Earlier this year, Township council approved giving $2,500 to help the Aldergrove Trolley Association set up a business plan as it embarked on bringing a unique and much-needed transportation service to the town.
Run by the ATA, a non-profit corporation, a trolley bus would provide commuters, shoppers and workers, with links to areas where service is scant or non-existant. Stops would include Gloucester Estates, Greater Vancouver Zoo, Pioneer Park on 0 Avenue, home to 450 residents, and the town’s two main shopping areas.
However, the trolley bus engine is still idle, stalled by a difference of opinion regarding terms of reference, leaving the business plan still up in the air.
Council voted on Monday to refer the issue to staff for an update from the ATA on the status of the business case analysis.
Not for the first time, council expressed annoyance at TransLink which is dragging its feet on a market research plan that would gauge potential ridership.
The Township has frequently voiced concern over the lack of service to Aldergrove, including the large employment centre of Gloucester Estates.
“The report from TransLink is long overdue,” said Councillor Bob Long.
Council agreed with his motion that calls on staff to contact the transportation authority about the ridership study.