VICTORIA – The B.C. Liberals are breaking their promise to provide commuters with a practical non-tolled route over the Fraser River, forcing Surrey residents to drive further and creating increased congestion in Delta, the New Democrats said today.Harry Bains

Under questioning in the legislature from New Democrat transportation critic Harry Bains , Minister Shirley Bond said that commuters looking for a free alternative to the new Port Mann bridge will have to use the Alex Fraser.

“The B.C. Liberals promised a free alternative to the Port Mann, but the Alex Fraser is hardly a realistic alternative for many commuters from Surrey. It’s just the latest in a string of broken promises from the B.C. Liberals,” said Bains, the MLA for Surrey-Newton.

Before last year’s election, former transportation minister Kevin Falcon said that forcing commuters seeking an alternative to the Port Mann to use the Alex Fraser was “a fundamental issue of fairness for folks south of the Fraser.” Falcon, the MLA for Surrey-Cloverdale, promised to look for alternatives to help TransLink avoid putting tolls on the Patullo.Guy Gentner

“Last year Mr. Falcon said it wasn’t fair to force residents in Surrey to drive all over the city, sometimes an additional fifteen kilometres, just to get over the Fraser River. But now that the election is over, apparently it’s a different story,” said Bains.

Minister Bond tried to defend her government’s change of tune by saying that Surrey residents will be able to use the South Fraser Perimeter Road in Delta instead.

“The B.C. Liberals are now telling commuters looking for a non-tolled route to cut through Delta via the South Fraser Perimeter Road. That’s not only unfair to people from Surrey, but it also raises serious concerns for Delta residents about the impact of increased congestion and air pollution,” said Guy Gentner , MLA for Delta North.

“Once again, the B.C. Liberals are dumping on Delta. They said one thing during the election, then changed their tune, and now they’re forcing families in Delta to pay the price.”

Carole James and New Democrats are advocating for investments in transportation, including a Green Fund which would see $150 million a year of carbon tax revenue directed towards transit improvements and climate change solutions in communities across the province.

Guy Gentner

Delta North

Guy Gentner was re-elected as the MLA for Delta North on May 12, 2009. He was first elected to the Legislature May 17, 2005.

Harry Bains

Surrey-Newton

Harry Bains was elected as the MLA for Surrey Newton on May 17, 2005, and then re-elected on May 12, 2009.