Langley City wants TransLink and BC Hydro on board

A presentation by the BC Transit Police may not have had the desired outcome on Langley City council.

Chief Neil Dubord outlined how the transit police allocates resources and tries to prevent crime, as his 167 officers cover a huge territory with 22 municipalities and jurisdictions. 

His presentation included videos of serious crimes on the Skytrain system.

The transit police dealt with 16,370 files in 2013. About 28 per cent of the calls are on the regional bus system, the rest related to Skytrain.

“You scared me off taking transit,” said City Councillor Dave Hall. “I need to have some idea that things are getting better to get me out of my car.”

A TransLink study found that 92 per cent of users were satisfied with the system and felt safe, Dubord noted.

His presentation included the recent work done with Langley City over the Logan Avenue bus loop, a problem area.

The City contacted TransLink in November which did a study of the area and has made various recommendations, such as eliminating graffiti and improved lighting.

One way to reduce graffiti is to wrap street fixtures with colourful plastic covers.

Coun. Gayle Martin noted that TransLink has said it would not wrap its fixtures unless it had a source of revenue.

Dubord said TransLink is willing to partner with the City to get some of the recommendations done.

Martin said partnering seems to mean the City pays for it.

“We can’t keep putting money into things like this,” she said, adding “after all it’s your buses that are using it there.”

During Monday’s council meeting, the City looked at spending $11,500 on the recommendations. About $10,000 of that would be for brighter lighting.

The City had previously improved lighting after a man was beaten with a skateboard a few years ago.

In the end, councillors decided to spend $1,500 to wrap its fixtures and tackle graffiti on City property. BC Hydro has fixtures in the area and said it would not tackle graffiti on them.

Martin said these other partners – TransLink and BC Hydro – need to take responsibility for their property and maintaining it.

“The bottom line is the City still has a responsibility because it’s in our community,” said Coun. Teri James.