The Capital Regional District is halfway through the process of developing its regional transportation plan. The plan should be complete by September 2013, and will identify priorities and options for governance and funding for roads, rail, bridges, bike lanes and trails.
“Right now, we’re in a wait-and-see mode,” said Saanich Mayor Frank Leonard, who along with Victoria Mayor Dean Fortin, is advocating for CRD control over Greater Victoria transit.
An independent advisory panel recommended in August 2012 that the province create legislation to allow greater local government input in B.C. Transit decisions.
Municipal leaders say a regional transportation authority would provide for better representation for the 13 municipalities in the CRD.
Currently, the Victoria Regional Transit Commission is made up of seven elected officials, including the mayors of Victoria, Saanich, Esquimalt, Sidney and Colwood, and councillors from Saanich and Victoria.