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“We need more fleet, we need more capacity in the system to meet these demands,” Desmond said.

The new cars will be paid for by money committed by the federal and provincial governments and TransLink under Phase 1 of the 10-Year Vision for Metro Vancouver Transit and Transportation. The total cost of the first phase of the plan is $2 billion, with $370 million coming from the federal government and $246 million from the province for capital costs. The agreement transferring those funds to TransLink was signed on Friday. TransLink is contributing $1.3 billion in capital and operational funding.

Regional funding will come from a number of places, including a property tax increase of about $3 per household per year, and a fare increase of five to 10 cents on a single fare and $1 to $3 on a monthly pass.

The Phase 1 plan was approved last month by TransLink’s board of directors and mayors’ council and will increase bus service by 10 per cent, HandyDART service by 15 per cent and rail service by 20 per cent.

New Westminster Mayor Jonathan X. Coté, who appeared on behalf of the mayors’ council, said federal and provincial funding commitments made Phase 1 possible, and will be critical to making Phase 2 — which includes constructing the Broadway subway and Surrey light rail line, and replacing the Pattullo Bridge — a reality.

“This is an important first step in moving our region forward with transportation, but there are many more investments that need to occur, so I’m looking forward to the upcoming year and hopefully future announcements,” Coté said.

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