News Release - May 7, 2008

VICTORIA - Today's announcement for a bus system on the Malahat doesn't put buses on the road and is an outdated idea, say the Official Opposition.

"Not a single car will come off the Malahat as a result of today's announcement," said Malahat-Juan De Fuca MLA John Horgan. "It's another typical Campbell government announcement that leads with promise, ends in disappointment and once again fails to look at the South Island as a whole."

Horgan was responding to an announcement today for a bus system which doesn't include the necessary operating costs, does not factor in park-and-ride costs and ignores options that are popular with the commuting public.

"Population is expanding in the region and a transit plan must include a realistic look at commuter rail on the E&N corridor," said Horgan.

"A bus solution without full operating costs won't help solve the issues commuters face today," said Horgan. "I welcome buses, but without an operating agreement with local governments and no dollars to fill the driver seat, what is the point?"

The announcement today falls on the heels of yesterday's decision by the Greater Victoria Transit Commission to shelve the Douglas busway plan and instead develop a detailed plan for the Victoria region.

"Yesterday the Campbell plan for a piecemeal Douglas St. busway was canned for a regional solution," said Maurine Karagianis, Opposition transportation critic. "Today the Campbell government announces another outdated piecemeal solution, and without the full operating costs.

"These announcements are poorly thought out, and aren't ready for implementation."

Official Opposition leader Carole James and the south island Opposition MLAs have been calling on the Campbell government to develop an integrated plan for the region.

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