Post by Jari on Nov 19, 2004 14:13:03 GMT -5
LRT is the way to go. It doesnt matter how long it takes to get built just as long as its done right.
Fri, November 19, 2004
Katz to check out Ottawa LRT system
Very popular with capital commuters
By ROSS ROMANIUK, CITY HALL REPORTER
Don't be quick to assume Winnipeg's rapid transit prospects are off the rails. Mayor Sam Katz will ride the rails through Ottawa today to see whether that city's system would work in Winnipeg.
Katz will join Ottawa Mayor Bob Chiarelli for the spin on a three-year-old Light Rail Transit (LRT) system that has attracted large numbers of commuters.
"I think this will be a valuable experience just to see the impact and talk to people who use it, as well as talk to the people running it and get feedback from them as well," Katz told The Sun after arriving in Ottawa to check out both its rapid transit options -- LRT and the kind of Bus Rapid Transit system that Winnipeg recently shelved.
"It's a good opportunity to do a fact-finding mission."
OC Transpo, Ottawa's transit agency, is finding its LRT and BRT systems hugely successful in attracting riders.
When its LRT project started in October 2001, it was predicted that about 6,400 passengers would ride each day. By last year, ridership reached about 8,000 on peak days -- and this past September saw a day in which 9,608 passengers climbed aboard.
Last May, the city and Ontario government revealed a plan for a $600-million expansion to take it into more districts.
The expansion -- planned as a cost-sharing among the three levels of government -- was expected to become the largest infrastructure investment in that city's history.
'MONEY FLOWS"
Katz likes the potential of LRT, but adds it may not be possible in Winnipeg.
"Keep in mind that Winnipeg is not Ottawa," he said. "And we know how money flows to Ottawa that doesn't happen with other cities."
Katz plans to check out Minneapolis's Hiawatha LRT line in January.
A rapid transit task force, headed by Coun. Russ Wyatt (Transcona), will recommend a direction for Winnipeg by next summer.
Fri, November 19, 2004
Katz to check out Ottawa LRT system
Very popular with capital commuters
By ROSS ROMANIUK, CITY HALL REPORTER
Don't be quick to assume Winnipeg's rapid transit prospects are off the rails. Mayor Sam Katz will ride the rails through Ottawa today to see whether that city's system would work in Winnipeg.
Katz will join Ottawa Mayor Bob Chiarelli for the spin on a three-year-old Light Rail Transit (LRT) system that has attracted large numbers of commuters.
"I think this will be a valuable experience just to see the impact and talk to people who use it, as well as talk to the people running it and get feedback from them as well," Katz told The Sun after arriving in Ottawa to check out both its rapid transit options -- LRT and the kind of Bus Rapid Transit system that Winnipeg recently shelved.
"It's a good opportunity to do a fact-finding mission."
OC Transpo, Ottawa's transit agency, is finding its LRT and BRT systems hugely successful in attracting riders.
When its LRT project started in October 2001, it was predicted that about 6,400 passengers would ride each day. By last year, ridership reached about 8,000 on peak days -- and this past September saw a day in which 9,608 passengers climbed aboard.
Last May, the city and Ontario government revealed a plan for a $600-million expansion to take it into more districts.
The expansion -- planned as a cost-sharing among the three levels of government -- was expected to become the largest infrastructure investment in that city's history.
'MONEY FLOWS"
Katz likes the potential of LRT, but adds it may not be possible in Winnipeg.
"Keep in mind that Winnipeg is not Ottawa," he said. "And we know how money flows to Ottawa that doesn't happen with other cities."
Katz plans to check out Minneapolis's Hiawatha LRT line in January.
A rapid transit task force, headed by Coun. Russ Wyatt (Transcona), will recommend a direction for Winnipeg by next summer.