Meadows/Maple Ridge and connecting roadways opens in 2008 (81% aware). - Tri-Cities: A Coquitlam Light Rail Transit system to be completed in 2009 (69% aware). - Maple Ridge: The Golden Ears Bridge (91% aware). - North Shore: Twinning of the Dollarton Bridge completed in 2005 (55% aware). 7
Main Findings Personal Importance of Community Projects Three-quarters (77%) of GVRD residents say the listed community projects are important to them personally. More than one-third (36%) say the projects in their community are very important and 41% say the projects are somewhat important. Importance of Projects To Greater Vancouver Region The vast majority (94%) of GVRD residents believe the major projects listed to them are important to the Greater Vancouver region, including six-in-ten (61%) who believe the projects are very important and one-third (33%) who believe the projects are somewhat important. Support for Proposed Funding Sources Survey respondents were read the specific details of the user fees (72% of total) and general taxation (28% of total) planned to pay for the major Greater Vancouver transportation improvements. Six-in-ten (59%) GVRD residents say they support making the transportation improvements using this combination of funding sources. This includes 15% who strongly support using these funding sources and 45% who somewhat support using these funding sources. 8
Main Findings Support for Proposed Funding Sources (cont.) In contrast, four-in-ten (39%) residents oppose using this combination of funding sources (16% strongly oppose, 23% somewhat oppose ). Support for using these funding sources is highest among Vancouver residents (65% support) and lowest among Burnaby/New Westminster residents (54%). In between are residents of the North Shore (59%), Northeast (58%) and South of Fraser (58%). - Top reason for support: the importance of the improvements (26%). - Top reason for opposition: the belief that taxes are already too high (31%). All survey respondents were also asked to indicate if they particularly opposed any specific funding source. A slight majority (53%) of residents said there was one or more specific funding sources they particularly opposed. - The top mentions were of property taxes (21% overall) and gasoline taxes (19%). Lesser mentions were made of transit fares (13%), hydro bill (10%), parking fees (10%), commercial lot parking tax (9%) and a flat hydro bill charge (2%). 9
Detailed Results
Most Important Community Issues Facing Greater Vancouver In your view, what is the most important local issue facing residents of Greater Vancouver, that is, the one you feel should receive the greatest attention from municipal, provincial and federal leaders? Transportation related 28% Healthcare related 21% Crime, Safety and Policing 10% Social/Housing problems 9% Transportation-Related Issues Traffic congestion 10% Education related Environment related Taxation 5% 3% 3% General/unspecified Condition of streets Poor quality/lack of public transit Lack of access in/out of community 5% 5% 4% 1% Economy related 2% Personal security/safety on transit/skytrain/buses 1% Growth of region/over-development 2% Not enough spending/translink under-funded 1% None 6% Other transportation-related issues 6% Don't know 4% Base: All respondents (n=1,800) *Mentions below 2% are not shown 11
Transportation Related Issues In your view, what is the most important local issue facing residents of Greater Vancouver, that is, the one you feel should receive the greatest attention from municipal, provincial and federal leaders? Transportation Related Total (n=1,800) 28% Vancouver 25% Burnaby/New Westminster 23% South of Fraser 31% Northeast 37% North Shore (n=300) 25% Base: All respondents (n=1,800) 12
Awareness of TransLink Have you heard of an organization called TransLink, the Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority? % Yes Total (n=1,800) 95% Vancouver 94% Burnaby/New Westminster 96% South of Fraser 95% Northeast 94% North Shore (n=300) 96% Base: All respondents (n=1,800) 13
