Episode 17: The View from North Vancouver, BC

On the North Shore, Ma convened a first-ever, cross-jurisdictional group to assess mobility needs and create a vision for transportation, now and in the future (see INSTPP below).  She’s also been involved with regional policy making for Transportation Network Services (Uber & Lyft currently do not operate in B.C.) and with the regional climate plan.

Ma talks about transportation, congestion, and mobility on the North Shore, where some communities are very transit-oriented and others more car-dependent. Over the last two years, she says, “the conversation has shifted from ‘we need a third bridge for vehicles or cars’ to ‘we need more public transit.’” She speaks of the political courage required to prioritize active transportation and public transit – even in Metro Vancouver. And she shares why it’s important to make politics more engaging, including via social media (look for her on Twitter @BowinnMa).

“I’m a huge proponent of making politics accessible to everybody because even if you feel like you’re not into politics, believe me politics is into you. It impacts your daily life regardless of whether or not you’re paying attention.” – Bowinn Ma