Association says election campaign provides opportunity for clear discussion about future transportation funding and what it could mean for motorists
With British Columbia in a provincial election campaign, the New Car Dealers Association of BC (NCDA) is asking each of the province’s political parties to clearly state whether it would consider mobility pricing, road-use charges or a vehicle levy as part of a future transportation funding model.
The Association is raising the issue because, prior to the election call and cancellation of the fall legislative session, there were indications the provincial government may have been examining a new approach to transportation funding in Metro Vancouver, and more specifically for TransLink.
“If mobility pricing or some other form of road-use charge is being considered, British Columbians deserve to know what is being proposed, who would pay, how much it could cost and how the revenue would be used,” said NCDA President and CEO Blair Qualey. “That discussion needs to happen openly, and we believe it’s a fair question to put to every political party.”
Qualey said there are legitimate reasons to have a broader discussion about the future of transportation funding. Vehicles are becoming increasingly fuel-efficient, more consumers are moving to zero-emission vehicles, and revenues traditionally collected through fuel taxes will change as a result.
At the same time, vehicle owners already face significant costs associated with purchasing, insuring, maintaining, operating a vehicle – along with high gasoline and diesel prices, which are putting significant pressure on consumers and businesses.
Mobility pricing is one of several issues the NCDA is asking political parties to address during the provincial election campaign. The Association is also seeking commitments to modernize the luxury vehicle tax, expand automotive trades and EV technician training, accelerate reliable fast-charging infrastructure across the province, permanently abandon the proposed PST expansion on business services, and align BC’s zero-emission vehicle policy with the federal government’s new emissions-based approach.
“Taken together, these are practical measures that can help address affordability, strengthen our automotive workforce and support a realistic transition to lower-emission transportation,” said Qualey. “We want to see all parties clearly explain how they intend to support motorists, consumers and the thousands of British Columbians who work in the automotive sector.”
