EDITOR,
Public transit in Squamish is likely to take a 24 per cent step backwards in 2014 in order to help council balance the budget ("Transit, grants under fire in 2014 budget," Chief, Nov. 21). On the other hand, taxpayers will continue to subsidize free parking for people who own too many vehicles to fit in their driveway. Is there something wrong with this picture?
Most residential streets in Squamish have free parking on at least one side. Much of it is paved. If it gets dirty, the taxpayers send the street sweeper. If it gets snowy, the taxpayers send a snowplough. If branches from trees and shrubs intrude on it, the taxpayers have them removed.
Many of these streets don't have sidewalks, but they do have free parking. Some of these streets don't have adequate lighting, but they do have free parking.
In many places, including parts of Vancouver, a permit is required to use subsidized, street-side parking. Perhaps it is time for Squamish residents who have too many vehicles for their driveway to pay a larger share.
A $100 annual fee could allow unlimited parking in the posted areas. The revenue from the fees could be applied to public transit.
How many people in Squamish currently use the free, subsidized, street-side parking?
Fewer than 3,000 permits would cover the projected 24 per cent reduction in service and allow a slight increase in the public transit budget for 2014. Five thousand permits would allow significant growth in public transit in 2014.
Murray Gamble
Squamish
