There will be a special meeting of Delta council Tuesday evening (July 30) to discuss what one councillor describes as an "existential crisis" for local transit users.

Coun. Dylan Kruger called for the "emergency" meeting Monday under section 126 of the Community Charter after TransLink CEO Kevin Quinn and vice-president of planning and policy Sarah Ross that transit service in the region could be drastically slashed unless senior levels of government provide funding to meet current need and future growth.

As , TransLink is facing a $600-million annual shortfall as of 2026 and, because of that, is pursuing an ambitious $90 million-per-year plan to reduce costs.

Quinn said TransLink's current funding model is unsustainable, and to "avoid reaching the edge of our financial cliff" the remedy could include cutting bus service in half, with the cancelling of up to 145 bus routes in the region and all night bus services.

"There would be almost no transit services operating in Langley, White Rock, South Delta, Port Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows and much of the North Shore," Quinn warned. "It could look like reducing SkyTrain and SeaBus services by up to 30 per cent. West Coast Express could be eliminated completely. HandyDart service could be offering medical service only."

More than 900,000 people who rely on public transit each week would be impacted, he added, "with many having to find new ways to get around the region, drastically impacting congestion, hindering our ability to meet transit-oriented housing policies and preventing us from supporting this region's unprecedented growth."

In light of Quinn's presentation, Kruger is tabling a motion calling on city staff to develop a strategic plan to pressure the provincial government for the necessary funds to prevent these potential cuts, to prepare for co-ordinated advocacy efforts at September's annual Union of BC Municipalities conference to seek long-term and sustainable funding for TransLink, and to engage with residents and stakeholders to raise awareness and mobilize community support.

Kruger's motion further calls for the city to issue a public statement urging residents to participate in advocacy efforts and communicate the critical importance of maintaining public transit services in the region.

鈥淭his is an existential crisis for Delta and our entire region,鈥� Kruger said in a press release Monday morning. 鈥淚f these cuts are allowed to proceed, the impact on the daily lives of tens of thousands of residents will be devastating. Council must act urgently to demand better solutions from senior government.鈥�

Kruger said that if the proposed cuts proceed, Delta will lose almost every one of its major bus routes, including the 310, 314, 391, 601, 602, 603, 604, 606, 614, 618 and 640. He noted thousands of the city's residents rely on bus service for their daily needs, and that many have no other means of getting to work, attending school or medical appointments, or making their way to buy groceries.

鈥淎ccess to reliable public transportation is not just a convenience, it鈥檚 a lifeline," Kruger said. 鈥淓ntire livelihoods are at stake. It鈥檚 time to demonstrate strong leadership and take action to save public transportation in our community.鈥�

Kruger urged all Delta residents to voice their concerns and support the city鈥檚 efforts to secure the future of public transit in the region.

"We need to come together as a community and ensure our voices are heard. This is about protecting our city's connectivity and ensuring everyone has access to essential services now and into the future."

Tuesday's special council meeting gets underway at 5 p.m. at Delta City Hall, 4500 Clarence Taylor Crescent in Ladner.

鈥� with files from Tom Zytaruk