NEWS RELEASE Get Moving BC Grassroots Organization Get Moving BC Founded to Deepen Discussion on Transportation Crisis PORT COQUITLAM, BC – April 24, 2006 - A non-profit, grassroots organization dedicated to enriching and elevating public discussion surrounding the greater Vancouver’s current transportation crisis, Get Moving BC wants to inject some critical thinking into the public debate on transportation. Founded one month ago today, Get Moving BC believes the best solution to the transportation system crisis is a balanced one – and requires a respect for the importance all stakeholders play in the discussion and decisions taken by transportation authorities. The organization plans to conduct research, create opportunities for informed discussion, and contribute valuable input to government and business authorities responsible for transportation initiatives that promise to effectively improve the movement of people and goods around the greater Vancouver region. Get Moving BC’s Board of Directors, composed of representatives from the greater Vancouver area, will collectively promote broader understanding of all issues involved in transportation planning and management, and work to advance the transportation initiatives it feels will succeed in achieving social, economic and environmental balance. “Effectively planning and managing the growth or our transportation system is complex. While 82% of GVRD residents site traffic as a major problem, most of their concerns focus on traffic congestion issues that directly impact their daily lives,” said Greg Moore, Chairperson for Get Moving BC, “but an effective transportation solution requires a vision of how our region should look in 25-30 years economically and environmentally. It requires long-range thinking, the cooperation of multiple transportation and land use authorities, and compromise – not just a wish list of new buses, bridges and shopping malls.” Moore continued, “No one is debating that bridges and highways in the greater Vancouver are being used well beyond their designed capacities or that our transportation system requires addressing in order to meet the needs of a growing population and economy. That is understood”. “What is not understood is how all of BC’s official transportation bodies – BC Ministry of Transportation, TransLink, GVRD and local municipalities - are presently working together to complete a comprehensive transportation network plan which reduces congestion and improves transportation choices. We need investment in transit and roads to keep our economy vibrant and our region livable – and we need to invest in the most sustainable way possible”. Get Moving BC plans to hold government accountable for the delivery of a balanced transportation system – one that effectively addresses relevant concerns and encourages citizens to get informed and involved in the issues. Lillian Klassen, Director, Get Moving BC said, “Solving transportation problems requires informed thinking, effective dialogue and carefully considered compromise. Our transportation system is in crisis – and I am pleased Get Moving BC is committed to deepening the discussion and encouraging stakeholders to educate themselves more on the issues, ask questions and call for solutions that will demonstrate a balance of social, environmental and economic values.” To get more informed and involved with Get Moving BC, please visit the website: www.getmovingbc.com - 30 - Media Contact:
Greg Moore, Chairperson, Get Moving BC
Phone: 604-944-4555
Email: gmoore@getmovingbc.com News Release: http://www.getmovingbc.com/News_Release/news_release_april_25_2005.htm Backgrounder: http://www.getmovingbc.com/BackGrounder.htm Fact Sheet: http://www.getmovingbc.com/Fact_Sheet.htm About GetMovingBC: http://www.getmovingbc.com/About.htm | 
