Login / RegisterSurrey Civic Coalition plans forum on transit
Surrey residents are being offered a chance to speak their minds about the transportation problems facing the fast-growing city.
A public forum is being organized by the Surrey Civic Coalition, a local political group that failed in its effort to win any council seats in the last election.
“In Surrey there isn’t a lot of opportunity for the public to have input,” said Gary Robinson, Surrey Civic Coalition president and a former city councillor.
“The decisions are all being made around transit with the input from basically the mayors and basically TransLink,” he told the Straight by phone today (June 21). “Whatever that agenda may be is theirs, but the public needs a voice and we’re going to provide it.”
Robinson, the forum’s moderator, said key transit issues in Surrey are complaints about limited bus service, concerns about tolling on bridges, and the potential for light rail rapid transit.
However, Robinson said the forum is not focused on any specific issues and he is eager to hear what the public has to say.
The forum is to feature a panel discussion and a question-and-answer session. Panel speakers include Surrey New Democrat MLA and transportation critic Harry Bains, Gavin Davies and Balbir Mann with the Canadian Auto Workers’ union, and Steve Burke with the Surrey Citizens Transportation Initiative.
In the coming months, the Surrey Civic Coalition is also planning community forums on local bylaws, education, and the environment.
The free-admission transportation forum takes place at the City Centre Library in Surrey on June 26 at 6:30 p.m.
