Councillor Peggy Feltmate said the price tag of over $900 million for north/south light rail and the increase in commuting time for people using transit to get downtown means the project should not go ahead as planned.

"When spending $900 million on light rail means most people using transit to get downtown will have longer commutes, the plans need to be changed or rejected," Feltmate said.

Based on figures for train travel times from the Request for Proposal and OC Transpo estimates, after light rail is built the time it takes to travel from Lebreton Flats to the Rideau Centre will be one third longer than it is today.

"Light rail was supposed to help deal with congestion downtown. If commuting times are increasing, it is a sign there is something seriously wrong with the proposal," Feltmate said.

Including the cost of the maintenance yard, the Project Management Office and the extension to Barrhaven, the light rail project will cost $911.7 million. This is almost $200 million more than what was approved in the 2006 capital budget.

Feltmate indicated her first preference was to delay a decision until after the municipal election. If that is not possible, she will be opposing the proposal.

“Delaying the decision will provide a chance to look for ways to control costs and ensure light rail improves our transit system. The only realistic alternative is rejecting the proposal,” Feltmate said.

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Information: Peggy Feltmate
613-580-2474

Problems with North/South Light Rail

Light Rail Update – After the Vote, July 12/06

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