Sunday, September 29, 2013

Observations (& confessions) of a - #CompassBetaTester

I have been an active user of my compass test card over the past 3 weeks and look forward to the official roll-out.  I must admit, however, that I did miss some taps, usually on crowded buses when exiting, and mainly when I was on an unfamiliar route.

Some Observations:

1 - It would be nice to have a hole in the card so I can place it on my key ring (which is where my Yearly Pass (which came with a hole) currently resides.  Considering the cards have passed their "test" and are no longer "virgins", it is time for them to be de-flowered - and grow-up !

2 - It would be nice if the colour of the Green box changed (possibly to a blue or white screen), especially on the buses, indicating all is well and displaying the "Proceed", as it would be quicker to read rather than it staying green.  I understand the red colour should still be reserved for error messages.

3 - I was happy to test the Faregates as well, which are similar to other gate systems I have used.  I believe the gates (at least in the beginning) will help people remember to use their compass card, but beyond that they will tend to slow people down.  As a matter of fact, just seeing other people use their compass card will serve to remind others to use theirs, and once people are used to it, the task will be second nature like it is elsewhere.

Now that I have used the Faregates I can confirm my opinion of them regarding how effective I think they will be in preventing fare evasion.  Fare evasion is currently estimated to be only about 5% of total ridership and is mainly carried out by poor people or drug addicts, who simply do not have the money to pay for fares.

Like similar gate systems I have used elsewhere the gates are easy to defeat, and will only be cumbersome for paying users, not evaders. The cost of the gates and their on-going maintenance will not reduce fare-evasion sufficiently to justify their cost.  This otherwise wasted money should be used for other things.  The problem of Poverty and Crime can not be solved through the use of metal bars.

Former CEO of TransLink, old teddy bear Tom Prendergast even stated before the decision was made on Faregates that Faregates themselves were not necessary and that the smartcards could work without them.  People should have listened to him.

A better and more effective option to reduce fare-evasion would be to give rewards to people for using their compass smartcard... To be fair to all users, it could work on a random basis so that every time a person used their card they would have a chance to win something (free fare, wellness credits, translink dollars, etc.).

Poor people and Drug addicts could be rewarded by being enrolled in programs to help turn their lives around and in this way eliminate these problems once and for all, rather than making them worse though wasting money on hospital visits and jails.  Avoiding problems needs to be just as important as solving them.  This is not about compassion, its about common sense and promoting healthy lifestyles.

The first step to "Building Utopia" is wanting it, the next step is to reward those who help create it.

To the Journey !

Best regards,
Rick

Saturday, July 27, 2013

COPY - EMail Reply from new BC Transportation Minister - Todd Stone

217723 - TransLink

Transportation, Minister TRAN:EX via rickorser.ca 
Jul 26, 2013
to rickOfficeHLTH
rick@rickorser.ca

217723 - TransLink

Dear Rick:

Thank you for your e-mail of June 11, 2013, offering your congratulations on my appointment as Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.

I appreciate your kind words about my appointment, and thank you for sharing your ideas on funding for TransLink and your Wellness Hub concept with me. I am glad to see you continue to discuss your proposal with the Mayors' Council on Regional Transportation and TransLink.

Thank you again for taking the time to write.

Sincerely,

Todd Stone
Minister

Copy to:        Premier Christy Clark

                Honourable Terry Lake
                Minister of Health
                MLA, Kamloops-North Thompson


---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Rick Orser <rick@rickorser.ca>
To: "Transportation, Minister TRAN:EX" <Minister.Transportation@gov.bc.ca>
Cc: "Minister, HLTH HLTH:EX" <HLTH.Minister@gov.bc.ca>, Richard Walton <rwalton@dnv.org>, Wayne Wright <wwright@newwestcity.ca>, "OfficeofthePremier, Office PREM:EX" <Premier@gov.bc.ca>, TransLink Board <board@translink.bc.ca>
Date: Tue, 11 Jun 2013 16:18:07 -0700
Subject: 217723 Solution for TransLinks Funding Problem - and creating a heaven on earth
c/o Honourable Todd Stone
BC Government Minister of Transportation

Dear Todd,

Congratulations on your appointment as BC Minister of Transportation.  Below is a copy of an email regarding the discussions I have been having with TransLink, the Mayors Council and the BC Government regarding my TransLink Wellness-Hub proposal.  These discussions have been taking place now since 2009 and interest is - building..... especially as implementation of the new Compass Cards nears....

