Regional Transportation Service 

The Capital Regional District (CRD) Board is moving forward with electoral approval for a bylaw to establish a Regional Transportation Service (RTS). Creating this service will align transportation with growth planning and advance the CRD's priority of supporting residents’ access to convenient, green and affordable multi-modal transportation systems.

The goal of creating a RTS is to create more tools to advance regional connectivity and integrated mobility. CRD's existing transportation functions are focused on a coordinating and monitoring role, limited to planning, data collection and analysis, and policy support. This work is done collaboratively working with local governments, the Province and partner agencies.

A new transportation service would consolidate existing CRD transportation functions, with additional scope to develop new programs  that the CRD can deliver without requiring provincial legislative change. The draft RTS establishment bylaw has been written with a broad scope to allow for policy, plans, administration, programming, projects, and studies to be developed.

The first priority will be updating the 2014 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) to refine the region's vision and goals for integrated long-term planning. This update will involve collaboration across the region to ensure a comprehensive approach to regional transportation needs. Additionally, the RTS will introduce new funding opportunities for regionally significant priorities.

Elector approval must be obtained in order to advance the Regional Transportation Service. The regional alternative approval process is expected to begin in Q1 2025 and complete in Q2 2025.

Transportation Planning

Transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the region, and road congestion negatively impacts the economy and quality of life. Given the inter-municipal nature of transportation in the CRD, addressing the complex, multi-modal needs of a growing and changing population requires a coordinated approach.

Trends in land use, travel behavior, and population growth are increasing pressure on the transportation system. Expanding road networks is limited by the built and natural environment, necessitating a shift from single-occupancy vehicle travel. The CRD’s geography, weather, and land use are well-suited for active transportation and transit. Although the region has historically had high transit and active transportation usage compared to other Canadian cities, these rates have stagnated. The CRD continues to invest in transit and active transportation to make sustainable options more accessible.

The Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) sets out the Regional Multi-modal Network and provides policy direction and actions. The CRD identified 12 regional priorities to further support implementation.

The CRD Board has set expectations for regional transportation improvements by unanimously approving regional transportation priorities. CRD staff working with local governments, partner agencies, and the Transportation Working Group have provided recommendations to the CRD Transportation Committee and CRD Board on achieving these priorities within the existing governance framework. The CRD Board has instructed staff to explore and expedite the evaluation of options for changes to governance.

Data

The CRD delivers an extensive transportation data collection and analysis program that provides essential information to inform transportation decision making for local governments, provincial agencies, businesses and the general public. Transportation related data work includes: