Funding challenges of long-term transit planning

In addition to challenges related to annual funding and decision-making, the funding aspect of long-term transit planning can also be difficult. For instance, government budget commitments are made on 12 month cycles, yet it takes approximately 18 months from ordering to receiving a new bus, thereby running costs through multiple financial years. Given the limited production capacity for transit vehicles in North America, if many other transit agencies pursue similar goals of significantly increasing transit ridership, the lag time for acquiring the vehicles and other facilities could grow. BC Transit is working with its partners to develop processes to address some of the challenges related to long-term transit planning.

To consider: What long-term funding commitments are required to facilitate effective and efficient long-term planning?

To consider: What is the capacity of the transit supply industry to produce additional buses or respond to demand for different types of buses to meet transit expansion plans?