Vancouverites asked to pay more to fund transit

Vancouver residents are to be asked whether they will pay a 0.5 per cent sales tax to pay for improved transit in the city.

Vancouver residents are to be asked whether they will pay a 0.5 per cent sales tax to pay for improved transit in the city. The Metro Vancouver mayors’ council will launch a major information campaign in a bid to persuade voters that increasing sales tax to 7.5 per cent would bring benefits including more buses, a new light railway and a subway. Regional mayors have voted 18-3 in favour of the new tax which is considered a fairer and lower-cost option compared to a vehicle levy or carbon tax and would cost the average homeowner $125 a year.