Unlike most new Transit funding options, my proposal is not dependent on new government funding - at least not at the pilot-project stage - as businesses and participants would provide the initial funding.  Not only that but on-going funding from government would be dependent on scientifically-proven cost-saving to government... in other words dependent on saving the government money it would otherwise need to spend anyway....

I am hoping your experience in the technology sector as well as dealings with ICBC will help you understand and appreciate my ideas, which I would be happy to discuss with you personally, at your convenience.

Yours sincerely,
Rick
http://bcwellnesshub.ca/

==================================================

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Richard Walton, Mayor <waltonr@dnv.org<mailto:waltonr@dnv.org>>
Date: Wed, May 8, 2013 at 11:10 AM
Subject: RE: Solution for TransLinks Funding Problem - and creating a heaven on earth
To: Rick Orser <rick@rickorser.ca<mailto:rick@rickorser.ca>>

Thanks for your thoughts, Rick….certainly agree with many of your points…..I am in Sweden next week having a detailed look at their congestion pricing system, trying to determine what works and what doesn’t. These are very complex problems and we will never solve them without working closely together at all levels of government to solve them. The current practice of adversarial engagement flowing from hostility in the Legislature is very counterproductive…..thanks for your thoughts, now and in the future….RW

From: rick8765@gmail.com<mailto:rick8765@gmail.com> [mailto:rick8765@gmail.com<mailto:rick8765@gmail.com>] On Behalf Of Rick Orser
Sent: Monday, May 06, 2013 9:05 PM
To: Richard Walton, Mayor
Cc: Wayne Wright; Peter Ladner
Subject: Fwd: Solution for TransLinks Funding Problem - and creating a heaven on earth

 Hi Richard,

 COPY of EMail, as requested.  I copied Wayne & Peter on this email as well.

Regardless of who wins the May 14th election, the problems facing Transit Funding will remain....  I am looking forward to hear more about the NDP's Carbon (tax) funding ideas but I think more options need to be on the table in order to spread the costs around and improve fairness.

The "best" solution of course is one realized through innovation where everyone can benefit though improved efficiency, and that is where Road-Pricing (for cars) and SmartCards (for public transit) come in....

See below for further details...

