Vancouver’s 2025 transit budget outlines $4 billion in planned spending over the next decade to address critical funding shortages, improve public transit accessibility, and advance sustainability goals. Here’s a breakdown of what’s in the budget and what it means for transit users.
Outlet
Funding Shortfalls
TransLink faces a $72-million operating deficit for 2025, primarily due to reduced federal and provincial funding alongside rising operational costs.
Without a new funding model, TransLink has warned that up to 50 per cent of services could be cut by the end of 2025, affecting buses, SkyTrain, SeaBus, and HandyDART services.
Electric Bus Expansion
Despite financial challenges, TransLink plans to add 100 electric buses by 2026 as part of its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
This expansion is expected to reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by 50,000 tonnes.
HandyDART service enhancements
The budget includes $25 million to expand HandyDART services, which cater to passengers with disabilities. This investment will fund new vehicles and system upgrades aimed at improving booking efficiency.
Advocates have welcomed this funding but stress the need for enhanced driver training.
Broadway Subway Project funding
The Broadway Subway Project has received an additional $200 million in funding to address delays and cost overruns. Initially set to open in late 2025, the line is now expected to begin operations in mid-2026.
The project aims to cut travel times along the corridor by up to 30 per cent.
Affordability concerns
Transit fares are set to rise by 5 per cent in mid-2025, raising concerns about affordability for low-income residents. To mitigate this, TransLink has expanded its subsidy program for households earning under $50,000 annually.
Advocacy groups are calling for further measures, including fare freezes for vulnerable populations.
The road ahead
With Vancouver’s population projected to grow by 1.5 per cent annually, the city is banking on this budget to accommodate future transit needs.
Critics, however, argue that more robust long-term planning is required to address ongoing infrastructure and service challenges.
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The @TransLink Mayors council is standing shoulder to shoulder warning the transit funding model is broken and they’re saving drastic cuts to service No bus service after 8pm, 30% drop in service on the table “This is not a bluff, this is not a ploy” says @BradWestPoCo
"Fare gates at SkyTrain and SeaBus stations will remain open. Customers will not be required to tap their compass cards or use other payment methods,” TransLink explained. vancouver.citynews.ca/2024/12/31/tra…
