Greens want free transit to combat high gas prices

The B.C. Green Party is calling on B.C.’s NDP government to make public transit free for the next four months to help people cope with the record-high gas prices.

Green leader Sonia Furstenau says it’s a concrete way to reduce expenses and provide immediate relief to the high costs of living.

“Premier Horgan said that people should take the bus because gas prices are out of reach. He can take an important step today to help British Columbians save money, and take cars off of the road,” said Furstenau.

The party leader says an average monthly bus pass costs between $85 and $181, so by making transit free for the summer, British Columbians could save up to $724.

“We recognize that for many British Columbians, an efficient transit network is not an option,” said Furstenau, the MLA for Cowichan Valley. “This government has had five years to invest in expanding public transit around the province. Instead, over and over we see the B.C. NDP promise but fail to be proactive in addressing affordability and climate change.”

Meantime, the B.C. Liberals continue to press the Horgan government to accept their three suggestions to lower gas prices for British Columbians: temporarily suspend provincial gas taxes; provide a one-time rebate through the Climate Action Tax Credit and suspend hidden ‘import’ taxes on gas brought into B.C. from Alberta.

Tom Shypitka, opposition critic for mines and low carbon innovation and MLA for Kootenay East, said in the legislature, that as prices continue to rise, British Columbians need relief now.

“We have outlined three straightforward steps that can immediately bring prices under control and provide help to make ends meet during this troubling time,” said Shypitka. “Our suggestions are a sensible course of action that will provide British Columbians the relief they deserve.”

Premier John Horgan encouraged B.C. drivers to carpool, use alternative modes of transit and “think before” they drive as ways to deal with the record-breaking gas prices at a news conference last week.

The average gas price in Vernon and Kelowna today is $1.95 per litre, while in Vancouver, it’s $2.32.

See the video clip of MLA Tom Shypitka on gas prices.