Ben ✨
@inparts.bsky.social
✨ Certified ✨ Scheduling ✨ Wizard ✨
Victoria / Vancouver BC. Opinions my own.
Victoria / Vancouver BC. Opinions my own.
Reposted by Ben ✨
While the debate over traffic calming is grabbing the headlines, Ken Sim has also proposed a much more profound—and destructive—change to the way that we plan our streets, notes Ruofan Wang.
Ken Sim's traffic plan is a death knell for safe streets - Better Columbia
Headlines about banana barriers obscure an insidious promise to permanently hobble progress on building safer streets
bettercolumbia.ca
October 8, 2026 at 1:27 AM
While the debate over traffic calming is grabbing the headlines, Ken Sim has also proposed a much more profound—and destructive—change to the way that we plan our streets, notes Ruofan Wang.
Reposted by Ben ✨
The BC NDP marked the 25th anniversary of 2001's devastating cuts to the transit networks by proposing a new round of transit funding cuts, observes Michael Hall.
The BC NDP's transit cave-in - Better Columbia
The BCNDP celebrates the 25th anniversary of transit funding cuts—by cutting transit funding, again.
bettercolumbia.ca
October 6, 2026 at 3:43 AM
The BC NDP marked the 25th anniversary of 2001's devastating cuts to the transit networks by proposing a new round of transit funding cuts, observes Michael Hall.
The intention is good but can we stop obsessing with free transit and worry about fixing the existing issues first?
A single ride costing $3 less isn't going to help someone get to a night shift job if their bus still doesn't exist after 9pm -- they will still have no choice but to pay for a car.
A single ride costing $3 less isn't going to help someone get to a night shift job if their bus still doesn't exist after 9pm -- they will still have no choice but to pay for a car.
The #BCGreenParty 's tax plan 'would require those with wealth levels above $50 million to “pay their fair share” to support items such as universal childcare, free public transit, and affordable housing':
#Canada #CDNPoli #BCPoli #VoteGreen #CostOfLivingCrisis #BCGreens
#Canada #CDNPoli #BCPoli #VoteGreen #CostOfLivingCrisis #BCGreens
NDP, Conservatives, Greens trade barbs on taxes, health care B.C. election campaign
Health care and taxes dominate the British Columbia election campaign, with the Conservatives criticizing the NDP’s record, while the Greens panned a New Democrat taxation plan.
cheknews.ca
October 6, 2026 at 4:57 AM
The intention is good but can we stop obsessing with free transit and worry about fixing the existing issues first?
A single ride costing $3 less isn't going to help someone get to a night shift job if their bus still doesn't exist after 9pm -- they will still have no choice but to pay for a car.
A single ride costing $3 less isn't going to help someone get to a night shift job if their bus still doesn't exist after 9pm -- they will still have no choice but to pay for a car.
Almost everyone says they support transit.
Actions say otherwise, and lip service means basically nothing.
The BCNDP this term has no positive record at all on transit, and while the onus is on them to prove that they intend to do any differently, there doesn't seem to be any urgency to do so.
Actions say otherwise, and lip service means basically nothing.
The BCNDP this term has no positive record at all on transit, and while the onus is on them to prove that they intend to do any differently, there doesn't seem to be any urgency to do so.
On Friday it took David Eby just 2 hours and 13 minutes to cave-in on TransLink's long awaited new revenue tool.
This also marks the 25th anniversary of Mike Farnworth and the NDP axing a vehicle levy in 2001, and losing that year's election 77-2.
This also marks the 25th anniversary of Mike Farnworth and the NDP axing a vehicle levy in 2001, and losing that year's election 77-2.
The BC NDP's transit cave-in - Better Columbia
The BCNDP celebrates the 25th anniversary of transit funding cuts—by cutting transit funding, again.
bettercolumbia.ca
October 4, 2026 at 7:35 PM
Almost everyone says they support transit.
Actions say otherwise, and lip service means basically nothing.
The BCNDP this term has no positive record at all on transit, and while the onus is on them to prove that they intend to do any differently, there doesn't seem to be any urgency to do so.
Actions say otherwise, and lip service means basically nothing.
The BCNDP this term has no positive record at all on transit, and while the onus is on them to prove that they intend to do any differently, there doesn't seem to be any urgency to do so.
Reposted by Ben ✨
We analyzed some of Ford’s most controversial Toronto decisions and found they all target safe opposition ridings.
Under first-past-the-post, unneeded ridings get sacrificed.
Proportional representation ensures votes everywhere build seats, so no community can be steamrolled.
Under first-past-the-post, unneeded ridings get sacrificed.
Proportional representation ensures votes everywhere build seats, so no community can be steamrolled.