Thanks,
Rick

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Rick Orser <rick.orser@bcwellnesshub.ca<mailto:rick.orser@bcwellnesshub.ca>>
Date: Sun, Feb 24, 2013 at 7:57 PM
Subject: Solution for TransLinks Funding Problem - and creating a heaven on earth
To: Richard Walton <rwalton@dnv.org<mailto:rwalton@dnv.org>>
Cc: TransLink Board <board@translink.bc.ca<mailto:board@translink.bc.ca>>, BC-Premier <premier@gov.bc.ca<mailto:premier@gov.bc.ca>>, BC-Min-Transportation <Minister.Transportation@gov.bc.ca<mailto:Minister.Transportation@gov.bc.ca>>,health.minister@gov.bc.ca<mailto:health.minister@gov.bc.ca>, Ian Jarvis <ian.jarvis@translink.ca<mailto:ian.jarvis@translink.ca>>, GetOnBoardBC-director <director@getonboardbc.ca<mailto:director@getonboardbc.ca>>, Gordon Price <price@sfu.ca<mailto:price@sfu.ca>>, Iain Black <ceo@boardoftrade.com<mailto:ceo@boardoftrade.com>>, "Dr. Lawrence Frank" <ldfrank@exchange.ubc.ca<mailto:ldfrank@exchange.ubc.ca>>, Peter Ladner <peter@peterladner.ca<mailto:peter@peterladner.ca>>, Dianne Watts <dlwatts@surrey.ca<mailto:dlwatts@surrey.ca>>, Wayne Wright <wwright@newwestcity.ca<mailto:wwright@newwestcity.ca>>,cao@langleycity.ca<mailto:cao@langleycity.ca>, ckeating@cnv.org<mailto:ckeating@cnv.org>, dwalters@pittmeadows.bc.ca<mailto:dwalters@pittmeadows.bc.ca>,edaykin@mapleridge.ca<mailto:edaykin@mapleridge.ca>, kbaird@tsawwassenfirstnation.com<mailto:kbaird@tsawwassenfirstnation.com>, mayor.corrigan@burnaby.ca<mailto:mayor.corrigan@burnaby.ca>, mayor@corp.delta.bc.ca<mailto:mayor@corp.delta.bc.ca>, mayorea@richmond.ca<mailto:mayorea@richmond.ca>, Mike Clay <mclay@portmoody.ca<mailto:mclay@portmoody.ca>>, msmith@westvancouver.ca<mailto:msmith@westvancouver.ca>, Richard Stewart <rstewart@coquitlam.ca<mailto:rstewart@coquitlam.ca>>, wbaldwin@whiterockcity.ca<mailto:wbaldwin@whiterockcity.ca>, Faye Wightman <fayew@vancouverfoundation.ca<mailto:fayew@vancouverfoundation.ca>>, United Way <info@unitedway.ca<mailto:info@unitedway.ca>>, Adriane Carr <clrcarr@vancouver.ca<mailto:clrcarr@vancouver.ca>>, Andrea Reimer <clrreimer@vancouver.ca<mailto:clrreimer@vancouver.ca>>, Elizabeth Ball <clrball@vancouver.ca<mailto:clrball@vancouver.ca>>, Geoff Meggs <clrmeggs@vancouver.ca<mailto:clrmeggs@vancouver.ca>>, George Affleck <clraffleck@vancouver.ca<mailto:clraffleck@vancouver.ca>>, Gregor Robertson <gregor.robertson@vancouver.ca<mailto:gregor.robertson@vancouver.ca>>, Heather Deal <clrdeal@vancouver.ca<mailto:clrdeal@vancouver.ca>>, Kerry Jang <clrjang@vancouver.ca<mailto:clrjang@vancouver.ca>>, Raymond Louie <clrlouie@vancouver.ca<mailto:clrlouie@vancouver.ca>>, Tim Stevenson <clrstevenson@vancouver.ca<mailto:clrstevenson@vancouver.ca>>, Tony Tang <clrtang@vancouver.ca<mailto:clrtang@vancouver.ca>>, Sandy Garossino <sgarossino@gmail.com<mailto:sgarossino@gmail.com>>, presidentsoffice@jibc.ca<mailto:presidentsoffice@jibc.ca>, info@translinkcommission.org<mailto:info@translinkcommission.org>


Mr. Richard Walton, Chair,
TransLink Mayors Council
North Vancouver, BC Canada

Dear Mr. Walton,

Hasn't it been interesting to see just how much TransLink has been able to save when they wanted to ?  Sort of like turning lemons into lemonade... Allow me to comment on where I think TransLink should go from here, starting by responding to the recent updated revenue generating proposals that you and the Mayors Council have presented to TransLink and the BC Government.

REGIONAL PROVINCIAL SALES TAX (R-PST)

NO - this is a non-starter, there is no correlation between the PST and road use and taxpayers feel like they are being over-taxed already.

REGIONAL CARBON-TAX

NO - there are still a lot of questions regarding how well this tax is working at the Provincial Level and how fair it is.... Besides, TransLink is already benefiting from subsidies for hydrogen and natural gas powered buses for example, and I do not see what else TransLink can do to reduce its carbon footprint from what it has already been doing - and should be doing.

LAND VALUE CAPTURE

YES - this is good to do for the long-term as long as TransLink is not forced to sell off its land in order to pay for short-term obligations.

REGIONAL ROAD PRICING

YES - this is the most equitable solution, as it is only fair that those who use the roads should pay for the roads. The sooner this can be implemented the better in order to finally solve TransLinks funding problems for the long-term.

REGIONAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION FEE

YES - although this option has already been tried and soundly rejected three times, I believe it is still viable as it at least correlates with road-use.  It is simply a question of compromise and creating value and fairness.  I agree with the BC Liberals that whatever options are recommended need to be acceptable to the majority of taxpayers (voters).  Especially in an election year.... The NDP is in a similar predicament... Mayors (& Councillors) would also be wise to keep voter sentiment in mind as well... especially if the Provincial Government decides to "wash its hands" of TransLink Funding and allows the Mayors (& Councillors) to decide...

Taxpayers are tired of TransLink trying to shove more taxes and fees down their throats without getting any perceived benefit in return. TransLink needs to show taxpayers, the majority of whom drive and rarely use public transit anyway, that whatever additional taxes or fees it recommends are going to deliver - real value - to them.  Of course TransLink looks after the roads as well as Public Transit, but the public does not seem to understand or appreciate this... especially when it comes to fixing pot-holes for example, which is the City's responsibility... More education needs to be done by TransLink in this regard in terms of what it does for roads.

Value-Proposition -

Problem - Too many cars on clogged streets (rated some of the most congested in North America) and half empty buses.

Solution - Get more drivers to take public transit instead of driving (at least for some trips).

The way to do this would be to create an incentive for drivers to take public transit by giving them free transit.  Why burn gas and get frustrated in traffic when you can just take the bus ?

One way to do this would be to give drivers 50% of the value of a Regional Vehicle Registration Fee back to them in the form of a credit on a SmartCard they register for.   When drivers pay their Regional Vehicle Registration Fee they could be given a coupon code to use when registering for a SmartCard.  This credit would last for one year giving them an incentive to use it or lose it.

Additional incentives (to get drivers out of their cars and reduce road congestion) could be a lottery that would fully reimburse drivers for a full year of their vehicle insurance.  The lottery would work through the use of their SmartCard, every time a driver used their SmartCard they would randomly have a chance to win.

Ideally, the lottery option would work in the second year of the Regional Vehicle Registration Fee and use any unused funds that were not used by drivers to take transit in the first year. The lottery winnings could also be applied as a credit to a drivers SmardCard but have no expiry date.

Other options are also possible... as long as they reward drivers for taking transit... and reducing road congestion...

TRANSLINK WELLNESS-HUB

YES - Scientifically-Proven, Incentive-Based, SmartCard-Enabled.

Value-Proposition -

Problem - Too many people developing health problems due mainly to a lack of exercise.

Solution - Develop incentives that will encourage people to exercise more. Taking transit solves many problems at the same time.

It requires people to exercise (by walking to the bus stop for example), as well as enables them to travel without the stress of driving, burning gas or causing air pollution.

Activities that improve health can be scientifically-proven to save dollars, healthcare-dollars... by avoiding the need to spend on treating bad health... Studies have shown that for every dollar spent on wellness, many dollars are saved in the form of improved health and reduced healthcare costs...

Revenue can be generated for TransLink by paying TransLink for helping to improve peoples health and reducing health-care costs. Stress induced mental illness for example, can also lead to crime. Reducing stress and mental illness can help reduce crime and crime-care costs.

See my proposal and campaign which I have been talking to TransLink and the BC Government about since 2009. http://bcwellnesshub.ca/

Upfront costs for a TransLink Wellness-Hub Pilot Project to try this out could come from three sources who would have the know-how, commitment and enthusiasm to make it work:

1) Non-Profit Organizations - particularly ones involved in health issues.

2) Businesses - particularly ones who provide health and wellness products and services.

3) Transit Users - who would like to participate in a Wellness Program and help get this going.

Revenue for TransLink would come from the BC Government, but with a benefit to taxpayers in that government would only pay for results based on scientifically-proven healthcare cost savings.

But no-one is going to commit unless they know TransLink is interested, which has so far not been the case....

PARKS, RECREATION & FITNESS

In the name of Wellness, Community Centres need to be upgraded and enhanced, not cut-back on or enduring cash grabs.
 - A TransLink Wellness-Hub could play a role in helping to enhance community centres, and be rewarded for doing so...

CRIME & VICE-INDUSTRIES

I am in agreement with the growing movement supporting evidence-based (http://evidencenetwork.ca/) sensible-solutions (http://sensiblebc.ca/) in dealing with the "vice" industries and other social ills.
 - A TransLink Wellness-Hub could play an important role in helping to mitigate the harmful effects of "Vice" and the crime that accompanies it, and be rewarded for doing so...

