While the Agreement represents a significant step forward its intent is in some instances unclear. Defining the purposes of the GVTA in legislation helps ensure that the GVTA remains true to its purposes. The region's air quality objectives should be defined as including not only the GVRD's current aggregate emission reduction goal but also future goals which set reduction targets for specific pollutants. It should also include regional goals for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions or provincial and national goals for reductions in greenhouse gases from the transportation sector. Including references to greenhouse gases is particularly important due to the fact that regulatory initiatives have failed to curb greenhouse gas emissions per kilometre travelled by car.
Transit is one of the keys to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The GVTA should be given the authority to toll on a system basis. It does not define vehicle charges, project tolls or Authority facilities. Implementing legislation should allow tolls or vehicle charges dedicated to the regional transportation system. Tolling should not be restricted to tolls on major transportation infrastructure improvements. Given the public's support for the user pay concept, system tolling would appear to be more politically acceptable than funding transportation services through property taxes.