October 3, 2026 at 2:00 PM
We analyzed some of Ford’s most controversial Toronto decisions and found they all target safe opposition ridings.
Under first-past-the-post, unneeded ridings get sacrificed.
Proportional representation ensures votes everywhere build seats, so no community can be steamrolled.
Under first-past-the-post, unneeded ridings get sacrificed.
Proportional representation ensures votes everywhere build seats, so no community can be steamrolled.
This is probably the straw that broke the camel's back for me.
After a long list of broken 2024 election promises for transit, and now publicly announcing an intention to let TransLink fiscal cliff (at this point the onus is on the NDP to prove otherwise), I can't bring myself to vote NDP again.
After a long list of broken 2024 election promises for transit, and now publicly announcing an intention to let TransLink fiscal cliff (at this point the onus is on the NDP to prove otherwise), I can't bring myself to vote NDP again.
Elections have a way of clarifying who matters to political parties (car owners) and whose priorities can wait for another day (transit advocates).
My dispatch from Day 1 on David Eby’s four day mid-election road trip.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
My dispatch from Day 1 on David Eby’s four day mid-election road trip.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
ANALYSIS | Eby puts needs of car owners ahead of transit advocates in ruling out Metro Vancouver vehicle levy | CBC News
For the last 18 months, a vehicle levy has been talked about by TransLink as a potential way to create a more sustainable funding model, as revenue from fuel taxes continues to decline. But all that w...
www.cbc.ca
October 3, 2026 at 1:27 AM
This is probably the straw that broke the camel's back for me.
After a long list of broken 2024 election promises for transit, and now publicly announcing an intention to let TransLink fiscal cliff (at this point the onus is on the NDP to prove otherwise), I can't bring myself to vote NDP again.
After a long list of broken 2024 election promises for transit, and now publicly announcing an intention to let TransLink fiscal cliff (at this point the onus is on the NDP to prove otherwise), I can't bring myself to vote NDP again.
Reposted by Ben ✨
vtpi.org/ccrs.pdf
"Traffic congestion is frustrating and wasteful, but misguided solutions are even worse".
So of course we must immediately proceed with more misguided solutions such as giving more price incentives towards driving and kill off every other mode while we're at it.
"Traffic congestion is frustrating and wasteful, but misguided solutions are even worse".
So of course we must immediately proceed with more misguided solutions such as giving more price incentives towards driving and kill off every other mode while we're at it.
vtpi.org
October 2, 2026 at 7:55 PM
vtpi.org/ccrs.pdf
"Traffic congestion is frustrating and wasteful, but misguided solutions are even worse".
So of course we must immediately proceed with more misguided solutions such as giving more price incentives towards driving and kill off every other mode while we're at it.
"Traffic congestion is frustrating and wasteful, but misguided solutions are even worse".
So of course we must immediately proceed with more misguided solutions such as giving more price incentives towards driving and kill off every other mode while we're at it.
Reposted by Ben ✨
This morning, both the BC Conservatives and the BC NDP ruled out a vehicle levy to fund public transit in Metro Vancouver. This despite the vehicle levy being commonly used in other cities, including Montreal, Seattle, and the bustling metropolis of Gatineau, Quebec.
October 2, 2026 at 7:38 PM
This morning, both the BC Conservatives and the BC NDP ruled out a vehicle levy to fund public transit in Metro Vancouver. This despite the vehicle levy being commonly used in other cities, including Montreal, Seattle, and the bustling metropolis of Gatineau, Quebec.
Reposted by Ben ✨
BC Conservatives manufacturing outrage about *checks notes* a plan to prevent transit service being cut by more than 50% which the BCNDP immediately then folds on because they're allergic to actually helping people
The Conservatives are calling a potential annual vehicle levy in Metro Vancouver a “secret plan” based on tweets by Jas Johal today.
But it’s not a secret, because I first reported this was the likely option 18 months ago, and nothing has changed to make me update my reporting.
But it’s not a secret, because I first reported this was the likely option 18 months ago, and nothing has changed to make me update my reporting.
October 2, 2026 at 6:35 PM
BC Conservatives manufacturing outrage about *checks notes* a plan to prevent transit service being cut by more than 50% which the BCNDP immediately then folds on because they're allergic to actually helping people
Reposted by Ben ✨
More money for drivers, less money for transit. Our "progressive" government hard at work.
October 2, 2026 at 5:56 PM
More money for drivers, less money for transit. Our "progressive" government hard at work.
x.com/bcndp/status...
Between this and the BC Cons already promising zero tax increases, TransLink's impending fiscal cliff is now ever closer to reality. No one has a credible plan, nor credible intentions to come up with a plan, to avoid a devastating 50% cut.
www.translink.ca/-/media/tran...