FARE-GATES

Historically, TransLink has not been in favour of Fare-Gates because the cost of fare-gates could not be justified based on the low fare-evasion rates (typically under 5%) which Skytrain has experienced since it was built in 1986. The fact is that most Skytrain users are also bus users and fares are already checked on the buses by bus drivers.

The Skytrain users that do not pay fares are typically poor people (including drug addicts, mentally ill, criminals, etc.) who, in many cases do not even pay when they get on a bus (with the bus driver sitting right there) either... Do you honestly believe that  flimsy (limp-biscuit) mechanical fare-gates are going to change this ?

Keep in mind also that many poor people collect welfare but don't have enough for transit, so taxpayers are essentially paying them to conduct fare-evasion. These fare-evading poor people are also "chased-around" by highly-paid Transit Police who waste time writing tickets that will never be paid.

Once fare-paying Skytrain users see that the fare-gates are not working, ie: not doing as advertised in terms of stopping fare-evaders.... they are not going to be happy... As a matter of fact they might even compare the fare-gates to the Fast-Ferry Fiasco... and we all know how that turned out...

A better option would be to REWARD Fare-Paying travelers by giving them a chance to WIN something every time they use their Smart-Card, thus not only encouraging people to use a Smart-Card but also encouraging them to use Public-Transit and reduce Road-Congestion.

A TransLink Wellness-Hub would not only help alleviate dissatisfaction with fare-gates, but ultimately (through wellness) be able to help the poor - as well - and be able to "fix" fare-evasion for good... once an for all....

HISTORY - FUTURE

Early in my discussions with TransLink regarding the Wellness-Hub, I received an email reply from Gordon Campbell in his position as Premier who appreciated my idea but did not seem to think it was doable.... as well as former Premier Glen Clark in his position with the Jim Pattison Group who appreciated me thinking of him and did not think my idea was not doable but unfortunately did not have time to help out.

In fairness to the BC Liberals, the NDP under Glen Clark were also in favour of Fare-Gates... but like the BC Liberals more for reasons of Political Perception rather than for (workable) Scientific Facts.

I am not giving up on the BC Liberals in terms of them doing something in this area and the more Ministers I hear from the more they seem to be coming around to understanding what I am talking about and maybe wanting to do something....

I have not traditionally been a supporter of the NDP as I do not like "boondoggles" or government debt... but if the NDP is elected in May it will at least be an opportunity for them to change their ways...

TECHNICAL SOLUTION TO A SOCIAL PROBLEM - and creating a "heaven on earth"

Fans of Start Trek understand and appreciate the amazing things that are (and might be) possible with technology, but they also understand that it is ultimately the social dynamic that often makes such things possible.

Is it possible to create a "Heaven on Earth" ?   We will never know if we don't try.
 - Consider the TransLink Wellness-Hub an opportunity to - try....
 - Its not every day one gets the chance to create a - heaven on earth - consider this your opportunity...

To the Journey !

Thank-you, sincerely,

Rick
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rick Orser, Vancouver
E: rick.orser@bcwellnesshub.ca
P: 604-325-0725

Sunday, June 9, 2013

Fwd: Keep heroin out of our backyards

COPY of Reply to email from Conservative Party of Canada:

The Conservatives seem to be doing a good job on the Economic side of the equation, but are definitely lacking on the Social side...  Hopefully I can help them in this regard....
 

From: "RICK ORSER"
To: "Jenni Byrne, Conservative Party of Canada" <jenni.byrne@conservative.ca>
Sent: Thursday, June 6, 2013 12:38:39 PM
Subject: Re: Keep heroin out of our backyards

Hi Jenni,

I am already stepping on "needles" and other drug paraphernalia in my "neighbourhood" !  

It's "high" time facilities be established to get drug activity off the street where users can have the opportunity to seek - REHABILITATION - otherwise this problem will never be solved.

Yes, by all means set-up a "drug consumption" site in my neighbourhood - and all others !

