Since actual annual payments are almost 3x the contractual obligation, it looks like the $400 million Sea to Sky Highway improvement project will involve payments to the private partner of $1.5 billion. And remember, the province financed one third of the project’s construction cost while the P3 financed two thirds…
Politics outranks good policy
After banking large contributions from taxi owners, governing BC Liberals had declined to change provincial rules to allow ride hailing. They also failed to ensure adequate expansion of fleet sizes. Decades of government protection of the taxi industry resulted in value of a Vancouver taxi license being worth up to $1 million. Now in opposition, Wilkinson’s Liberals, supported by BC Greens, are keen to open the market to Uber and Lyft. In my view, the non-governing parties are mistaken. In most cases, facilitating the gig economy is not good public policy. Opening doors to Uber and Lyft means traffic congestion will worsen, transit use will lessen, large sums will flow to overseas tax havens, and government revenues will reduce…
Vaughn Palmer, noted engineer and road-builder
Today, a poll from Mario Canseco’s Research Co. reported, “The governing New Democratic Party (NDP) is the top choice in British Columbia’s current political landscape…” This might explain why some scribblers in the Press Gallery are focused on rebuilding the BC Liberal brand.
Port Mann losses “unsustainable”
Since toll revenue at Port Mann has covered only 39% of operating costs, the BC Government needs to explain how it will finance existing and future shortfalls on Port Mann/Highway 1. These are growing by about $5 million a month and paying for an even more costly tunnel replacement will demand a solution. One possibility was proposed in the original Gateway Program. It contemplated: “…tolling of all bridges connecting to the Burrard Peninsula, including the Lions Gate, Ironworkers Memorial, Pitt River, Port Mann, Pattullo, Alex Fraser, Knight Street, Oak Street and Arthur Laing bridges…”
Fluid mechanics
A 2-inch pipe between 1/2-inch pipes will not increase flow but will increase costs. #bcpoli #RichmondBC #surreybc pic.twitter.com/3elfTRRLbo — Norm Farrell (@Norm_Farrell) December 19, 2015 H/T: RobS More lanes, less congestion? […]
Another fleet sunk
When financial people mention “sunk costs,” they refer to expenditures that cannot be recovered. Almost 15 years ago, BC politicians learned the investment of hundreds of millions for fast-ferries had to be […]
What next at Port Mann?
It’s time for the Liberal government to explain what might happen next. The Port Mann bridge and highway project cost $3.3 billion but we’ve seen that provided no protection from ice falls. […]
Makes me go hmmm…
The Millau Bridge, crossing the River Tarn in southern France, is the highest road bridge in the world. It is almost certainly the most beautiful, stunning from every angle. Gwen and I […]
Ice bombs inevitable
The reason for ice bombs dropping onto vehicles from the $3 Billion Port Mann bridge? Take a look. Compare the Alex Fraser bridge. On the new Port Mann, the bridge decks, east […]
Again, the non-story that mainstream media ignores
Remember when Dave Crebo, the PABster speaking for the Ministry of Transportation, insisted to Laila Yuile we pay no shadow tolls to ease the passage of snow bunnies headed for Whistler? I am […]
What the meaning of ‘is’ is, again.
The defining moment of Bill Clinton’s political career might be his statement to a grand jury, claiming he wasn’t lying about Monica Lewinsky when he said, “There’s nothing going on between us.” […]
Beyond lies, nonsense and exaggeration
From Stephen Rees’s blog, Why do I talk to the CBC?: Gordon Campbell – like most politicians – loves being on tv. He enjoys the ribbon cutting moments, and always has a […]
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