Perceived TransLink Responsibilities As far as you know, what is TransLink responsible for? % Total Aware Van (n=354) Bby/ NW (n=359) Sof Fraser (n=355) NE (n=355) NS (n=288) Buses 62% 63% 57% 66% 58% 56% SkyTrain 49% 48% 51% 52% 43% 39% Public Transportation SeaBus Major Roads and Bridges 19% 18% 24% 23% 26% 21% 24% 31% 25% 22% 14% 14% 25% 15% 20% 19% 21% 20% Public Transit West Coast Express HandyDART Albion Ferry RAV Line West Vancouver Blue Buses 8% 7% 6% 4% 1% 1% 10% 7% 5% 10% 7% 6% 6% 7% 12% 7% 7% 5% 6% 3% 4% 4% 2% 5% 5% 4% 2% 1% 1% 1% 2% 1% 1% <1% 1% 1% Bowen Island Community Transit 1% 1% 1% <1% 1% 1% Don't know 2% 1% 3% 2% 2% 2% Base: Aware of TransLink (n=1,714) 14
Impressions of TransLink Overall, is your impression of TransLink very favourable, somewhat favourable, not very favourable, or not at all favourable? Not very favourable Not at all favourable Very favourable Somewhat favourable 25% 8% Total (n=1,800) 16% 74% 22% 5% Vancouver 16% 76% 26% 7% Bby/NW 20% 72% 26% 11% South of Fraser 17% 72% 29% 10% Northeast 12% 70% 20% 5% North Shore (n=300) 16% 78% Base: All respondents (n=1,800) 15
TransLink s Performance at Addressing Greater Vancouver Transportation Issues In your opinion, is TransLink doing a good job or a poor job of addressing the transportation issues and concerns of residents of the Greater Vancouver region? Would that be very or somewhat? Somewhat poor job Very poor job Very good job Somewhat good job 34% 11% Total (n=1,800) 12% 63% 30% 7% Vancouver 12% 68% 36% 10% Bby/NW 16% 62% 38% 14% South of Fraser 11% 59% 41% 14% Northeast 11% 58% 26% 6% North Shore (n=300) 16% 70% Base: All respondents (n=1,800) 16
TransLink s Performance at Addressing Community Transportation Issues In your opinion, is TransLink doing a good job or a poor job of addressing the transportation issues and concerns of residents of [INSERT COMMUNITY]? Would that be very or somewhat? Somewhat poor job Very poor job Very good job Somewhat good job 39% 14% Total (n=1,800) 14% 58% 31% 8% Vancouver 14% 67% 33% 11% Bby/NW 22% 64% 46% 16% South of Fraser 12% 50% 48% 24% Northeast 14% 49% 32% 14% North Shore (n=300) 17% 62% Base: All respondents (n=1,800) 17
Greater Vancouver Traffic Congestion How would you describe traffic congestion in an average week in the Greater Vancouver region? Would you say it is? A very serious problem Not a very serious problem A serious problem No problem at all Total (n=1,800) 31% 51% 15% 2% Vancouver 22% 54% 20% 3% Burnaby/New Westminster 30% 49% 18% 2% South of Fraser 37% 50% 12% 1% Northeast 38% 46% 12% 2% North Shore (n=300) 24% 59% 13% 2% Base: All respondents (n=1,800) 18
Community Traffic Congestion How would you describe traffic congestion in an average week in [INSERT COMMUNITY]? Would you say it is? A very serious problem Not a very serious problem A serious problem No problem at all Total (n=1,800) 19% 49% 27% 3% Vancouver 16% 57% 23% 2% Burnaby/New Westminster 14% 49% 31% 6% South of Fraser 24% 46% 25% 3% Northeast 25% 47% 23% 3% North Shore (n=300) 9% 39% 41% 6% Base: All respondents (n=1,800) 19
Awareness of Major Vancouver Transportation Improvements I m going to read you a list of upcoming major improvements that TransLink has underway or planned for Vancouver and the areas around it. For each, please tell me whether you had heard of it before today. % Aware New rapid transit line connecting Richmond, Vancouver and the Airport opening in 2009 More buses running more often starting in 2005 with more weekend and evening and back to school service in September The Vancity U-Pass for UBC students will be extended to the summer months in 2005 Opening of VCC SkyTrain station in 2006, when a new B-Line Service will start running 40% 37% 36% 92% Main St. transit and pedestrian improvements Broadway and Commercial Transit Village with station and streetscape improvements for better cycling and customer access $11.7 million for road upgrades such as left turn lanes, safety improvements over the next 3 years Central Valley Greenway bicycle and pedestrian corridor linking Vancouver, Burnaby and New Westminster New Community Shuttles including service for UBC in 2006 New Vancouver Transit Centre in Marpole in 2006 228 wheelchair accessible, low-floor electric trolley buses to be introduced in 2006 through 2008 $11 million for left turn bays at key intersections along the Knight St. corridor in Vancouver 28% 26% 25% 25% 22% 22% 18% 14% Base: All Vancouver respondents 20