 Ideally, PREVENTION is the best solution, see my campaign to help with this - http://bcwellnesshub.ca/

Thanks,
Rick


From: "Jenni Byrne, Conservative Party of Canada" <jenni.byrne@conservative.ca>
To:  Rick Orser
Sent: Thursday, June 6, 2013 9:14:45 AM
Subject: Keep heroin out of our backyards

Conservative Party of Canada

Rick,

Do you want a supervised drug consumption site in your community? These are facilities where drug addicts get to shoot up heroin and other illicit drugs.

I don't want one anywhere near my home.

Yet, as I write this, special interests are trying to open up these supervised drug consumption sites in cities and towns across Canada  over the objections of local residents and law enforcement.

We've had enough — that's why I am pleased the Harper government is acting to put the safety of our communities first.

Today, the Harper government introduced tough new rules that will give local law enforcement, municipal leaders, and local residents a voice before a permit is granted for a supervised drug consumption site.

The Trudeau Liberals and Mulcair NDP are against us. They want to repeat the experiment of Vancouver's Insite facility across the country  maybe even in your community.

Because of the tough rules the Harper government introduced today, your voice will now matter.

Add your name if you demand a say before a supervised drug consumption site is opened close to your family:

http://www.conservative.ca/?page_id=3190

Sincerely,

Jenni Byrne
National Campaign Manager, 2011
  


Fwd: Not Criminally Responsible

COPY of Reply to email from Conservative Party of Canada:

The Conservatives seem to be doing a good job on the Economic side of the equation, but are definitely lacking on the Social side...  Hopefully I can help them in this regard....
 

From: "RICK ORSER"
To: "Jenni Byrne, Conservative Party of Canada" <jenni.byrne@conservative.ca>
Sent: Tuesday, June 4, 2013 2:21:54 PM
Subject: Re: Not Criminally Responsible

Hi Jenni,

Resources need to be put into PREVENTION & REHABILITATION rather than wasting money on more prisons - in order to keep people from getting sick and engaging in crime (& creating victims) - in the first place.

See my Campaign to help solve this problemhttp://bcwellnesshub.ca/

TransLink, the Metro-Vancouver Mayors Council, and the BC Government are already familiar with my proposal.

Picking on those who are obviously sick is not the answer.... Victims should sue the Government for not doing enough to prevent these crimes....

Thanks,
Rick

From: "Jenni Byrne, Conservative Party of Canada" <jenni.byrne@conservative.ca>
To: Rick Orser
Sent: Wednesday, May 29, 2013 9:16:03 AM
Subject: Not Criminally Responsible

Conservative Party of Canada

Rick,

You probably remember the story of Vince Li – a man who, five years ago, beheaded and cannibalized a fellow passenger on a Greyhound bus.

He was found to be not criminally responsible for his actions – and was even granted escorted leave from prison.

This is an insult to his victim – and this is not what Canadians expect from their justice system.

That's why we introduced the Not Criminally Responsible Reform Act – which will protect the public from high risk offenders and put victims first when decisions are made about people found not criminally responsible.

Yesterday, the legislation passed second reading – but incredibly, the Liberals have decided to oppose our bill.

Justin Trudeau's willingness to put the interests of dangerous, high-risk individuals ahead of public safety is yet more evidence that he is in over his head.

The Conservatives are working hard to keep our streets and communities safe – and standing up for victims.

Will you stand with us? Add your name here:

http://Conservative.ca/NCR

Sincerely,

Jenni Byrne
National Campaign Manager, 2011



Sunday, February 24, 2013

Solution for TransLinks Funding Problem - and creating a heaven on earth

Mr. Richard Walton, Chair, 
TransLink Mayors Council
North Vancouver, BC Canada

Dear Mr. Walton,

Hasn't it been interesting to see just how much TransLink has been able to save when they wanted to ?  Sort of like turning lemons into lemonade... Allow me to comment on where I think TransLink should go from here, starting by responding to the recent updated revenue generating proposals that you and the Mayors Council have presented to TransLink and the BC Government.

REGIONAL PROVINCIAL SALES TAX (R-PST)
NO - this is a non-starter, there is no correlation between the PST and road use and taxpayers feel like they are being over-taxed already.

