Traffic gridlock and road pricing panel discussion tonight in Surrey

Road pricing, improving transit and tolling bridges are expected to be hot topics at tonight's panel discussion on Metro Vancouver's problem with traffic gridlock.

Representatives from Surrey city council, the business community, youths and planning experts will all take part in the forum that gets underway at 7 p.m. PTat the SFU Surrey campus.

Councillor Bruce Hayne says he's interested in hearing more about a road pricing system that could be used to raise money for new transit and infrastructure projects.

"We're going to have to do this equitably because it can't all be on the backs of people who live south of the Fraser," Hayne said.

"The way we're sitting right now, we have no funding model for infrastructure and more and more people are coming to the region, so it's just going to become more congested."

Is Tolling Fair?

Earlier this week, a report from Canada's Ecofiscal Commission recommended implementing tolls on all major bridges in Metro Vancouver.

Tolls would be more expensive during rush hour and the cost would be reduced during non-peak driving periods.

The Golden Ears Bridge and Port Mann Bridge are the only two crossings in the region that are currently tolled.

Surrey Board of Trade President and CEO Anita Huberman says she would like to see a more balanced road pricing system so that everyone is paying their fair share.

"The whole tolling conversation needs to be explored," she said..

"What the model is and what the technology is needs more research, but it definitely needs to be across the entire Metro Vancouver region.

Better Transit Needed

Transportation planner Eric Doherty says he isn't against tolls, but they can putdrivers in a financial squeeze.

He says if all bridges are tolled, commuters will need a cheap alternative to driving.

"I think that anything that is done with increasing the cost of driving should really be combined with a significant reduction in the cost of public transit," Doherty said.

"That shows that we're taking some steps to make this a region that people can actually still afford to live in."