VANCOUVER, B.C. — Trucking companies hoping that a fuel tax increase to help bail out TransLink will be quashed, aren’t getting much help from the public.

In a recent survey, 68 per cent of Lower Mainland residents say they’d gladly pay more taxes to help TransLink, rather than accept lesser services. The increased taxes are aimed at recovering from a $40-50 million shortfall, which TransLink blames, in part, on the previous government’s refusal to implement a vehicle levy.

But while 68 per cent will support a tax increase to help TransLink get back on track, only 42 per cent support a fuel tax increase, which could amount to as much as two cents per litre. The survey also indicates that 23 per cent of the respondents feel building more bridges in B.C. will help improve transportation.

Meanwhile, in West Vancouver, councillors have voted to reject both of TransLinks two options — the first being a reduction in services and no spending on road maintenance, while the second involves the fuel tax increase and other cost hikes.

Coun. John Clark tells local media, “I think that TransLink efficiencies is an oxymoron equivalent to jumbo shrimp. I think we are entitled to clean air and water, but I don’t know that we are entitled to a bus on every corner. I think TransLink is trying to behave like a limousine service. And I think they should demand chairman George Puil’s resignation.”