Page W4 · Richmond Review
Friday, January 2, 2015
news
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Taxis helped clear HandyDart service jam
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TransLink’s move to dispatch more taxis to carry elderly and disabled users of the HandyDart system has helped clear a huge backlog of demand for the custom transit service. Last May, TransLink earmarked an extra $1 million for taxi rides to relieve pressure on HandyDart after months of criticism from clients who said the oversubscribed service left them under virtual house arrest. The number of denied trip requests had run well over 3,000 a month up until April, but plunged to less than 100 in the summer and fall. “More people with disabilities are able to get to where they need to go,” said Merrilee Ashworth, TransLink manager of business development and contract services. She said the 98 per cent reduction in denials as of November from a year earlier was in part due to other efficiency improvements besides the extra taxi funding. “We believe our recent actions will continue benefits into 2015, and we will not see a return to the number of denials we experienced earlier in the year,” Ashworth said. The increased use of taxis has been fought by unionized HandyDart drivers as well as some passengers who argue taxi drivers are not as well trained to meet their needs. “I am strongly, strongly opposed to it,” said HandyDart user Elizabeth McKellar, adding there are too many “horror stories” about poorly trained or inconsiderate cab drivers. TransLink put some of the extra money into additional training for taxi drivers. Its latest quarterly report credits that for a reduction in taxi service complaints, although they remain far higher than the complaint lev-
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604-278-4030 • Richmond Serving the Whole Lower Mainland Even with an extra 30,000 rides offered by taxi this year, more than 95 per cent of the service is still being provided by conventional HandyDart mini-buses.
els for HandyDart. The report noted demand for HandyDart in 2014 was down compared to 2013, but said that may increase as former riders become aware that it’s now easier to get service. Ashworth said TransLink has not yet decided whether the additional funding for taxi rides will continue in 2015. Jane Dyson, executive director of Disability Alliance B.C. (formerly the B.C. Coalition of Persons with Disabilities), supports the strategy of using taxis. “We hope that they will continue to put that money into the taxi
service,” she said. Dyson said people who don’t want to take taxis don’t have to—HandyDart can still serve them—but taxis provide an efficient option for those who don’t mind them. Even with an extra 30,000 rides offered by taxi this year, more than 95 per cent of the service is still being provided by conventional HandyDart mini-buses, which are only cost-effective compared to taxis if they can pick up multiple passengers on the same route. She also applauded TransLink’s creation of a new standby system—passengers whose trip re-
quest is initially denied can go on a wait list in case of cancellations. Dyson said ride-sharing app Uber’s potential arrival in Metro Vancouver threatens to disrupt the existing taxi service that supports the HandyDart system. “The taxi industry over the last two or three years has gone to great lengths to try and improve the service, particularly for people with disabilities and seniors,” Dyson said. “Our organization is concerned about Uber. It risks undermining the important work that the community and the (taxi) industry have done together.”
Transit use down in 2014 Transit ridership is down from 2013 levels, and TransLink collected $3.2 million or 0.9 per cent less in the first nine months of 2014 as a result. According to TransLink third quarter report, the fare increase imposed in early 2013 appears to have had a longer lasting impact on ridership than expected. It notes revenue was also down in part due to the free transit day on B.C. Day to make up for SkyTrain shutdowns in July, and because of the three-week delay of the new school year due to the teachers strike.