REGIONAL CARBON-TAX
NO - there are still a lot of questions regarding how well this tax is working at the Provincial Level and how fair it is.... Besides, TransLink is already benefiting from subsidies for hydrogen and natural gas powered buses for example, and I do not see what else TransLink can do to reduce its carbon footprint from what it has already been doing - and should be doing.

LAND VALUE CAPTURE
YES - this is good to do for the long-term as long as TransLink is not forced to sell off its land in order to pay for short-term obligations.

REGIONAL ROAD PRICING
YES - this is the most equitable solution, as it is only fair that those who use the roads should pay for the roads. The sooner this can be implemented the better in order to finally solve TransLinks funding problems for the long-term.

REGIONAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION FEE
YES - although this option has already been tried and soundly rejected three times, I believe it is still viable as it at least correlates with road-use.  It is simply a question of compromise and creating value and fairness.  I agree with the BC Liberals that whatever options are recommended need to be acceptable to the majority of taxpayers (voters).  Especially in an election year.... The NDP is in a similar predicament... Mayors (& Councillors) would also be wise to keep voter sentiment in mind as well... especially if the Provincial Government decides to "wash its hands" of TransLink Funding and allows the Mayors (& Councillors) to decide...

Taxpayers are tired of TransLink trying to shove more taxes and fees down their throats without getting any perceived benefit in return. TransLink needs to show taxpayers, the majority of whom drive and rarely use public transit anyway, that whatever additional taxes or fees it recommends are going to deliver - real value - to them.  Of course TransLink looks after the roads as well as Public Transit, but the public does not seem to understand or appreciate this... especially when it comes to fixing pot-holes for example, which is the City's responsibility... More education needs to be done by TransLink in this regard in terms of what it does for roads.

Value-Proposition -
Problem - Too many cars on clogged streets (rated some of the most congested in North America) and half empty buses.
Solution - Get more drivers to take public transit instead of driving (at least for some trips).

The way to do this would be to create an incentive for drivers to take public transit by giving them free transit.  Why burn gas and get frustrated in traffic when you can just take the bus ?

One way to do this would be to give drivers 50% of the value of a Regional Vehicle Registration Fee back to them in the form of a credit on a SmartCard they register for.   When drivers pay their Regional Vehicle Registration Fee they could be given a coupon code to use when registering for a SmartCard.  This credit would last for one year giving them an incentive to use it or lose it.

Additional incentives (to get drivers out of their cars and reduce road congestion) could be a lottery that would fully reimburse drivers for a full year of their vehicle insurance.  The lottery would work through the use of their SmartCard, every time a driver used their SmartCard they would randomly have a chance to win.

Ideally, the lottery option would work in the second year of the Regional Vehicle Registration Fee and use any unused funds that were not used by drivers to take transit in the first year. The lottery winnings could also be applied as a credit to a drivers SmardCard but have no expiry date.

Other options are also possible... as long as they reward drivers for taking transit... and reducing road congestion...

TRANSLINK WELLNESS-HUB
YES - Scientifically-Proven, Incentive-Based, SmartCard-Enabled.

Value-Proposition -
Problem - Too many people developing health problems due mainly to a lack of exercise.
Solution - Develop incentives that will encourage people to exercise more. Taking transit solves many problems at the same time. 
It requires people to exercise (by walking to the bus stop for example), as well as enables them to travel without the stress of driving, burning gas or causing air pollution.

Activities that improve health can be scientifically-proven to save dollars, healthcare-dollars... by avoiding the need to spend on treating bad health... Studies have shown that for every dollar spent on wellness, many dollars are saved in the form of improved health and reduced healthcare costs...

Revenue can be generated for TransLink by paying TransLink for helping to improve peoples health and reducing health-care costs. Stress induced mental illness for example, can also lead to crime. Reducing stress and mental illness can help reduce crime and crime-care costs.

