North Shore shortchanged in plan

West Vancouver - Dear Editor: We read and listen to your columnist Keith Baldrey on a regular basis. Also, my husband and I read the North Shore News regularly, including editorials and letters to the editor.We moved to the North Shore of Vancouver from Edmonton in 2007.The traffic has increased a great deal since that time.Many of us are voting No in the transit referendum, not because of the 0.5 per cent sales tax increase, but because of how it will be used.We understand why those living in Surrey and other outlying areas, as well as those people going to UBC want to improve their transportation.Our concern, however, is that not only do we not trust TransLink as it is managed now, but of more concern is that other than increasing the travel of the SeaBus, nothing is planned to improve traffic on the North Shore.It is time all the mayors, as well as civic and provincial governments, realize that the North Shore is part of (the Metro Vancouver region) and needs to have our traffic and transit improved.A new bridge was built to replace the Port Mann bridge, the Pattullo Bridge will beimproved, the Golden Ears Bridge was also built to accommodate residents in outlying areas.We on the North Shore, especially those using the Lions Gate Bridge, need another bridge or the "twinning" of the Lions Gate Bridge to help move traffic onto and off the North Shore.Many residents from Metro Vancouver as well as tourists, use the Lions Gate Bridge daily, yet other than repairs to this bridge, nothing is planned to alleviate this situation.The major intersection of Taylor Way andMarine Drive is a "symphony of horns" several times a day seven days a week, due to those trying to get onto this bridge.It is with the above concerns in mind, that many people will vote No for the tax increase until we see our traffic problem dealt with in a fair manner.Thank you for allowing others to send their opinions to you.Dianne JampolskyWest Vancouver