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Richmond Review · Page W3
Friday, January 2, 2015
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Not all business groups back new transit tax Chamber claims solid support but other groups are concerned
Yes campaign unites ‘strange bedfellows’
by Jeff Nagel
www.coppersmithdental.com smile@coppersmithdental.com
news
604-233-7777 | 604-271-2300
Black Press The president of the B.C. Chamber of Commerce insists only a minority of businesses in Metro Vancouver object to a proposed new 0.5 per cent sales tax for transit and transportation. John Winter says fears of business flowing out of the region because of the proposed Congestion Improvement Tax have been voiced mainly in Langley, where shoppers may be tempted to go east to Abbotsford to avoid the new tax. “They’re the ones who feel they will bear the brunt,” he said, but insisted there is broad support for the Yes side in the spring referendum among business leaders elsewhere in Metro Vancouver. “The business community is solidly behind this,” Winter said, adding concerns about extra bureaucracy and costs to separately report a new sales tax are overstated. “I don’t think it’s going to be a huge problem,” Winter said. New car dealers in particular fear lost business but Winter said 0.5 per cent works out to just $200 on a $40,000 car. “I’ve never met a car dealer who wasn’t prepared to wheel and deal,” he said, predicting dealerships in places like Langley and Maple Ridge won’t sit back and let customers take their business east to the Fraser Valley over a relatively small amount. But Blair Qualey, president and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of B.C. said he wants clarity from the province on whether or not dealers will have to absorb the tax hike before his organization takes a stand on the plebiscite. “This tax could be a pretty big chunk per year for these guys if they have to swallow it to stay competitive,” Qualey said. He said that could force auto dealers to cut costs in areas such as charitable giving within the community. Even if the province charges the new 0.5 per cent tax on vehicles bought outside the region but ultimately registered within Metro Vancouver, Qualey said that may still leave questions of how it will be enforced.
John Winter, president of the B.C. Chamber of Commerce, there is broad support for the transit referendum among business leaders
If the new tax applies to car dealers, Qualey wants it also added to the sales tax charged on private car transactions. Richard Truscott, B.C. director for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, predicts a significant degree of opposition from his small business members. “I would expect there to be a fair amount to cynicism and doubt as to whether an extra half point on the PST is the right way to fund transportation improvements,” he said. Truscott said the CFIB wants greater accountability for the billions of dollars already being spent on transit and infrastructure in the region. “To turn around and ask taxpayers to fork over even more dough leaves a lot of business owners scratching their heads.” He said the federation is surveying its members on the new tax and expects to take a position in January, provided there’s enough of a majority for or against. Greg Wilson, government affairs di-
rector for B.C. for the Retail Council of Canada, said there is concern among retailers about the extra costs and reporting requirements that will come with a new separate tax. That means yet more reprogramming of point-of-sale terminals and computer systems after the creation and then repeal of the HST. “It also tends, along with everything else, to drive more traffic to the U.S.,” Wilson said. “Our members along the border are acutely aware of that.” But Wilson said he is also hearing strong support for the new tax from many retailers because of the transit and transportation improvements it would bring. “I hear as many positives as negatives,” he said. “I have a lot of members who tell me how good it will be, how it will help customers get to their stores, bring goods to their stores and bring employees to workplaces.” The Retail Council of Canada is unlikely to take a position for or against, Wilson said.
John Winter is a key member of the Yes campaign and it’s not his first time promoting a contentious tax. The president of the B.C. Chamber of Commerce fought to keep the harmonized sales tax but saw it go down to referendum defeat in 2011 with 55 per cent of voters opposed, forcing the province to reinstate the provincial sales tax. This time both Winter and anti-HST strategist Bill Tieleman are on the Yes side urging Metro residents to agree to the new tax for transit road and bridge upgrades. “It does create strange bedfellows,” Winter acknowledged, but added it underscores the broad coalition of business, labour, environmental and other groups backing the cause. He calls it a “non-partisan” common-sense issue and said he’s “very optimistic” the plebiscite will pass. Ballots go out March 16 and must be mailed back to Elections BC by May 29. The 0.5 per cent sales tax charged only in Metro Vancouver is to generate an extra $250 million a year, which combined with federal and provincial government contributions would fund $7.5 billion in transit, road and bridge upgrades. “There’s no purpose in voting No,” he said. “If people do we’re going to be stuck with the gridlock we have, only worse.” Heading the No campaign so far is Jordan Bateman of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. Bateman is seeking to tie the new tax to the unpopularity of TransLink, which is not mentioned on the mailin ballot going to referendum. Winter insists the vote should not be a referendum on TransLink and says Bateman is circulating “unfortunate misinformation” by focusing on TransLink waste. “From a voter’s perspective, this is a non-issue, a smokescreen,” Winter said, arguing money from the new tax will be restricted to funding the new projects in the mayors’ vision, with independent audits to ensure that happens. “They’re going to spend this money with handcuffs on them.” Bateman calls that “malarky” and says Winter, the mayors and other Yes campaigners are deluding themselves and voters by avoiding mention of TransLink. “The other side knows TransLink is a completely failed brand, “ he said, adding audits are no insurance. “The audits will happen after the money is spent. So congratulations, TransLink wasted more of your money and you found out after an audit.” Bateman said there are plenty of questions hanging over the referendum and whether the promised transit upgrades can actually be delivered. He promises to release an alternative plan in January to expand transit without adding the new sales tax by finding savings within TransLink and municipal government spending.