Awareness of Major Burnaby Transportation Improvements I m going to read you a list of upcoming major improvements that TransLink has underway or planned for Burnaby and the areas around it. For each, please tell me whether you had heard of it before today. % Aware Rehabilitation and upgrading of Pattullo Bridge including a new centre line barrier 67% More transit service to SFU 42% $8.4 million for road and safety improvements such as left turn lanes and roadway widenings over the next 3 years Improved bus services to Richmond City Centre in 2005 and 2006 34% 34% Plans to improve the North Fraser Perimeter Road 18% Increased bus service on 6th St. and Kingsway in 2005 New bus service to North Vancouver providing direct connections to SkyTrain, Metrotown and Brentwood Town Centres in 2007 New Community Shuttle to Burnaby's South Slope in 2005 Improved bus service to Big Bend and Glenlyon Business parks in 2005 17% 16% 14% 12% Base: All Burnaby respondents (n=250) 21
Awareness of Major New Westminster Transportation Improvements I m going to read you a list of upcoming major improvements that TransLink has underway or planned for New Westminster and the areas around it. For each, please tell me whether you had heard of it before today. % Aware Rehabilitation and upgrading of Pattullo Bridge including a new centre line barrier 83% New Central Valley Greenway Bicycle Corridor, linking Vancouver, Burnaby and New Westminster 40% $8.4 million to be spent on road and safety improvements such as left turn lanes and roadway widenings Plans to improve the North Fraser Perimeter Road More service to SFU Improved bus services to Richmond City Centre in 2005 and 2006 Increased bus service on 6th St. and Kingsway in 2005 New bus service to North Vancouver providing direct connections to SkyTrain and Metrotown and Brentwood Town Centres in 2007 New Community Shuttle to Burnaby's South Slope in 2005 Improved bus service to Big Bend and Glenlyon Business parks in 2005 31% 30% 26% 21% 20% 13% 9% 7% Base: All New Westminster respondents (n=125) 22
Awareness of Major Richmond Transportation Improvements I m going to read you a list of upcoming major improvements that TransLink has underway or planned for Richmond and the areas around it. For each, please tell me whether you had heard of it before today. The new rapid transit line connecting Richmond, Vancouver and the Airport opening in 2009 % Aware 85% More 98-B-Line service 33% $5.6 million for road and safety improvements such as left turn lanes and roadway widenings over the next 3 years 29% Increased rush hour service to Vancouver 23% New Community Shuttle for Richmond City Centre in 2007 19% Increased service between Richmond and Burnaby, and between New Westminster and Surrey 18% New transit exchange for Steveston in 2006 13% Base: All Richmond respondents (n=77) 23
Awareness of Major Delta Transportation Improvements I m going to read you a list of upcoming major improvements that TransLink has underway or planned for Delta and the areas around it. For each, please tell me whether you had heard of it before today. % Aware Rehabilitation and upgrading of the Pattullo Bridge including a new centre line barrier Widening of the Fraser Highway to 4 lanes The Golden Ears Bridge between Langley and Pitt Meadows/Maple Ridge and connecting roadways opens in 2008 New 204 St. Overpass in Langley New Community Shuttles in Ladner, Sunshine Hills/Panorama Ridge and betweeen Scottsdale and Ladner via Ladner Trunk Rd. When the new Golden Ears Bridge opens, new transit routes will connect Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows with Surrey City Centre $23 million to be spent on municipal road and safety improvements such as left