Road pricing is the best way to pay for transit.

That's according to an international panel of transportation experts speaking to Metro Vancouver mayors.

The panel says the funding shortfall translink faces is not unique to our region.

It is a worldwide problem and sustainable, long term funding is what is needed.

The best and most equitable option they feel is road pricing, something Langley city mayor Peter Fassbender supports.

"......and so we're not just tolling bridges, we're looking at pricing throughout the region. User pay."

They say tolling certain infrastructure is unfair and relying on the gas tax to fund transit isn't sustainable either, with more fuel efficient vehicles on the road.

Upping property taxes doesn't work either.

They say that only turns people away from taking transit.

While Metro Vancouver mayors hear international experts warn against a property tax hike to fund transit the business community doesn't agree.

BC Chamber of Commerce President John Winter says they and the Vancouver Board of Trade want mayors to approve the temporary property tax increase.

Winter says it would buy the time needed to hammer out a long term transit funding strategy.

"Taxation sources are many and varied there has been much discussion in recent years about what the proper sources might be, what the balance ought to be, who pays, who doesn't, the reality is the taxpayer is going to pay in one form or another so it is up to our elected politicians to figure out the best way that, that can possibly happen."

But he admits the two year property tax hike is really just a band aid solution.

"It is a stop gap formula for sure but it is important that it be followed through upon at this stage to buy the time to really delve into what the right formula might be."

Winter says any transit reduction would add to clogged roads and increase costs for businesses.

Meanwhile Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts says she is not in favour of raising property taxes to help pay for transit

"Property taxes, that is not a sustainable revenue source and there is no correlation to the transportation system so like I said you know you either want good public policy or you want to play politics."

Metro Vancouver mayors will resume meetings tomorrow as they search for a solution to transit funding woes.