Between this and the BC Cons already promising zero tax increases, TransLink's impending fiscal cliff is now ever closer to reality. No one has a credible plan, nor credible intentions to come up with a plan, to avoid a devastating 50% cut.
www.translink.ca/-/media/tran...
BC NDP (@bcndp) on X
Statement from BC NDP Leader David Eby: "Metro Vancouver mayors have told us they need a sustainable funding path for Translink and there have been a number of options discussed as part of that work. ...
x.com
October 2, 2026 at 5:52 PM
x.com/bcndp/status...
Between this and the BC Cons already promising zero tax increases, TransLink's impending fiscal cliff is now ever closer to reality. No one has a credible plan, nor credible intentions to come up with a plan, to avoid a devastating 50% cut.
www.translink.ca/-/media/tran...
Between this and the BC Cons already promising zero tax increases, TransLink's impending fiscal cliff is now ever closer to reality. No one has a credible plan, nor credible intentions to come up with a plan, to avoid a devastating 50% cut.
www.translink.ca/-/media/tran...
Reposted by Ben ✨
READ: If you haven’t seen this yet, please take a look. Motonormativity ("car brain") is a bias that stops people from making rational judgements about driving. This study co-authored by @ianwalker.bsky.social looks at where this bias comes from & how it works.
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
October 1, 2026 at 5:41 AM
READ: If you haven’t seen this yet, please take a look. Motonormativity ("car brain") is a bias that stops people from making rational judgements about driving. This study co-authored by @ianwalker.bsky.social looks at where this bias comes from & how it works.
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Sometimes I'm jealous of how good Vancouver has it when even TEAM of all slates is putting out some pro-transit messaging.
"Every candidate says they love transit" is not a luxury we have in Victoria. Look at how much traction ripping out and HOV'ing the only bus lane in the region is getting. #yyj
"Every candidate says they love transit" is not a luxury we have in Victoria. Look at how much traction ripping out and HOV'ing the only bus lane in the region is getting. #yyj
September 28, 2026 at 7:01 PM
Sometimes I'm jealous of how good Vancouver has it when even TEAM of all slates is putting out some pro-transit messaging.
"Every candidate says they love transit" is not a luxury we have in Victoria. Look at how much traction ripping out and HOV'ing the only bus lane in the region is getting. #yyj
"Every candidate says they love transit" is not a luxury we have in Victoria. Look at how much traction ripping out and HOV'ing the only bus lane in the region is getting. #yyj
So what's on the chopping block? Or rather, a better question might be, what *isn't* on the chopping block?
September 27, 2026 at 10:15 PM
So what's on the chopping block? Or rather, a better question might be, what *isn't* on the chopping block?
The BCNDP may be paying lip service at best and not actually doing anything meaningful to benefit transit, but the alternative is a party running candidates that have an active track record of being transit hostile and having done actual harm
September 27, 2026 at 9:52 PM
The BCNDP may be paying lip service at best and not actually doing anything meaningful to benefit transit, but the alternative is a party running candidates that have an active track record of being transit hostile and having done actual harm
Reposted by Ben ✨
A British Columbia election is coming. I’m able to separate my anger at BC Premier David Eby for calling an early election, and in general for the bad decisions that have greatly frustrated me, from my absolute certainty that the far right extremist BC Conservative Party would be much, MUCH worse.
September 27, 2026 at 3:57 AM
A British Columbia election is coming. I’m able to separate my anger at BC Premier David Eby for calling an early election, and in general for the bad decisions that have greatly frustrated me, from my absolute certainty that the far right extremist BC Conservative Party would be much, MUCH worse.
Victoria Transit runs some 2.5x as many service hours, peak buses, and ridership compared to Saskatoon -- where's our Downtown bus lane?
If Saskatoon can have bus lanes downtown, why can't we? #yyj #bctransit
September 26, 2026 at 4:52 AM
Victoria Transit runs some 2.5x as many service hours, peak buses, and ridership compared to Saskatoon -- where's our Downtown bus lane?
So I guess Eby is just deciding to let the far right nutjobs that picked KLF decide the next premier - the BC Cons can say whatever they want, I'm not believing for a second that a 2/3 majority of the same members that voted in KLF are going to vote to keep Doerkson over a different far right nutjob
Two days after BC NDP leader David Eby decided to call a snap election, his party is six points behind the opposition BC Conservatives in initial vote intent, according to the Angus Reid Institute
Ballot Backlash: BC Conservatives open 8-point lead after snap election call, but electorate far from locked in - Angus Reid Institute Canada
[wpcode id="85582"]
angusreid.org
September 24, 2026 at 7:33 PM
So I guess Eby is just deciding to let the far right nutjobs that picked KLF decide the next premier - the BC Cons can say whatever they want, I'm not believing for a second that a 2/3 majority of the same members that voted in KLF are going to vote to keep Doerkson over a different far right nutjob
vicnews.com/2026/09/22/v...
