TransLink has committed to flying flags on its properties in Metro Vancouver at half-mast on Saturday, to mark New Democratic Party leader Jack Layton's funeral.
"There has been much well-deserved praise for Mr. Layton's qualities and achievements and dedication to public service in Canada in general," a press release from the company stated, adding, "transit users in Metro Vancouver and across the nation have benefited from his patient work behind the scenes to secure vital federal funding for TransLink and other agencies."
Layton was president of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and had a key role in establishing the federal Gas Tax Fund, which provides funding to regions so they can pay for transit improvements and supporting infrastructure, according to the release.
Money from Bill C-66 and the Gas Tax Fund helped TransLink replace and expand the fleet of buses and SkyTrain cars and build the third SeaBus.
"It's safe to say that we could not have brought in as many improvements as we have over the past six years if not for Jack Layton's work," said TransLink chief operating officer Doug Kelsey in the press release. "His Bill C-66 brought over $105 million to British Columbia for transit capital projects, and TransLink got $40.3 million of that.
"In fact, he used his party's balance of power in Parliament to make sure that funding was included in the federal budget, which shows how willing he was to use whatever influence he had for the betterment of his country and its people," Kelsey added.