Richmond Review · Page W3
Friday, January 2, 2015
SUPPORT THESE LOCAL MERCHANTS download coupons at richmondreview.com/eeditions
NEW PATIENTS: FREE ORAL B ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH
NO. 4 ROAD
+
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with cleaning and checkup (With this ad offer ends January 31, 2015)
#355-9100 BLUNDELL ROAD, RICHMOND
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604-273-3838 ઔᇁ清➊⥷✄㵕
SUSHI PARTY TRAY
HOW HO H OW TO TO F FIND IND US IN US N
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NO. 4 ROAD
MONCTON STREET
On Regular Price Menu
BUSINESS HOURS
Sunday-Thursday 3:30pm-10:30pm Friday & Saturday 3:30pm-11:30pm
STEVESTON HWY
+
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PizzFaactory
W E S T M A R
Not all business groups back new transit tax Chamber claims solid support but other groups are concerned
Yes campaign unites ‘strange bedfellows’
by Jeff Nagel
www.coppersmithdental.com smile@coppersmithdental.com
news
604-233-7777 | 604-271-2300
Black Press The president of the B.C. Chamber of Commerce insists only a minority of businesses in Metro Vancouver object to a proposed new 0.5 per cent sales tax for transit and transportation. John Winter says fears of business flowing out of the region because of the proposed Congestion Improvement Tax have been voiced mainly in Langley, where shoppers may be tempted to go east to Abbotsford to avoid the new tax. “They’re the ones who feel they will bear the brunt,” he said, but insisted there is broad support for the Yes side in the spring referendum among business leaders elsewhere in Metro Vancouver. “The business community is solidly behind this,” Winter said, adding concerns about extra bureaucracy and costs to separately report a new sales tax are overstated. “I don’t think it’s going to be a huge problem,” Winter said. New car dealers in particular fear lost business but Winter said 0.5 per cent works out to just $200 on a $40,000 car. “I’ve never met a car dealer who wasn’t prepared to wheel and deal,” he said, predicting dealerships in places like Langley and Maple Ridge won’t sit back and let customers take their business east to the Fraser Valley over a relatively small amount. But Blair Qualey, president and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of B.C. said he wants clarity from the province on whether or not dealers will have to absorb the tax hike before his organization takes a stand on the plebiscite. “This tax could be a pretty big chunk per year for these guys if they have to swallow it to stay competitive,” Qualey said. He said that could force auto dealers to cut costs in areas such as charitable giving within the community. Even if the province charges the new 0.5 per cent tax on vehicles bought outside the region but ultimately registered within Metro Vancouver, Qualey said that may still leave questions of how it will be enforced.
John Winter, president of the B.C. Chamber of Commerce, there is broad support for the transit referendum among business leaders
If the new tax applies to car dealers, Qualey wants it also added to the sales tax charged on private car transactions. Richard Truscott, B.C. director for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, predicts a significant degree of opposition from his small business members. “I would expect there to be a fair amount to cynicism and doubt as to whether an extra half point on the PST is the right way to fund transportation improvements,” he said. Truscott said the CFIB wants greater accountability for the billions of dollars already being spent on transit and infrastructure in the region. “To turn around and ask taxpayers to fork over even more dough leaves a lot of business owners scratching their heads.” He said the federation is surveying its members on the new tax and expects to take a position in January, provided there’s enough of a majority for or against. Greg Wilson, government affairs di-
rector for B.C. for the Retail Council of Canada, said there is concern among retailers about the extra costs and reporting requirements that will come with a new separate tax. That means yet more reprogramming of point-of-sale terminals and computer systems after the creation and then repeal of the HST. “It also tends, along with everything else, to drive more traffic to the U.S.,” Wilson said. “Our members along the border are acutely aware of that.” But Wilson said he is also hearing strong support for the new tax from many retailers because of the transit and transportation improvements it would bring. “I hear as many positives as negatives,” he said. “I have a lot of members who tell me how good it will be, how it will help customers get to their stores, bring goods to their stores and bring employees to workplaces.” The Retail Council of Canada is unlikely to take a position for or against, Wilson said.