See my proposal and campaign which I have been talking to TransLink and the BC Government about since 2009. http://bcwellnesshub.ca/

Upfront costs for a TransLink Wellness-Hub Pilot Project to try this out could come from three sources who would have the know-how, commitment and enthusiasm to make it work:
1) Non-Profit Organizations - particularly ones involved in health issues.
2) Businesses - particularly ones who provide health and wellness products and services.
3) Transit Users - who would like to participate in a Wellness Program and help get this going.
Revenue for TransLink would come from the BC Government, but with a benefit to taxpayers in that government would only pay for results based on scientifically-proven healthcare cost savings.

But no-one is going to commit unless they know TransLink is interested, which has so far not been the case....

PARKS, RECREATION & FITNESS
In the name of Wellness, Community Centres need to be upgraded and enhanced, not cut-back on or enduring cash grabs.
 - A TransLink Wellness-Hub could play a role in helping to enhance community centres, and be rewarded for doing so...

CRIME & VICE-INDUSTRIES
I am in agreement with the growing movement supporting evidence-based (http://evidencenetwork.ca/) sensible-solutions (http://sensiblebc.ca/) in dealing with the "vice" industries and other social ills.
 - A TransLink Wellness-Hub could play an important role in helping to mitigate the harmful effects of "Vice" and the crime that accompanies it, and be rewarded for doing so...

FARE-GATES
Historically, TransLink has not been in favour of Fare-Gates because the cost of fare-gates could not be justified based on the low fare-evasion rates (typically under 5%) which Skytrain has experienced since it was built in 1986. The fact is that most Skytrain users are also bus users and fares are already checked on the buses by bus drivers.

The Skytrain users that do not pay fares are typically poor people (including drug addicts, mentally ill, criminals, etc.) who, in many cases do not even pay when they get on a bus (with the bus driver sitting right there) either... Do you honestly believe that  flimsy (limp-biscuit) mechanical fare-gates are going to change this ?

Keep in mind also that many poor people collect welfare but don't have enough for transit, so taxpayers are essentially paying them to conduct fare-evasion. These fare-evading poor people are also "chased-around" by highly-paid Transit Police who waste time writing tickets that will never be paid.

Once fare-paying Skytrain users see that the fare-gates are not working, ie: not doing as advertised in terms of stopping fare-evaders.... they are not going to be happy... As a matter of fact they might even compare the fare-gates to the Fast-Ferry Fiasco... and we all know how that turned out...

A better option would be to REWARD Fare-Paying travelers by giving them a chance to WIN something every time they use their Smart-Card, thus not only encouraging people to use a Smart-Card but also encouraging them to use Public-Transit and reduce Road-Congestion.

A TransLink Wellness-Hub would not only help alleviate dissatisfaction with fare-gates, but ultimately (through wellness) be able to help the poor - as well - and be able to "fix" fare-evasion for good... once an for all....

HISTORY - FUTURE
Early in my discussions with TransLink regarding the Wellness-Hub, I received an email reply from Gordon Campbell in his position as Premier who appreciated my idea but did not seem to think it was doable.... as well as former Premier Glen Clark in his position with the Jim Pattison Group who appreciated me thinking of him and did not think my idea was not doable but unfortunately did not have time to help out.

In fairness to the BC Liberals, the NDP under Glen Clark were also in favour of Fare-Gates... but like the BC Liberals more for reasons of Political Perception rather than for (workable) Scientific Facts.

I am not giving up on the BC Liberals in terms of them doing something in this area and the more Ministers I hear from the more they seem to be coming around to understanding what I am talking about and maybe wanting to do something....

I have not traditionally been a supporter of the NDP as I do not like "boondoggles" or government debt... but if the NDP is elected in May it will at least be an opportunity for them to change their ways... 

TECHNICAL SOLUTION TO A SOCIAL PROBLEM - and creating a "heaven on earth"
Fans of Start Trek understand and appreciate the amazing things that are (and might be) possible with technology, but they also understand that it is ultimately the social dynamic that often makes such things possible.

Is it possible to create a "Heaven on Earth" ?   We will never know if we don't try.
 - Consider the TransLink Wellness-Hub an opportunity to - try....
 - Its not every day one gets the chance to create a - heaven on earth - consider this your opportunity...

To the Journey !

Thank-you, sincerely,
Rick
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Rick Orser, Vancouver
E: rick.orser@bcwellnesshub.ca
P: 604-325-0725