turn lanes and roadway widenings Improvements to the frequency of bus service on major corridors in North Delta, Langley, and Surrey in 2005 and 2006 New Community Shuttles in Tsawwassen and Clayton in Surrey in 2007 20% 27% 24% 24% 34% 32% 53% 57% 69% New bus service on 152nd St between White Rock and Guildford in 2005 Service every 10 minutes during the midday on 104th Ave. between Guildford and Surrey City Centre in 2005 New South Surrey Park and Ride facility in 2006 Better midday bus service on Fraser Highway between Langley/Surrey City Centre in 2005 and improved evening service in 2006 5% 8% 8% 15% Base: All Delta respondents (n=47) 24
Awareness of Major Surrey/White Rock Transportation Improvements I m going to read you a list of upcoming major improvements that TransLink has underway or planned for Surrey/White Rock and the areas around it. For each, please tell me whether you had heard of it before today. % Aware Rehabilitation and upgrading of the Pattullo Bridge including a new 74% centre line barrier Widening of the Fraser Highway to 4 lanes 63% The Golden Ears Bridge between Langley and Pitt Meadows/Maple Ridge and connecting roadways When the new Golden Ears Bridge opens, new transit routes will connect Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows with Surrey City Centre New 204 St. Overpass in Langley $23 million to be spent on municipal road and safety improvements such as left turn lanes and roadway widenings Improvements to the frequency of bus service on major corridors in North Delta, Langley, and Surrey in 2005 and 2006 New South Surrey Park and Ride facility in 2006 20% 30% 27% 24% 37% 57% New bus service on 152nd St. between White Rock and Guildford in 2005 Better midday bus service on Fraser Highway between Langley/Surrey City Centre in 2005 and improved evening service in 2006 Service every 10 minutes during the midday on 104th Ave. between Guildford and Surrey City Centre in 2005 New Community Shuttles in Ladner, Sunshine Hills/Panorama Ridge and betweeen Scottsdale and Ladner via Ladner Trunk Rd. New Community Shuttles in Tsawwassen and Clayton in Surrey in 2007 13% 12% 11% 7% 6% Base: All Surrey/White Rock respondents (n=191) 25
Awareness of Major Langley Transportation Improvements I m going to read you a list of upcoming major improvements that TransLink has underway or planned for Langley and the areas around it. For each, please tell me whether you had heard of it before today. % Aware The Golden Ears Bridge between Langley and Pitt Meadows/Maple Ridge 81% and connecting roadways opens in 2008 New 204 St. Overpass in Langley 74% Widening of the Fraser Highway to 4 lanes When the new Golden Ears Bridge opens, new transit routes will connect Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows with Surrey City Centre Rehabilitation and upgrading of the Pattullo Bridge including a new centre line barrier $23 million to be spent on municipal road and safety improvements such as left turn lanes and roadway widenings Improvements to the frequency of bus service on major corridors in North Delta, Langley, and Surrey in 2005 and 2006 New South Surrey Park and Ride facility in 2006 New bus service on 152nd St. between White Rock and Guildford in 2005 Better midday bus service on Fraser Highway between Langley/Surrey City Centre in 2005 and improved evening service in 2006 New Community Shuttles in Ladner, Sunshine Hills/Panorama Ridge and betweeen Scottsdale and Ladner via Ladner Trunk Rd. Service every 10 minutes during the midday on 104th Ave. between Guildford and Surrey City Centre in 2005 New Community Shuttles in Tsawwassen and Clayton in Surrey in 2007 26% 21% 16% 10% 10% 6% 3% 2% 57% 66% 63% Base: All Langley respondents (n=60) 26