John Winter is a key member of the Yes campaign and it’s not his first time promoting a contentious tax. The president of the B.C. Chamber of Commerce fought to keep the harmonized sales tax but saw it go down to referendum defeat in 2011 with 55 per cent of voters opposed, forcing the province to reinstate the provincial sales tax. This time both Winter and anti-HST strategist Bill Tieleman are on the Yes side urging Metro residents to agree to the new tax for transit road and bridge upgrades. “It does create strange bedfellows,” Winter acknowledged, but added it underscores the broad coalition of business, labour, environmental and other groups backing the cause. He calls it a “non-partisan” common-sense issue and said he’s “very optimistic” the plebiscite will pass. Ballots go out March 16 and must be mailed back to Elections BC by May 29. The 0.5 per cent sales tax charged only in Metro Vancouver is to generate an extra $250 million a year, which combined with federal and provincial government contributions would fund $7.5 billion in transit, road and bridge upgrades. “There’s no purpose in voting No,” he said. “If people do we’re going to be stuck with the gridlock we have, only worse.” Heading the No campaign so far is Jordan Bateman of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. Bateman is seeking to tie the new tax to the unpopularity of TransLink, which is not mentioned on the mailin ballot going to referendum. Winter insists the vote should not be a referendum on TransLink and says Bateman is circulating “unfortunate misinformation” by focusing on TransLink waste. “From a voter’s perspective, this is a non-issue, a smokescreen,” Winter said, arguing money from the new tax will be restricted to funding the new projects in the mayors’ vision, with independent audits to ensure that happens. “They’re going to spend this money with handcuffs on them.” Bateman calls that “malarky” and says Winter, the mayors and other Yes campaigners are deluding themselves and voters by avoiding mention of TransLink. “The other side knows TransLink is a completely failed brand, “ he said, adding audits are no insurance. “The audits will happen after the money is spent. So congratulations, TransLink wasted more of your money and you found out after an audit.” Bateman said there are plenty of questions hanging over the referendum and whether the promised transit upgrades can actually be delivered. He promises to release an alternative plan in January to expand transit without adding the new sales tax by finding savings within TransLink and municipal government spending.
Page W4 · Richmond Review
Friday, January 2, 2015
news
SHOP LOCAL WITH IDEAL SAVINGS Take control of your oral download coupons at today…and flash health
Taxis helped clear HandyDart service jam
New Year $29/month th h
by Jeff Nagel
8 x $15 wash
60
$
120
VALUE!
Black Press
VALUE!
Membership can be shared on ANY vehicles NO credit needed - PAY AS YOU GO! R I C H M O N D 2971 SEXSMITH ROAD
AUTO WASH
604.370.5511
WWW.AUTOWASH.COM
With this coupon. Not to be used with any other offers. Expires January 31, 2015.
TransLink’s move to dispatch more taxis to carry elderly and disabled users of the HandyDart system has helped clear a huge backlog of demand for the custom transit service. Last May, TransLink earmarked an extra $1 million for taxi rides to relieve pressure on HandyDart after months of criticism from clients who said the oversubscribed service left them under virtual house arrest. The number of denied trip requests had run well over 3,000 a month up until April, but plunged to less than 100 in the summer and fall. “More people with disabilities are able to get to where they need to go,” said Merrilee Ashworth, TransLink manager of business development and contract services. She said the 98 per cent reduction in denials as of November from a year earlier was in part due to other efficiency improvements besides the extra taxi funding. “We believe our recent actions will continue benefits into 2015, and we will not see a return to the number of denials we experienced earlier in the year,” Ashworth said. The increased use of taxis has been fought by unionized HandyDart drivers as well as some passengers who argue taxi drivers are not as well trained to meet their needs. “I am strongly, strongly opposed to it,” said HandyDart user Elizabeth McKellar, adding there are too many “horror stories” about poorly trained or inconsiderate cab drivers. TransLink put some of the extra money into additional training for taxi drivers. Its latest quarterly report credits that for a reduction in taxi service complaints, although they remain far higher than the complaint lev-
New Membership M em $39/month
4 x $15 wash $
50% OFF EYE GLASSES
2015
on selected items*
FREE
Electric Toothbrush for New Patients*
Get Moving on Your New Year’s Resolution for Better Oral Health!
