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TransLink watchdog to be replaced

Term nearly up for commissioner who advises Metro Vancouver mayors, rules on transit fare hikes
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A replacement must be found for TransLink Commissioner Martin Crilly by January 2013.

The watchdog who advises the regional Mayors Council on TransLink's plans and actions wraps up his three-year term April 30, 2013 and legislation does not allow repeat terms.

The commissioner's job includes approving or rejecting fare increases beyond the rate of inflation.

Crilly this spring rejected a proposed TransLink fare increase, denying the transportation authority an extra $20 million a year, and released extensive recommendations on how TransLink should look to wring more money out of its operations.

TransLink faces a bigger budget hole because mayors are withdrawing their support for a $30 million property tax after the province refused to allow any new funding source and dispatched auditors to find savings at TransLink instead.

Various transit improvements, including express buses over the Port Mann Bridge and on King George Boulevard in Surrey, are on hold as a result.