Awareness of Major Tri-City Transportation Improvements I m going to read you a list of upcoming major improvements that TransLink has underway or planned for the Tri Cities and the areas around it. For each, please tell me whether you had heard of it before today. % Aware A Coquitlam Light Rail Transit system to be completed in 2009 69% New Coast Meridian Overpass in Port Coquitlam in 2008 A David Avenue Crossing to be completed in 2005 providing a new east-west link to the Burke Mountain area 51% 48% New Murray-Clarke Connector in Port Moody by 2007 to provide improved capacity and operations along the corridor $6.9 million on municipal road and safety improvements such as left turn lanes and roadway widenings More bus service from Coquitlam Station to SFU Expansion of West Coast Express TrainBus on weekdays and new weekend service planned for 2007 New Community Shuttles to Port Moody in 2005 New NightBus service extension from Lougheed Station to Coquitlam City Centre in 2005 New rush hour bus service introduced to supplement busy Community Shuttles in 2005 32% 27% 27% 25% 23% 23% 20% Base: All Tri Cities respondents (n=253) *Tri Cities includes Anmore, Belcarra, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody and Coquitlam 27
Awareness of Major Maple Ridge Transportation Improvements I m going to read you a list of upcoming major improvements that TransLink has underway or planned for Maple Ridge and the areas around it. For each, please tell me whether you had heard of it before today. % Aware The Golden Ears Bridge between Langley and Pitt Meadows/Maple 91% Ridge and connecting roadways opens in 2008 When the new Golden Ears Bridge opens, new transit routes will connect Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows with Surrey City Centre 79% New West Coast Express Station including Park and Ride at Albion in 2008 36% $2.3 million on municipal road and safety improvements such as left turn lanes and roadway widening Expansion of West Coast Express TrainBus on weekdays and new weekend service in 2007 Expansion of West Coast Express Park & Ride at Maple Meadows Station in 2008 New transit exchange for Haney Place in 2006 New express bus service connecting Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows to Braid St. Station via Mary Hill Bypass in 2006 New Community Shuttle to Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows in 2005 and evening Dial-a-Ride service in 2007 24% 19% 18% 12% 9% 7% Base: All Maple Ridge respondents (n=122) 28
Awareness of Major North Shore Transportation Improvements I m going to read you a list of upcoming major improvements that TransLink has underway or planned for the North Shore and the areas around it. For each, please tell me whether you had heard of it before today. % Aware Twinning of the Dollarton Bridge completed in 2005 55% A ferry between Bowen Island, Ambleside and Waterfront Station 36% Widening of Main St. for better access to the Second Narrows Bridge A new third SeaBus contract to be awarded in 2007 Spending of $5.5 million to improve the North Shore's major arterial roads Extension of the VanCity U-Pass to include Capilano College students, providing reduced transit fares to students Increased transit frequency on the North Shore so that 70% of residents will have rush hour frequency of 10 minutes or better A new transit depot on the North Shore for community shuttle and other buses A Lions Bay and Bowen Island fare review to lower fares connecting these two areas to the rest of the North Shore New Lions Bay community mini bus service between Lions Bay and Caulfield 26% 25% 20% 19% 14% 14% 12% 7% Base: All North Shore respondents (n=300) 29
Personal Importance of Community Transportation Improvements Now, how important would you say the transportation projects we have just read are to you personally? Would you say they are very important, somewhat important, not very important or not at all important? Very important Somewhat important Total (n=1,800) 36% 77% Vancouver 41% 81% Burnaby/New Westminster 26% 68% South of Fraser 36% 76% Northeast 41% 82% North Shore (n=300) 28% 71% Base: All respondents (n=1,800) 30