*Our gift to you after your checkup and cleaning.
HIGH EFFICIENCY FURNACE REBATES www.coppersmithdental.com ARE BACK!
SAVE $500 Reg. $3,999.00
Plumbing, Heating & Drainage Ltd.
CALL TODAY!
604-278-4030 • Richmond Serving the Whole Lower Mainland Even with an extra 30,000 rides offered by taxi this year, more than 95 per cent of the service is still being provided by conventional HandyDart mini-buses.
els for HandyDart. The report noted demand for HandyDart in 2014 was down compared to 2013, but said that may increase as former riders become aware that it’s now easier to get service. Ashworth said TransLink has not yet decided whether the additional funding for taxi rides will continue in 2015. Jane Dyson, executive director of Disability Alliance B.C. (formerly the B.C. Coalition of Persons with Disabilities), supports the strategy of using taxis. “We hope that they will continue to put that money into the taxi
service,” she said. Dyson said people who don’t want to take taxis don’t have to—HandyDart can still serve them—but taxis provide an efficient option for those who don’t mind them. Even with an extra 30,000 rides offered by taxi this year, more than 95 per cent of the service is still being provided by conventional HandyDart mini-buses, which are only cost-effective compared to taxis if they can pick up multiple passengers on the same route. She also applauded TransLink’s creation of a new standby system—passengers whose trip re-
quest is initially denied can go on a wait list in case of cancellations. Dyson said ride-sharing app Uber’s potential arrival in Metro Vancouver threatens to disrupt the existing taxi service that supports the HandyDart system. “The taxi industry over the last two or three years has gone to great lengths to try and improve the service, particularly for people with disabilities and seniors,” Dyson said. “Our organization is concerned about Uber. It risks undermining the important work that the community and the (taxi) industry have done together.”
Transit use down in 2014 Transit ridership is down from 2013 levels, and TransLink collected $3.2 million or 0.9 per cent less in the first nine months of 2014 as a result. According to TransLink third quarter report, the fare increase imposed in early 2013 appears to have had a longer lasting impact on ridership than expected. It notes revenue was also down in part due to the free transit day on B.C. Day to make up for SkyTrain shutdowns in July, and because of the three-week delay of the new school year due to the teachers strike.
1 LARGE
10
INCLUDES: • New Thermostat • Box Filter • Germosider • Installation by Licensed Gas Fitters & Plumbers • 20 Year Heat Exchange Warranty
Looking to make a change in 2015?
SPECIALTY PIZZA
$
.99
Let me help with a stress free and professional approach.
PLUS TAX PICK UP ONLY
$& 1 85
SALAMIN SA MATA
#355-9100 Blundell Road, Richmond 778-297-1414 • www.danyvision.com *Expiry date: January 31, 2015
All Christmas Items
50
%
OFF
“ONE OF RICHMOND’S BEST KEPT SECRETS”
Aji Taro Japanese Bistro
604-273-3838 ઔᇁ清➊⥷✄㵕
ALL YOU CAN EAT* — Over 120 items to choose from —
THE THIRD PERSON GETS
PizzFaactory */ 4 & 3 7 * / ( :0 6 4
眼 鏡 メ ガ ネ ྦ ઠ
TransLink decision to use more taxis has fans, foes
a billboard smile!
120-12020 1 20-12020 1 1ST ST A AVE VE STEVESTON VILLAGE
SEE WEBSITE FOR ALL OUR DEALS.
www.pizzafactoryrichmond.ca
50
%
W E S T M A R
604.908.2045
www.bobschmitz.net
OFF
*Excludes Super Deluxe Dinner
Bob Schmitz
Unit 101 - 4940 No. 3 Road, Richmond Open 7 days 5 pm to 2 am • www.ajitaro.ca