The United Way of the Lower Mainland endorsed a Yes vote in Metro Vancouver's transit tax referendum, saying improved transit would offer an important lifeline to the growing numbers of socially isolated seniors.
"We feel that the half-percent tax increase is a fair and equitable way to help people living in the Lower Mainland, in particular, lower-income working families and seniors," president Michael McKnight said.
Metro's seniors population is expected to more than double by 2036 and McKnight said many will face serious mobility barriers and isolation.
He also noted low income working families increasingly must live further from their jobs and commute long distances, sometimes reliant on transit to get to multiple jobs or night shifts.
The plan promises a 25 per cent lift in bus service, an 80 per cent jump in night bus service and 30 per cent more HandyDart service.