List of Major Greater Vancouver Transportation Improvements The following list of major Greater Vancouver transportation projects was read out to respondents: A 40% expansion of the region s rapid transit network with the Richmond- Airport-Vancouver Rapid Transit line between downtown, Richmond and the airport and a rapid rail line from Coquitlam Town Centre to Lougheed Mall SkyTrain station The Golden Ears Bridge between Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge and Langley Two hundred million dollars spent on road projects including the North Fraser Perimeter Road in New Westminster and Fraser Highway widening in Surrey Expanding the bus fleet by one-third more buses to 1,600 buses Doubling the investment in cycling facilities and cycling paths Better vanpool, carpool and ride-sharing programs More VanCity U-Pass programs for reduced transit fares to post secondary students where students voice their approval 31
Importance of Greater Vancouver Projects to the Greater Vancouver Region Now, how important would you say this list of transportation projects we have just read are to the Greater Vancouver Region? Would you say they are very important, somewhat important, not very important or not at all important? Very important Somewhat important Total (n=1,800) 61% 94% Vancouver 59% 94% Burnaby/New Westminster 58% 93% South of Fraser 62% 95% Northeast 67% 94% North Shore (n=300) 61% 90% Base: All respondents (n=1,800) 32
List of Funding Sources The following description was read to respondents: Greater Vancouver residents have told TransLink that an important part of funding for these transportation improvements should be paid for by the users of the transportation network. Therefore 72% of the cost of the transportation improvements we have just read to you will be paid for by the user fees of transit fares, gasoline taxes, and parking sales tax. The remaining 28% of the cost of these transportation improvements will be paid for with property taxes, and the hydro levy. I d like to read to you the specific details of the 72% user fees and 28% general taxation to pay for transportation improvements: - Cash transit fares of $2.25 for one zone, $3.25 for two zones, and $4.50 for three zones - Parking sales tax of 7% on pay parking in the region. - Forty-eight dollars per $100,000 of property value in property taxes averaging $191 per residence - A tax on non-residential parking to be paid by the owner of the mall or parking lot, starting in 2006 - One and one half cents in 2005, increasing 5 cents by 2010, of the gasoline tax will be returned by the federal government in addition to the 12 cents paid by the province - One dollar and ninety cents per monthly Hydro bill goes to transportation improvements 33
Support for Proposed Funding Sources Do you strongly support, somewhat support, somewhat oppose or strongly oppose making the transportation improvements I just read to you using these funding sources? Somewhat oppose Strongly oppose Strongly support Somewhat support 39% 16% Total (n=1,800) 15% 59% 33% 11% Vancouver 18% 65% 45% 17% Bby/NW 11% 54% 41% 19% South of Fraser 14% 58% 40% 18% Northeast 11% 58% 39% 17% North Shore (n=300) 16% 59% Base: All respondents (n=1,800) 34
Reasons for Supporting Funding Sources Why do you say you support making the region wide and local improvements using these funding sources? % Total Mentions Van (n=241) Bby/ NW (n=199) S of Fraser (n=215) NE (n=218) NS (n=175) Improvements are important, system needs to be up-graded 26% 27% 27% 25% 28% 25% It has to be funded revenue has to come from somewhere It will be paid for by the user It will reduce traffic volumes, congestion It will make transit easier to use increase ridership It s a good way to raise the money (a good idea) It will be good for the environment reduce pollution Funding will be shared/everyone contributes 21% 20% 16% 11% 10% 9% 8% 17% 23% 23% 25% 22% 21% 18% 22% 17% 22% 19% 15% 15% 16% 14% 14% 14% 8% 10% 9% 10% 6% 10% 10% 12% 14% 8% 6% 6% 5% 9% 8% 7% 8% 11% Improvements will benefit everyone/the community 6% 6% 8% 6% 2% 5% Support using money from gas taxes 4% 5% 6% 4% 1% 3% Am a public transportation user 3% 2% 1% 4% 2% 2% Base: Support funding sources (n=1,048) *Mentions below 3% are not shown 35
