Translink’s Leaked Documents a Tactic

Translink leaked documents | BCBusiness
Translink’s leaked wishlist may be a ploy to “grudgingly” pull back to what they actually want.

It appears that Translink’s ridiculous wishlist for revenue creation is in fact a negotiating tactic. Too bad a lot of people become frightened in the process.

I really have to wonder if Translink’s leaked list of revenue-generating tactics is a feint with a larger quarry in mind. I mean, it’s almost absurd in its sweeping reach into every pocket in the region.

In its efforts to create ever-more needed revenue, the list touches anything even remotely attached to roads and transportation; transit, roads, bridges, tunnels, registration, you name it – they would see new taxes or fees under the Translink plan.

It appears that the only thing that wouldn’t be taxed will be the rage that most commuters – especially drivers east and south of the central core – will display if these revenue generators are actually imposed.

These drivers seem to be especially hard hit by the plan, which seems par for the course. First we drive them ever farther out of the city and close suburbs with high housing prices, then we tax them for having to drive back in to their jobs.

Even if you’re an avid public transit proponent, as I am, you can’t help but feel for them. Shafted again.

But we do have to remember that this list is in fact a wish list, which is probably purposely loaded with unpalatable options.

Transit authorities are no stupes – they run a billion dollar organization and have backgrounds in big business, public utilities and government. So they probably know a thing or two about playing politics.

This sounds to me like a classic negotiating technique – scare the bejesus out of everybody with absurd requests, then “grudgingly” retreat back to what you really hope to get.