Assignment 2.1 Formal Report Proposal

To: Dr. Erika Paterson, ENGL 301 99A Instructor

From: Barton Lui, ENGL 301 99A Student

Date: October 14th, 2020

Subject: Can Vancouverites rely on a sustainable transportation method

Introduction

In recent years, the population in Metro Vancouver has been increasing by #s every year, and this increase in urbanization is followed by an increase in pollution. Pollutants, such as nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide are responsible for many adverse health affects and disease. For example, every year, there is a premature death of # thousands in Canada due to pollution.

A major factor for these pollutant emissions is from gasoline and diesel transportation such as passenger cars. In 2017, the number of passenger drivers reduces and the number of transit users have increased. However, about 55% of the Vancouver population still use gasoline cars on the daily basis. If this continues, Metro Vancouver may not meet their 2040 goal of lowering pollutants, and not making changes to the current regulations may discourage Vancouverites from switching to sustainable methods.

Pollutants are responsible for thousands of in Canada each year, and deaths and illness due to air pollution cost Canada $36 billion in 2015, according to a 2017 study from the International Institute for Sustainable Development. There is a need to investigate how should the province address the problem. This report investigates how Vancouverites are getting to places and how the authorities can address the problem.

Statement of Problem

Pollutants such as nitrogen oxide are mainly emitted from gasoline transportation methods, such as engine cars. To decrease the level of pollutant emission, Vancouver authorities need to understand why the majority of the Vancouver population has not yet switched to sustainable transportation methods.

Proposed Solution

Local governments and TransLink should partner up to invest in infrastructure that will make the public transit system more desirable to use. Examples include building bike storage areas near stations and make it easier for cyclists to take the Skytrain by adding more designated space.

Scope

In order to find out how why some people have not switched to environmentally friendlier transportation method, I propose to investigate the following problems.

1. Is financial status playing a role in deciding what kind of methods they use?
2. How supportive are the government’s rebate programs for purchasing an EV?
3. what is the current policy in regards to promoting the use of EV and is it sufficient?
4. Are roads safe for cyclists? is there a need for more bike lanes?
5. Will imposing a carbon tax on consumers affect their opinion?

Methods

I will collect primary data sources through distributing an online survey to my family, friends and the online community. I will also try to contact City’s officials, community planners, TransLink managers for insights about making effort to switch residents’ behaviour.

As for secondary data, I will conduct research on Statistics Canada and the government Official Community Plan (OCP)

Conclusion

Clearly, the pollution problem will persist or even worsen if actions were not taken by the government and TransLink. By addressing the areas mentioned earlier, I can determine what is the reason people are slow to adapt EV or switch to more eco-friendly transportation method and present the findings and recommendations to the Mayor.