Reasons for Opposing Funding Sources Why do you say you oppose making the region wide and local improvements using these funding sources? Taxes should not be increased (all already too high) Prefer that users pay, not people who don t use the system Gas prices are already too high Don t approve of increasing property taxes Transit fares are too high Should not pay for parking will hurt business owners Don't agree with funding sources/not fair Money should come from provincial/federal government Don t use the services TransLink is poorly managed/doesn t spend money wisely Already pay too much for utilities/hydro Government should spend money more wisely People can't afford to pay more Money is already there take the money from existing funds Increased fares will discourage ridership Find alternative sources of funding Transit service is poor % Total Mentions 15% 14% 13% 12% 10% 8% 8% 6% 5% 5% 5% 5% 4% 4% 4% 3% 31% Van (n=123) Bby/ NW (n=172) S of Fraser (n=156) NE (n=152) NS (n=119) 31% 29% 30% 32% 33% 12% 8% 19% 19% 19% 7% 13% 17% 19% 13% 12% 10% 13% 14% 13% 18% 15% 8% 8% 14% 8% 15% 10% 11% 7% 10% 5% 8% 8% 9% 6% 12% 8% 7% 11% 5% 3% 7% 5% 8% 3% 6% 4% 4% 5% 9% 1% 6% 5% 2% 5% 3% 8% 3% 4% 7% 4% 4% 7% 4% 5% 3% 4% 8% 4% 3% 4% 5% 2% 2% 3% 6% 1% 5% 3% 2% 3% 2% 4% 3% Base: Oppose funding sources (n=722) *Mentions below 3% are not shown 36
Funding Sources Particularly Opposed Are there any of the funding sources we have just described that you particularly oppose? % Mentions Van Bby/ NW S of Fraser NE NS (n=300) Property tax Gasoline tax 21% 19% 17% 20% 23% 26% 24% 14% 17% 22% 23% 18% Transit fares Hydro bill fee Parking fees Parking tax at commercial lots 13% 10% 10% 9% 18% 16% 8% 12% 13% 9% 8% 11% 11% 7% 10% 9% 10% 9% 10% 7% 11% 9% 11% 10% Flat hydro bill charge 2% 2% 2% 1% 2% 2% No 45% 46% 45% 45% 44% 46% Don't know 2% 3% 2% 1% 1% 2% Base: All respondents (n=1,800) 37
Reasons Opposed to Property Tax And why do you say you re opposed to property tax? % Mentions Property taxes are already high enough/too high Transit users should pay - people who don't use the services should not be forced to pay for them Property ownership is not related to transportation Don't agree with an increase in property taxes - general People on a limited income wouldn't be able to afford the increase It's an unfair burden on property owners My area won't get the benefit of the improvements Property owners already support too many things GVTA/TransLink should not have the authority to impose taxes Should get funding from another source It's becoming too expensive to buy/own property 18% 15% 10% 10% 9% 8% 4% 4% 4% 3% 40% Base: Respondents opposed property tax (n=405) *Mentions below 3% are not shown 38
Reasons Opposed to Gasoline Taxes And why do you say you re opposed to gasoline taxes? % Mentions Gas prices are too high 45% Gas taxes are too high 27% Don't/can't use public transit 12% Pay too many taxes - taxes are too high/don't want to pay more 12% Money won't be used properly 9% Consumers can't afford to pay for gas - can't afford the increase 8% Gas tax money is not coming back to us 7% Transit users should pay - people who don't use the services should not be forced to pay for them 6% Base: Respondents opposed gasoline taxes (n=340) *Mentions below 3% are not shown 39
Reasons Opposed to Transit Fares And why do you say you re opposed to Transit fares? % Mentions Transit fares are already too expensive Transit customers are generally low income - can't afford an increase An increase won't bring in new customers - won't get people out of their cars Transit has to be kept affordable - should be decreased, free Transit should be less expensive than using a car 11% 9% 22% 28% 35% It will cause a decrease in ridership 7% There have been too many increases Transit customers should not be the only one's paying for roads Public transit is environmentally friendly/transit users help the environment People who depend on transit can't afford cars/the costs of cars 6% 6% 4% 3% Base: Respondents opposed to Transit fares (n=237) *Mentions below 3% are not shown 40
