Editor,
An open letter to B.C. Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Rob Fleming,
I’m writing to you today to express my frustrations with the closure of the southbound bus lane on Highway 99. The bus lane is closed for about five kilometres from the Ladner exit to the Tsawwassen ferry exit. This lane closure is easily adding 20 to 30 minutes to my commute whenever the highway is backed up.
I appreciate that they are doing construction on the other side of the barrier, but I don’t understand why the professional bus drivers can’t still drive in it; they could make periodic lane closures if they’re actually working next to the highway instead of having it permanently blocked off. I have yet to see them working close to the highway as they are usually some distance away from the large cement barrier.
The reward of taking the bus is ruined by this seemingly unnecessary lane closure and has caused at least one person I know to go back to their car since the bus is not much faster without that lane if traffic is backed up. We waited so long for this bus lane, which improved the time of the bus commute so much, only to have it closed for construction taking place on the other side of the large cement barriers, which is so frustrating.
I am hoping that you can act to have this lane reopened, even only partially or only during morning rush hour. It would improve the commute from South Surrey/Delta for so many.
If, in fact, the goal is to encourage transit use, there has to be a benefit, and this feels like a punishment.
Thank you in advance for your attention to this matter.
Courtney So, White Rock
