Remember the transit tax referendum? "No" was clear defacto support of this polar provincial - municipal problem you're (legitimately) complaining about. I'm not suggesting there weren't serious issues, but the whole tax and it's plan was at least a big step forwards, albeit a shitty one, towards connecting the region via mass transit.
Full Referendums should be tools to resolve political existential issues. Like resolving the Charter of Rights. Not for taxes or transit plans. By getting a "No" we've torpedoed any major long term regionally coordinated plan, leaving only projects like this giant as bridge and the like as a options for the next 5-10 years. :(
I wasn't able to vote as I'm not a citizen but did take a close interest in the story as I will be eventually. The plan offered very little to improve transit options for anyone crossing a major bridge.
Delta was offered additional buses…as were North Van and Whiterock. Not much good when the bridge and feeder routes are gridlocked. Sure 1 bus = 30 cars but with the growth we have seen / they project for the region, busses are not the answer. Efficient, fast transit will get people off the roads. Busses are slow and unreliable, at least on the routes I use.
It is unbelievable that an infrastructure project like this does not include a light rail / skytrain link that gets people off the road. Perhaps if people saw real solutions to the transit issues during the vote they might have agreed to paying for it in such a direct manner…
Regardless of that fact, the government should have just grown a set and implemented the tax without the plebiscite anyway…