August 16, 2023
The Passenger Transportation Board has passed a motion to conduct a traffic congestion study in selected areas of the Lower Mainland, under section 7(1) of the Passenger Transportation Act.
The study is being undertaken as a result of concern over the potential impact of passenger transportation on road congestion, particularly in high-density urban areas like Vancouver.
Due to the need to obtain multiple samples and seasonal variations in passenger transportation, the study will be conducted over the next year, with a report anticipated in early 2025. The Board has contracted Acuere Consulting Inc. to undertake this study.
Why a congestion study?
Climate change issues are a significant priority for the government and the Board. The scale of the climate emergency demands urgent action by everyone.
Traffic congestion in the passenger transportation industry has been raised as a concern due to its potential impacts on climate change through greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In view of this concern, the Board has initiated this study to assess congestion in high traffic corridors in the Lower Mainland.
The Board further intends to undertake a full review of its regulation of the passenger transportation industry in regard to climate change. Earlier this year, the Board examined relevant legislation and programs, and it published an industry advisory in May 2023 to provide the industry with information on how they could voluntarily reduce GHG emissions.
Informing systemic decisions
The Board requires an independent and credentialed consultant to collect data on and analyze the impact of passenger transportation on congestion, particularly as it pertains to any impacts of taxi and ride-hailing. For this reason, the Board has contracted Acuere Consulting Inc. to conduct the study.