"Scrap all bus lane plans, HOV the only existing bus lane in the region, and make every stop a pullout so cars aren't waiting for buses"
Deeply unserious. All runtimes will blow up overnight and force immediate *deep* service cuts (think ~25% of peak service). #yyj
"Scrap all bus lane plans, HOV the only existing bus lane in the region, and make every stop a pullout so cars aren't waiting for buses"
Deeply unserious. All runtimes will blow up overnight and force immediate *deep* service cuts (think ~25% of peak service). #yyj
Victoria businesses call for a pause, shift on bus-only lanes - Victoria News
Douglas Street transit lanes create 'faster, easier commutes' according to BC Transit
vicnews.com
September 22, 2026 at 6:01 PM
vicnews.com/2026/09/22/v...
"Scrap all bus lane plans, HOV the only existing bus lane in the region, and make every stop a pullout so cars aren't waiting for buses"
Deeply unserious. All runtimes will blow up overnight and force immediate *deep* service cuts (think ~25% of peak service). #yyj
"Scrap all bus lane plans, HOV the only existing bus lane in the region, and make every stop a pullout so cars aren't waiting for buses"
Deeply unserious. All runtimes will blow up overnight and force immediate *deep* service cuts (think ~25% of peak service). #yyj
free health care is cool and all but it should not be normal for it to take 10 hours to see a doctor in the ER
September 21, 2026 at 1:04 PM
free health care is cool and all but it should not be normal for it to take 10 hours to see a doctor in the ER
I probably deserved it for trying to make a 0 min 310-620 connection and then getting done in by that damn McDonalds stop but isn't it kind of a problem that the 310 and 640 are both half hourly and both scheduled to miss the last 620 to each ferry by 0 to 3 minutes
September 20, 2026 at 10:01 PM
I probably deserved it for trying to make a 0 min 310-620 connection and then getting done in by that damn McDonalds stop but isn't it kind of a problem that the 310 and 640 are both half hourly and both scheduled to miss the last 620 to each ferry by 0 to 3 minutes
Reposted by Ben ✨
I'm really mad about this decision and decided to elaborate on my thoughts in a long-form blog post. If a judge doesn't overrule the chief electoral officer's stance, the next council can and must take matters into its own hands and order the city clerk to cease enforcing this racist policy.
The City of Vancouver's election rules that prevent racialized candidates from standing on the ballot under their birth names is racially disparate and reflects a double standard rooted in cultural chauvinism, argues Ruofan Wang.
Vancouver's ballot naming rules are racially discriminatory - Better Columbia
The City of Vancouver's rule against Chinese names on ballots is racially disparate and reflects a double standard rooted in chauvinism.
bettercolumbia.ca
September 17, 2026 at 8:27 AM
I'm really mad about this decision and decided to elaborate on my thoughts in a long-form blog post. If a judge doesn't overrule the chief electoral officer's stance, the next council can and must take matters into its own hands and order the city clerk to cease enforcing this racist policy.
www.canada.ca/en/pacific-e...
Why do we insist on continuing to burn money studying a useless corridor that some intern at wsp had to hard fudge the numbers for to make it look remotely competitive, and not the corridor that local transit staff and experts had been recommending for *decades* #yyj
Why do we insist on continuing to burn money studying a useless corridor that some intern at wsp had to hard fudge the numbers for to make it look remotely competitive, and not the corridor that local transit staff and experts had been recommending for *decades* #yyj
Government of Canada announcing Build Communities Strong Fund investment in greater Victoria rail project - Canada.ca
PacifiCan will announce funding in Esquimalt, B.C. through the Local Impact Stream of the Build Communities Strong Fund.
www.canada.ca
September 16, 2026 at 3:58 AM
www.canada.ca/en/pacific-e...
Why do we insist on continuing to burn money studying a useless corridor that some intern at wsp had to hard fudge the numbers for to make it look remotely competitive, and not the corridor that local transit staff and experts had been recommending for *decades* #yyj
Why do we insist on continuing to burn money studying a useless corridor that some intern at wsp had to hard fudge the numbers for to make it look remotely competitive, and not the corridor that local transit staff and experts had been recommending for *decades* #yyj
where are our witches and wizards when we need them most
Mayor Wilson Accused of Being Witch After Making Both Route 8 Bus and Denny Car Traffic Faster: tinyurl.com/36wtxy7u
September 11, 2026 at 5:54 AM
where are our witches and wizards when we need them most