Reasons Opposed to Hydro Bill Fee And why do you say you re opposed to Hydro bill fee? % Mentions Hydro is not related to transit 47% Already paying enough, too much 22% It's another tax - a tax grab Transit users should pay - people who don't use the services should not be forced to pay for them People on a limited income wouldn't be able to afford the increase Don't agree with an increase in Hydro - general GVTA/TransLink should not have the authority to impose taxes Already pay too many taxes 12% 9% 7% 6% 5% 4% Should get money from another source 4% Base: Respondents opposed Hydro bill fee (n=172) *Mentions below 3% are not shown 41
Reasons Opposed to Parking Fees % Mentions Parking is already too expensive Costs will be passed on to the consumer It will cause a hardship for small businesses I don't want to start paying for parking in places that I don't pay now It's another tax - a tax grab We already pay enough taxes You shouldn't be penalizing people who have to use their cars Should not have to pay for parking when I will be spending money/shopping Don't agree with an increase in parking fees - general Parking fees have nothing to do with transit Transit users should pay - people who don't use the services should not be forced to pay for them Will deter people from shopping/going to the mall It's an unfair burden on car owners/drivers GVTA/TransLink should not have the authority to impose taxes It's not always practical to use transit Consumers won't be able to afford the increased costs And why do you say you re opposed to parking fees? There is already a lack of parking spaces 11% 10% 8% 7% 7% 7% 6% 6% 6% 5% 4% 4% 3% 3% 3% 15% 24% Base: Respondents opposed to parking fees (n=176) *Mentions below 3% are not shown 42
Reasons Opposed to a Parking Tax at Commercial Parking Lots And why do you say you re opposed to parking tax at commercial parking lots? % Mentions Costs will be passed on to the consumer 30% It's another tax - a tax grab I don't want to start paying for parking in places that I don't pay now It's an unfair burden on business/mall owners It will cause a hardship for small businesses We already pay enough taxes Parking is already too expensive Transit users should pay - people who don't use the services should not be forced to pay for them Parking fees have nothing to do with transit Will deter people from shopping/going to the mall Don't agree with an increase in parking fees - general Government/TransLink should spend money more efficiently 18% 14% 13% 12% 9% 8% 6% 5% 5% 4% 3% Base: Respondents opposed to parking tax at commercial parking lots (n=181) *Mentions below 3% are not shown 43
44 Sample Characteristics Base: All respondents (n=1,800) 15 12 16 14 14 15 55-64 18 21 19 20 21 20 35-44 1 3 3 3 2 2 16-17 21 76 51 49 42.7 11 23 16 12 Northeast % 27 28 35 47 33 Rent 67 70 64 51 64 Own Residence ownership 53 52 52 51 52 Female 47 48 48 49 48 Male 42.2 11 15 25 11 Vancouver % 43.6 13 15 18 14 Bby/NW % 43.5 12 18 20 11 Total (n=1,800) % 47.0 17 17 17 9 North Shore (n=300) % 43.9 11 20 18 11 South of Fraser % Sex Mean Age 65+ 45-54 25-34 18-24 Age
Sample Characteristics Total Vancouver Bby/NW South of Fraser Northeast North Shore (n=1,800) % % % % % (n=300) % Vehicle Access Yes No 89 11 81 19 84 16 94 6 96 4 89 11 Employment Status Part time Full time Student Homemaker Retired Not employed 10 60 8 4 14 3 9 64 8 3 11 4 13 50 11 2 16 6 10 63 5 5 13 3 9 60 10 4 14 2 11 53 7 3 20 4 Base: All respondents (n=1,800) 45
Sample Characteristics Total (n=1,800) % Vancouver % Bby/NW % South of Fraser % Northeast % North Shore (n=300) % Mode of Transportation Car/truck Carpool Bicycle Walk Transit Motorcycle/scooter Other Household Income 56 14 3 5 21 1 1 43 12 5 9 30 1 1 46 14 3 4 31 1 1 65 16 2 2 13 <1 1 65 18 1 1 14 0 1 64 11 0 4 19 0 <1 Under $30,000 $30,000 to just less than $50,000 $50,000 to just less than $60,000 $60,000 to just less than $75,000 $75,000 to just less than $100,000 $100,000 or more DK/NS 14 17 11 13 14 17 14 16 20 12 11 14 14 12 15 19 14 11 13 12 15 13 15 10 14 15 18 14 13 12 13 13 15 21 14 10 15 9 14 12 23 16 Base: All respondents (n=1,800) 46